As global markets expand and corporate regulations evolve, business law has become one of the most dynamic and vital areas of legal practice. From mergers and acquisitions to antitrust litigation and securities compliance, today’s business lawyers must combine technical legal expertise with a deep understanding of commerce and finance. For aspiring attorneys, choosing a law school with a strong business law foundation can make all the difference.

How the Rankings Were Determined

The preLaw team evaluated schools across seven critical categories that represent the breadth and quality of their business law offerings. Points were assigned according to the following weight system:

• Concentration (30%) – Schools with dedicated business law concentrations or tracks were recognized for providing a clear path for specialization.
• Clinic (24%) – Practical training remains essential. Schools offering transactional, entrepreneurship, or small business law clinics earned higher marks.
• Center (12%) – Dedicated business law or corporate governance centers contribute to research, policy work, and public engagement.
• Externship (12%) – Opportunities to gain real-world experience in corporate or regulatory settings were a key ranking factor.
• Journal (9%) – The presence of business or corporate law journals signals robust academic scholarship.
• Student Group (8%) – Active organizations focused on business or transactional law help students build networks and leadership experience.
• Certificate (5%) – Schools offering certificates in business law received credit for offering structured specialization programs.

Additional recognition was given to institutions that demonstrated innovation through unique offerings, specialized courses, or exceptional industry engagement.

  

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The 2025 A+ Law Schools in Business Law

Seventeen law schools earned the prestigious A+ grade for business law excellence. These programs deliver the highest standard of legal education, preparing students for success in competitive corporate environments.

A+ Schools (Alphabetical Order):

• Brooklyn Law School
• Cardozo School of Law
• Florida State University College of Law
• Fordham University School of Law
• George Washington University Law School
• Harvard Law School
• Lewis & Clark Law School
• The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
• Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
• Rutgers Law School
• SMU Dedman School of Law
• St. John’s University School of Law
• UC Berkeley School of Law
• UC Law San Francisco (UC Law SF)
• University of Mississippi School of Law
• USC Gould School of Law
• William & Mary Law School

Each of these institutions has built a distinctive program that equips students with both theoretical insight and practical know-how to excel in business law.

What Sets These Programs Apart

The standout feature of these schools is their commitment to experiential learning. Through externships, law clinics, and simulation-based courses, students gain real-world experience handling corporate transactions, compliance issues, and negotiations.

For example:

• Harvard Law School and UC Berkeley offer top-tier business law centers that foster research and policy innovation.
• Fordham Law and George Washington University leverage their locations in New York and Washington, D.C., providing students access to major financial institutions and regulatory agencies.
• Pepperdine Caruso and SMU Dedman connect students directly to growing industries in entertainment, technology, and energy.

In addition, many A+ schools host student-led business law associations, business law journals, and certification programs—giving students a competitive edge before graduation.

Why These Rankings Matter for Future Attorneys

Business law has never been more vital—or more competitive. Corporations, startups, and global firms are all seeking attorneys who understand the complexities of commerce, regulation, and global trade. Attending one of these top-ranked programs can open doors to opportunities in corporate law firms, financial institutions, consulting, and government agencies.

When choosing a law school, students should consider:

• The breadth of business law offerings, including specialized courses and concentrations.
• Availability of hands-on training through clinics or externships.
• The strength of alumni networks in corporate or financial law.
• Geographic advantages that connect the school to business hubs.

These elements not only enrich education but also shape future career trajectories.

The Future of Business Law Education

As industries become more digitally driven, future business lawyers will need fluency in technology, data privacy, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) regulation. Law schools are rapidly adapting their curricula to meet these emerging demands. The institutions listed in preLaw’s 2025 Honor Roll are already taking the lead—offering innovative coursework and strategic partnerships that keep students ahead of the curve.

Whether students plan to represent Fortune 500 companies, advise startups, or specialize in cross-border transactions, these programs offer the ideal foundation for long-term success in corporate law.

Launch Your Legal Career in Business Law

Choosing the right law school is the first step—but landing the right job is where your journey truly begins. If you’re serious about a career in business or corporate law, explore thousands of exclusive legal job listings on LawCrossing—the most comprehensive legal employment site in the nation.

LawCrossing connects law students and professionals with opportunities at top firms, in-house legal departments, and government agencies. Discover where your business law education can take you—and find your next step today.

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