Albany Law School has been ranked a top school in the nation for government by National Jurist’s preLaw magazine. 

In the magazine’s winter 2026 issue, editors ranked the top schools in the country as part of the Government Law Honor Roll. The designation recognizes schools for the strength of their government law programs and offerings—ranging from centers to journals. 
 

“Albany Law School’s Government Law Center is expanding student exposure to public service through new classroom and fellowship initiatives. [The Center’s programming] brings leading government officials and practitioners into courses across the curriculum, giving students direct insight into the realities of public-sector lawyering,” magazine editors wrote. 

Patrick Wildes ’16, director of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School, noted that earning this designation again is a credit to Albany Law’s unique level of access to New York State government agencies and lawmakers, as well as a sustained interest in public service work—a field often pursued by students who want to help others through policy change.

The article specifically highlights the continued growth of the Government Law Center Fellowship Program. The program welcomed the largest cohort to date this semester, enrolling more than 30 students this year and bringing total participation to 60. The fellowship offers students a close look at local, state, and federal government operations, including hands-on engagement with lawmakers in Albany. Fellows also build relationships with public service practitioners, complete relevant coursework related to government, and obtain practical hands-on experience through field placements in legal practice settings in the public sector.  

“Our goal is always for our students to be government-ready when they leave our doors. The strong, sustained interest in the GLC Fellowship Program is a testament to the strength of our alumni community in Albany and beyond, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff in supporting public service work,” Wildes said. “This designation is a point of great pride and reflects the impact of that collective effort.”

Albany Law School’s employment numbers also show Albany Law’s strong connection to government law and public service. With a 93 percent employment rate for the Class of 2024, many of those employed have landed in public service roles— 53% of Albany Law’s Class of 2024 entered public service, with 29% in government roles, 18% in public interest positions and 6% clerking for judges.

“Government law sits at the intersection of policy, practice and public service. Whether shaping legislation, defending constitutional rights or helping individuals navigate government systems, today’s government lawyers operate close to the institutions that affect daily life. Law schools are increasingly responding by offering hands-on opportunities that place students inside legislative chambers, agencies, courts and community settings,” preLaw editors said.