How to Get Into Emory Law School (2024-2025)

Getting into Emory School of Law is a highly competitive process, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can maximize your chances of acceptance. Emory Law School offers a rigorous academic environment and is known for its focus on practical experience and legal theory, preparing students for successful careers in the legal profession.

Emory Law also provides diverse publishing opportunities, including the Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal, where students can engage in research, writing, and editing. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the application process, provide insights into Emory Law’s acceptance rate, academic programs, and key admissions requirements, and offer expert tips on how to stand out in your application.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Emory School of Law?

Emory School of Law is one of the top law schools in the country, with a selective admissions process. Emory’s commitment to academic excellence, hands-on learning, and producing future leaders in the legal field makes it a desirable school for aspiring lawyers. Emory Law students benefit from a robust career services program that connects them with potential employers and networking events, leveraging the location advantages in Atlanta to access various career paths, externships, and internships. However, competition is fierce.

Emory Law Acceptance Rate

Emory Law receives thousands of applications every year, and the acceptance rate typically ranges from 40.90%. Emory Law's selectivity in admissions ensures that the law school admits a select group of students who demonstrate strong academic credentials, leadership potential, and a passion for the legal profession. Additionally, the robust career development resources available for students and alumni further enhance their professional growth. Gaining admission requires more than just high grades or LSAT scores; it requires a standout application that highlights your unique experiences and qualifications.

Emory’s prestige, rigorous curriculum, and proximity to nearly every federal agency and major law firm in the Southeast make it an attractive destination for law students. The school’s strategic location in Atlanta offers abundant legal networking opportunities and access to top-tier legal professionals across industries.

Emory Law School Acceptance Rate Over Time

What Programs Does Emory School of Law Offer?

Emory Law offers a variety of academic programs designed to cater to the interests of prospective law students. These programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the legal profession while also offering opportunities for specialization and practical experience.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program

The J.D. program at Emory Law provides students with a comprehensive legal education that prepares them for diverse careers in law. Emory Law offers a rigorous curriculum attuned to the demands of today’s legal landscape. Students can specialize in areas such as health law, constitutional law, corporate law, environmental law, and transactional law.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program

The LL.M. program is ideal for lawyers from around the world who want to specialize in areas such as international humanitarian law, corporate governance, and tax law. Emory Law’s LL.M. program provides international students with a chance to deepen their legal knowledge in specific fields while gaining exposure to the U.S. legal system.

Joint Degree Programs (Dual Degree Programs)

Emory Law offers joint degree programs in collaboration with other schools at Emory University, allowing students to combine a J.D. with degrees in fields like business, public health, and theology. Emory University provides a broad range of educational opportunities, including its graduate and professional schools. These joint degree programs provide students with a unique interdisciplinary education that can enhance their career opportunities.

Clinical Programs and Hands-On Learning

Emory Law School offers a variety of clinics that give students practical experience working on real-world cases. Notable clinics include the International Humanitarian Law Clinic, where students work on international legal issues, and clinics focused on areas such as health law and environmental law.

Admissions Requirements – Who Gets Into Emory Law School?

To gain admission to Emory Law School, you must meet the school’s rigorous academic standards and demonstrate potential for success in the legal profession. Emory looks for students with strong academic records, leadership abilities, and a commitment to contributing to the legal profession.

Class Profile

Emory Law’s incoming class is diverse, including students from various backgrounds and experiences. The law school places a high value on diversity, recognizing the importance of varied perspectives in shaping the future of the legal profession. Emory Law's alumni are a valuable resource for current students, with 20 percent of them located in the Atlanta area. This geographic concentration offers students opportunities to network and engage with legal professionals in the community, aiding in career development and internship prospects both locally and in other major cities. The significant presence of Emory Law's alumni located in Atlanta further enhances these networking opportunities, extending career prospects for graduates across the United States.

Academic Metrics

Emory Law School places equal emphasis on LSAT scores and GPA but also considers other factors such as work experience, leadership, and extracurricular activities.

What LSAT and GPA Do You Need for Emory School of Law?

