Legal Education in Massachusetts

Cambridge, Massachusetts — Founded in 1817 — the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States. Offers JD, LLM, and SJD programs.

Boston, Massachusetts — Established in 1872, offering one of the deepest law school curricula in the nation with over 200 courses — nationally ranked #2 in Health Care Law.

Newton, Massachusetts — Founded in 1929, known for educating lawyers through theory and practice — among the nation's top law schools.

Boston, Massachusetts — Pioneer in experiential legal education since 1968 — signature Cooperative Legal Education Program provides a full year of practical legal work.

Boston, Massachusetts — Located in downtown Boston on the Freedom Trail — four top-35 ranked legal skills specialties in U.S. News for ten consecutive years.

Boston, Massachusetts — Founded in 1908 as Portia Law School — the first law school in the nation exclusively for women. Offers JD and LLM programs.

Springfield, Massachusetts — The only law school in Massachusetts outside the Boston area — full-time and part-time JD programs with a focus on social justice.

Dartmouth, Massachusetts — The only public law school in Massachusetts — offering affordable full-time and part-time JD programs at UMass Dartmouth.

Boston, Massachusetts — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved AS and certificate programs — both available entirely online.

Danvers, Massachusetts — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved post-degree certificate providing legal knowledge and practical skills for legal support roles.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved paralegal program instructing students in substantive legal areas, technical skills, and ethical business practices.

Statewide professional association for verbatim stenographic reporters and captioners — offers CSR exams in April and October.

Official state guide — no state license required, but national certification and notary public status are recommended.

Directory of 68 court-approved mediation and ADR programs across all seven Trial Court departments.

Overview of court-connected ADR services — mediation, conciliation, and arbitration available across Trial Court departments.

National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the only legal nurse consultant credential accredited by ABSNC.

Official guide. Requirements: 18+, MA resident or work in MA, obtain 4 community references, $60 fee. No exam required. Seven-year terms.

Reviews all petitions for admission to the Massachusetts bar — ensures candidates meet education, knowledge, and character & fitness requirements.

Massachusetts uses the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) — minimum passing score of 270. MPRE score of 85 or higher required.

Massachusetts does not mandate CLE. Newly admitted attorneys must complete a half-day "Practicing with Professionalism" program within 18 months of admission.

National certifications for legal support staff — ALP, PLS, and CLP credentials.