WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

MORGANTOWN —The West Virginia University College of Law has been ranked a top law school for the third consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report.

In its 2015 Best Graduate Schools guide, the magazine ranks WVU Law at 83 -- which is its highest ranking to date -- of 194 accredited law schools.

Last year, U.S. News ranked WVU Law No. 91. Two years ago, the magazine ranked the school No. 101.

“This is exceptional news, and we are very happy to see WVU Law continue to rise in these national rankings,” College of Law Dean Joyce McConnell said. “This recognition speaks to the fine work being done by our faculty and staff to ensure a high-quality legal education and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of alumni, friends, university leadership, and the law community.”

U.S. News collects a number of statistics to compile its annual law school rankings, including peer assessment, employment rate, student-faculty ratio, and bar passage rate.

While acknowledging the quantitative value of rankings like U.S. News, McConnell points out that they are just one tool future law students should use when researching a school.

“Data-based rankings can be helpful for an initial impression of a law school,” she said. “However, it’s important for prospective students to consider what a law school offers in and out of the classroom, including clinics and externships for career preparation, as well as subjective factors such as fit and feel.”