LSAT Requirements

Emory Law School accepts only the LSAT and GRE for admission. However, the LSAT remains the preferred standardized test for most applicants. To be competitive, aim for a median LSAT score of 166. The middle 50% of admitted students fall between 161 and 168.

GPA Requirements

Emory Law School also has high academic expectations for applicants. The median GPA for accepted students is 3.93, with the middle 50% falling 3.82. If your GPA is lower than the median, you’ll need to offset this with strong professional experience, leadership, or an outstanding personal statement.

Additionally, a candidate's performance in their previous graduate school education is crucial, as it reflects their ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.

How to Get Into Emory Law School With Lower GPA or LSAT Scores

1. Write a Strong Personal Statement

A well-written personal statement can set you apart from other applicants. Use it as an opportunity to tell your story, explain any challenges you’ve faced, and demonstrate why you’re passionate about pursuing law. Highlight your unique experiences and how they have prepared you for a successful legal career.

2. Highlight Relevant Professional Experience

Emory Law School values applicants who have gained practical experience in legal or related fields. If your GPA or LSAT score is on the lower side, emphasize your work closely with legal professionals in internships, externships, or jobs in the government agency, nonprofit organization, or corporate law sectors. Show how your experience has prepared you for law school.

3. Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors who know you well can make a big difference. They should focus on your intellectual abilities, work ethic, and potential as a future lawyer.

How to Apply to Emory School of Law

Emory Law Application Deadlines

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
• Decision Notifications: Rolling admissions releases admission decisions for J.D. programs between May and August

Application Requirements

• Application Fee: $85 (fee waivers available)
• LSAT or GRE: Both are accepted, but LSAT is preferred
• Transcripts: All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation: At least two required, up to four accepted
• Resume: Focus on academic and professional achievements
• Personal Statement: Clearly articulate why Emory Law is a good fit for you

Different Types of Applicants – Requirements for Emory Law

Reapplicants

If you've applied to Emory Law in the past but were not admitted, it’s important to show how you've grown as a candidate. The admissions committee evaluates reapplications carefully, so it’s crucial to demonstrate improvements in areas such as test scores, GPA, or professional experience. Reapplicants should also consider updating their personal statement to reflect any new insights or accomplishments that show they are better prepared for law school.

Community College Graduates

Community college graduates are encouraged to apply to Emory Law, as Emory values the diverse perspectives that these students bring. If you graduated from a community college before transferring to a four-year institution, emphasize how your academic journey has prepared you for the challenges of law school. Highlight the resilience, adaptability, and work ethic you developed through your unique educational experience.

Military Service Members

Emory Law highly values military service members for their leadership, discipline, and dedication to serving the nation. If you are a military applicant, highlight how your military experiences have shaped your perspective and how they have prepared you for the rigors of law school. Strong letters of recommendation from commanding officers or colleagues will further support your candidacy.

Undocumented Students

Emory Law encourages undocumented applicants to apply, as immigration status does not affect admissions decisions. Undocumented students should focus on sharing their unique experiences, how these experiences have shaped their goals, and how they can contribute to Emory Law’s diverse community. Financial aid and support are available for undocumented students navigating the law school application process.

Transfer Students

Emory Law accepts transfer students who have completed their first year at another ABA-accredited law school. Transfer applicants must explain why they are seeking to transfer to Emory Law and how Emory’s academic programs align with their career goals. Strong academic performance at your current law school and a clear vision for your future in law will strengthen your transfer application.

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome at Emory Law. However, it's important to be familiar with the U.S. education system and how your academic credentials align with Emory’s admissions requirements. International applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English and be prepared to navigate visa and immigration processes. Your unique perspective will be an asset to the Emory Law community, and Emory encourages students from all countries to apply.

Emory Law Junior Deferral Program (JDP)

Emory offers the Junior Deferral Program (JDP) for college juniors who want to secure a spot at Emory Law but defer enrollment for two years to gain professional experience. JDP applicants must complete their undergraduate degree by Spring 2026. The JDP is ideal for those who are clear about their goals and want to gain valuable work experience before attending law school.

