Government law sits at the intersection of policy, practice and public service. Whether shaping legislation, defending constitutional rights or helping individuals navigate government systems, today’s government lawyers operate close to the institutions that affect daily life. Law schools are increasingly responding by offering hands-on opportunities that place students inside legislative chambers, agencies, courts and community settings. The following updates highlight how schools are preparing students for careers in government and public service through clinics, summits and real-world advocacy.
The following law schools earned a place on our Government Law Honor Roll, recognized for the strength of their programs. Following the list, you’ll find the latest developments and news from government law programs at these various law schools.
Top law schools for government law
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law had three recent graduates help turn a classroom project into state law through the school’s Legislative and Public Policy Clinic. Legislation they worked on, authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, allows California law students to receive academic credit for paid externships, reversing a long-standing practice that barred credit for compensated placements. The law, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2026, reflects the clinic’s emphasis on hands-on policymaking and real-world legislative impact. Alumni Bailey Morrell ’25, Citlali Perez ’25 and Diana Crow ’25 contributed to the bill while enrolled at McGeorge.
New York Law School marked Constitution and Citizenship Day with its inaugural Constitution and Citizenship Day Summit, featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as part of a panel discussion held Sept. 16, 2025. Presented in collaboration with NYLS’s Center for New York City and State Law and the Justice for All — Courts and the Community Initiative, the daylong summit convened judges, attorneys, educators, students and civic leaders to examine democratic principles, the rule of law and the role of civic education. Timed ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the event underscored NYLS’s commitment to public engagement and constitutional literacy.
Rutgers Law School’s Legislative Policy and Advocacy Clinic continues to provide students with direct exposure to policymaking. In October 2025, clinic students met on campus with staff from the New Jersey Legislature and the Department of Community Affairs to discuss ongoing research and advocacy efforts. Earlier in the year, students met with Assemblywoman Carol Murphy while attending an Assembly Judiciary Committee meeting, where they focused on domestic violence initiatives in New Jersey.
University of Georgia School of Law’s Veterans Legal Clinic helps former service members across the state access benefits owed to them by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since opening in 2018, the clinic has assisted veterans from more than 100 Georgia counties, securing more than $16 million in retroactive awards, waived debts and future payments. Students work alongside faculty and staff to build claims, supported by interdisciplinary partnerships that provide independent mental health assessments and medical evaluations that have been life-changing for many veterans.
UGA School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic student advocate Samanatha Motley and professor and clinic director Alex Scherr speak with attendees of the Stand Down for Veterans event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars headquarters in Athens, Georgia. The event provided medical, social and legal services for local military veterans and their families.
Florida State University College of Law’s First Amendment Clinic gives students hands-on experience defending constitutional rights across religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. Directed by Denise Harle, a clinical professor and expert in constitutional law, the clinic engages students in real-world litigation and advocacy focused on free expression and government transparency. Under faculty supervision, students represent journalists, media organizations and individuals in matters involving public records, access to government proceedings and First Amendment protections.
Albany Law School’s Government Law Center is expanding student exposure to public service through new classroom and fellowship initiatives. A recently launched program brings leading government officials and practitioners into courses across the curriculum, giving students direct insight into the realities of public-sector lawyering. The school has also grown its Government Law Center Fellows Program to its largest cohort to date, enrolling more than 30 students this year and bringing total participation to 60. The fellowship offers students a close look at local, state and federal government operations, including hands-on engagement with policymakers and visits to the state Capitol.
Methodology
preLaw magazine grades law schools based on the breadth of their curricular offerings. The scores are figured as follows: 30% for a concentration, 24% for a clinic, 12% for a center, 12% for an externship, 9% for a journal, 8% for a student group, 5% for a certificate and added value for additional offerings.
