Founded in 1893 with former U.S. President Benjamin Harrison among the inaugural faculty, Stanford Law School has long been at the top of national law school rankings. The small student body--just 170 first-years--makes the school extremely selective as well as ensures a low student-to-faculty ratio. Stanford Law School has a reputation for being more laid-back than other top law schools; students tell Vault that there is less cold-calling by professors than at peer institutions, and the school works to maintain a collegiate atmosphere. But don't let that fool you--the work is tough, particularly with increased professorial attention. In 2009, Stanford Law switched from a letter gradating system to a four,level approach in the hopes that it will relieve some of the stress associated with tests and exams, as well as allow professors more flexibility.

Students at Stanford can choose from a wide array of specialties that include environmental, business and technology law. The school also offers programs that integrate other disciples into the law. Twenty-five formal joint degrees are available through departments that vary from history to electrical engineering. The school houses one of the few Supreme Court clinics in the country, which has brought 20 cases before the Court in its history. Not surprisingly, about a quarter of 2007 Stanford Law graduates went on to judicial courtships.