5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into Emory Law

Leverage Emory’s Location and Connections

Emory Law’s location in Atlanta provides unique networking opportunities with influential legal professionals across various sectors. Emory Law’s alumni network and connections with top firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in nearly every field of law give students an edge in their career development. Highlight in your application how Emory's resources and strategic location align with your own career goals, and how these connections will help you succeed as a future lawyer. The law school’s position in the Atlanta metropolitan area—one of the nation's key legal hubs—can provide you with numerous job and networking opportunities.

Highlight Your Leadership and Impact

Emory Law seeks students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to make an impact. Whether you’ve led initiatives in school, your community, or your professional life, showing how you have taken charge or faced challenges successfully will strengthen your application. Provide concrete examples of how you’ve demonstrated leadership, resilience, and a commitment to others. Emory is not only interested in your academic achievements but also in your potential to contribute to the legal profession as a future leader.

Apply Early

Emory Law operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means applying early can give you a significant advantage. By submitting your application as soon as possible, you can ensure that you are considered before spots fill up. Early applicants also demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication, which can be a positive factor in the admissions decision. Prepare your application well in advance and avoid waiting until the last minute to submit it, giving you ample time to refine your materials.

Showcase Relevant Legal Experience

Emory Law values practical experience in the legal field. Whether through internships, externships or work in a prosecutor's office or corporate law, any hands-on legal experience will enhance your application. Be sure to highlight this experience in your resume and personal statement. Emory appreciates applicants who have already demonstrated the ability to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, and such experience makes them a strong candidate for admission.

Demonstrate Fit with Emory Law’s Programs

Emory offers numerous specialized programs such as health law, constitutional law, and environmental law. Show how these programs align with your career aspirations and why Emory Law is the best place for you to pursue your goals. By clearly articulating how Emory’s unique academic offerings meet your interests, you can demonstrate that you are a perfect fit for the school. This also shows that you’ve thoroughly researched the programs and understand how they can help you advance in your legal career.

The Bottom Line

Emory Law is a top-tier law school with a competitive admissions process. To maximize your chances of acceptance, focus on achieving strong LSAT scores, maintaining a high GPA, and submitting a compelling application that demonstrates your passion for the legal profession. Whether you’re a traditional applicant or someone with professional experience, Emory Law offers a dynamic environment for students aiming for success in the legal education field.

The law school admissions process can be tough, but a skilled coach can make a big difference. Our experienced admissions coaches have helped many students get into top law schools, including the Emory School of Law. Whether you need help with your personal statement, resume, or interview prep, our coaches are here to guide you.

Related Articles

To help you navigate the law school admissions process and learn more about Emory Law and other top law schools, check out these helpful articles:

• LSAT vs. GRE for Law School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both
• How to Decide Where to Apply for Graduate School
• The Top 10 Accelerated JD Programs
• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement for Your Law School Applications
• How to Get Into Law School: Advice from an Expert
• Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT
• How Many Letters of Recommendation for Law School: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Answer the Most Common Law School Interview Questions
• Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Law School

FAQs

Is Emory a good law school?

• Yes, Emory School of Law is a highly respected institution. It is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the U.S. Known for its rigorous curriculum, practical learning experiences, and strong faculty, Emory Law offers excellent opportunities for students pursuing a career in law. Emory's position in law school rankings reflects its commitment to high educational standards and student outcomes. Additionally, Emory University is recognized as one of the outstanding liberal arts colleges, further enhancing its overall academic reputation. Its location in Atlanta provides access to a wide range of legal professionals and opportunities across industries such as corporate law, environmental law, and health law.

Is Emory Law School hard to get into?

• Yes, Emory Law is selective. With an acceptance rate of 40.90%, it is a competitive law school. The admissions process is highly rigorous, and applicants need to demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to the legal profession to stand out.

What does Emory Law specialize in?

• Emory Law specializes in several areas, including health law, constitutional law, corporate law, and environmental law. The law school is also known for its International Humanitarian Law Clinic and its commitment to providing hands-on experience through clinical programs and internships.