Northeastern Law Once Again Ranked No. 1 for Practical Training, Tops preLaw’s Intellectual Property, Environmental Law and Online Programs

03.11.2025 —Northeastern University School of Law is once again in the No. 1 spot for practical training in preLaw magazine’s spring rankings, affirming the school’s national leadership in experiential legal education. The rankings are based on experiential learning opportunities, with data from the American Bar Association and individual schools.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the leader in practical legal training,” said Dean James Hackney. “Our co-op program is unparalleled in terms of hands-on training, but practical training also permeates every aspect of our curriculum, from our outstanding clinics to our unique first-year Legal Skills in Social Context program to the ways in which all of these practical experiences are integrated into our classroom discussions. We are delighted to be recognized for our school’s leadership and how our students benefit from our innovative program.”

Northeastern law students complete three full-time legal work experiences through the school’s signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. With more than 1,100 co-op employers worldwide and placements in 55 countries, Northeastern Law ensures students graduate with substantial real-world experience.

“Northeastern Law gives students the opportunity to learn by doing,” said Associate Dean Hemanth Gundavaram, director of clinical programs, who is quoted extensively in the rankings article. “While other law schools might give students the chance to work over the summer or experience a part-time internship or externship, we integrate full-time employment into our curriculum.... Students are building bridges and creating alliances with each co-op, gaining practical skills to practice law and life skills to have a balanced work-life career.”

Featured on the cover of preLaw magazine’s spring issue, Tamia Hackworth ’25 shared how she has benefited from attending a law school that prioritizes experiential education. Through the co-op program, she has gained hands-on experience in business law, completing placements at Liberty Mutual Investments, Paul Hastings and BNY Mellon—where she is currently finishing her third co-op. “Knowing my strengths came from the hands-on work in each co-op,” she told preLaw. Hackworth will join Paul Hastings after graduation.

In addition, Northeastern received an A+ grade for its intellectual property program, a B+ grade for environmental law and the hybrid FlexJD program was noted as a “Top Online JD Program.”

To read the full article and rankings, visit the preLaw magazine site.