Maine Law has been recognized among the nation’s top law schools for a second consecutive year.
In the newly released 2026–27 national law school rankings from the U.S. News & World Report, Maine Law ranked No. 91 overall, marking another year in the top 100. The state’s only and public law school also received improved rankings for two of its signature programs that also address critical needs of the state: Environmental Law ranked No. 42 and Clinical Programs ranked No. 66.
The improved rankings reflect Maine Law’s powerful combination of academic excellence, hands-on training, and deep commitment to public service.
“We are proud, but not surprised, to be among the nation’s top law schools,” said Maine Law President Leigh Saufley. “At Maine Law, quality, community, and affordability go hand in hand. These rankings reflect our commitment to delivering an outstanding legal education that is grounded in a strong sense of purpose and connection. And they affirm what more aspiring attorneys and employers are realizing — Maine Law is delivering on its promise of excellence and affordability.”
Maine Law’s excellence is evidenced by the success of its growing number of graduates. From the Class of 2025, 85% of Maine Law graduates passed the bar exam on their first attempt. Graduates also secured a strong number of competitive judicial clerkships, with two graduates receiving clerkships in federal courts and 13 in state, local, or territorial courts.
The Clinics at Maine Law remain a cornerstone of Maine Law’s educational model and access to justice and commerce in the state and beyond. Clinic student-attorneys provided roughly 18,000 hours of pro bono legal assistance just last year while gaining hands-on lawyering experience. Over 40% of the Class of 2025 graduated with clinical experience.
The Environmental Law program, now ranked No. 42 nationally, continues to build on its longstanding leadership in areas such as oceans and coastal law, and Arctic law and governance.
Maine Law is seeing strong growth in both applications and enrollment. Last year Maine Law saw an increase of 62% in its application flow. That has continued and increased in the current application cycle, with more than an 80% increase in applications to Maine Law. Nationally, applications have increased by 12.5%. This momentum is helping Maine Law continue to prepare the next generation of lawyers while expanding access to justice across the state and beyond.
