Drake University Law School earned national recognition for its programs in human rights law and family law in the 2026 Back to School issue of preLaw magazine. The Law School received an A+ grade for human rights law and an A grade for family law, recognizing the law school’s curricular and experiential offerings in both areas.
The National Jurist’s preLaw magazine evaluates law schools based on offerings such as clinical programs, certificates, externships and courses. Drake Law’s continued recognition with an A+ in Human Rights Law and an A in Family Law reflects the school’s sustained commitment to excellence in both areas.
“Our Children’s Rights Clinic allows students to represent kids here in Iowa, while our Refugee Clinic involves students in the struggle for human rights around the world,” said Drake University Law School Interim Dean Jerry Anderson. “In both cases, they gain invaluable experience while making the world a better place.”
Drake Law offers human rights courses like International Human Rights and a dedicated Social Justice and Public Interest Lawyering Certificate. The coursework focuses on developing advocacy and lawyering skills in the context of representing underrepresented persons or communities, through public policies, changes within the legal system or litigation.
Drake Law’s commitment to family law is supported by the Joan and Lyle Middleton Center for Children’s Rights and the Children’s Rights Legal Clinic. Through the Clinic, students gain hands-on experience representing clients and advocating for children and families in matters involving child welfare, juvenile delinquency, minor guardianship, special immigrant juvenile status, special education/school discipline, and name and gender marker changes.