PORTLAND, Maine — The University of Maine School of Law has been recognized among the nation’s top law schools.
In 2025-26 rankings released earlier today by U.S. News & World Report, Maine Law ranked No. 88, up from its No. 120 place ranking in 2024-25 and No. 146 the year prior.
This is the first time since 2010 that Maine Law has been ranked in the top 100 law schools by U.S. News & World Report.
In addition to its overall score, Maine Law ranked No. 14 for sending graduates into Public Service Law, while its Environmental Law program was No. 46, and its Clinical Training program was recognized at No. 76 in the nation.
“We’re thrilled that Maine’s only and public law school is being recognized for the excellence we have been working toward. While rankings are an imperfect measure, to go from nearly closing our doors five years ago to being recognized among the nation’s excellent law schools is a testament to the talent of our students, the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff, and the investment and support of Chancellor Malloy, the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, the Legislature, Governor Mills and many other friends,” said Maine Law Dean and President Leigh Saufley.
“Given our commitment to promoting access to justice and the incredible track record of service and success of our legal aid clinics and our graduates, we are especially proud to be recognized at No. 14 in the country for the percentage of our students who go into public service.”
Students in Maine Law’s excellent Clinics at Maine Law provided more than 17,000 hours of pro bono legal aid to low-income Mainers.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings of law schools are substantially based on graduate outcomes. Maine Law’s ranking this year was bolstered by its 89% first-time bar passage rate, among the highest in New England.
Maine Law is currently experiencing its highest enrollment in more than a decade. About half of its students come from outside of Maine, yet 70% to 80% stay in the State to practice after graduation.
