How to Get Into Emory Law School (2026)

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 School of Law receives nearly 4,000 applications each year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 40.1%. This places it in the moderately selective category, more accessible than the top 14 law schools, but still competitive. Emory seeks applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to the legal profession.

Getting in requires more than just a high LSAT score or GPA. Successful applicants submit standout applications that highlight their unique experiences, clear goals, and strong fit with Emory’s values and programs.

Emory’s prestige, rigorous academic environment, and strategic location in Atlanta make it a top destination for aspiring lawyers. Students benefit from proximity to federal agencies, state and appellate courts, and major law firms, plus a robust alumni network and hands-on career development resources that support internships, externships, and long-term job placement across sectors.

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 accepts both the LSAT and GRE, though the LSAT remains the most common and preferred test among applicants. To be competitive, aim for a median LSAT score of 166. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 162 and 168.

GPA Requirements

Emory has high academic expectations. The median GPA for admitted students is 3.82, with the middle 50% ranging from 3.68 to 3.87.

If your GPA is on the lower end, you’ll need to make up for it with strong work experience, leadership, academic rigor, or a compelling personal statement. Exceptional performance in prior graduate coursework can also strengthen your case, as it demonstrates readiness for a rigorous legal education.

Tip: You don’t need to be perfect—but you do need to show clear academic ability, purpose, and a strong fit for Emory’s programs and community.

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

• Early Decision Deadline: February 15, 2026 — binding optional program with early notification and scholarship consideration.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 15, 2026 — standard deadline for most JD applicants.
• Applications received after March 15 may be reviewed on a space‑available basis.

Decision notifications for Regular Decision applicants are typically released on a rolling basis between February and August as decisions are finalized.

Application Requirements

To apply to Emory Law’s JD program, you’ll need the following materials:

• Application Fee: $85 (fee waivers available through LSAC)
• Standardized Test: LSAT or GRE accepted; LSAT is traditionally preferred and recommended to be taken before the March 15 deadline.
• Transcripts: All undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) transcripts must be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
• Letters of Recommendation: At least two required; up to four accepted. CAS facilitates the submission of recommenders’ materials.
• Resume: Highlight your academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements.
• Personal Statement: A clear statement of purpose that explains why Emory Law is a strong fit for your goals.

Emory Law evaluates applications holistically—strong test scores and grades are important, but professional experience, leadership, writing ability, and fit with the program also play major roles in admissions decisions.

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 yourself 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. More so, law school application bootcamp or free law school events, where top admissions coaches break down real questions, common mistakes, and what it takes to stand out.

See: The 10 Best Law School Coaches: Who to Hire and Why

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

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.