Top 10 Law Colleges in Chennai

With a mix of 5 government and 20 private institutions, Chennai is home to a total of 25 law colleges as of 2025. It is therefore considered one of the most vibrant legal education hubs in South India. From historic campuses to tech-integrated legal schools, Chennai caters to a wide spectrum of law aspirants.

But while pursuing a law degree here can offer exposure to real-time litigation, legal aid, and policy research, finding the college that matches your goals isn’t always easy. That’s why this blog curates a list of the top 10 law colleges in Chennai, enabling you to compare, assess, and choose what aligns best with your future in law.

The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University (TNDALU), Chennai

Established in 1997, TNDALU is the only state-run law university in Tamil Nadu and also one of the top. Apart from its recognition from the Bar Council of India, the university has garnered an ‘A’ grade accreditation from NAAC. It is widely respected for its legal ecosystem, which includes its own School of Excellence in Law (SOEL) and more than a dozen affiliated law colleges across the state.

The five-year B.A. LL.B (Hons.) offered at SOEL is among the most competitive undergraduate law programmes in the region. At the postgraduate level, the LL.M. in International Law and Constitutional Governance is the most opted specialisation due to its policy-oriented and interdisciplinary framework.

Approximate Fees: ₹75,000 per year for B.A. LL.B (Hons.); ₹60,000 total for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Merit-based, through marks in the last qualifying examinations; no entrance exam. 

Approximate Placement Package: The highest package goes up to ₹7 LPA, while the average package remains at around ₹4 LPA. 

Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, Chennai

Standing tall since 1891, Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College is one of the oldest and most iconic law colleges in India. Now functioning under the administrative control of TNDALU, it continues to offer state-subsidised legal education and maintains deep academic and institutional linkages with the Madras High Court, located nearby. 

The 3-year LL.B programme is its flagship offering for graduates, while the 5-year B.A. LL.B course remains a preferred option for students entering directly after Class 12. At the PG level, the LL.M. in Constitutional Law and Human Rights stands out as the most pursued specialisation due to its alignment with public interest litigation and civil service goals.

Approximate Fees: ₹2,500–₹3,000 per year for LL.B and B.A. LL.B; ₹5,000 per year for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Conducted through centralised counselling based on qualifying exam marks under TNDALU guidelines. 

Approximate Placement Package: The highest package goes up to ₹6.5 LPA, while the average package stands at ₹3.8 LPA. 

Also Read: Top 10 Arts Colleges in Chennai 

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai

Founded in 2009, the SIMATS, a deemed-to-be university, has quickly emerged as one of Chennai’s top private law colleges. Accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC and ranked within the Top 25 law institutions in NIRF 2024, it is known for its courtroom simulation-based training, frequent industry collaborations, and research-oriented curriculum.

Among its UG offerings, the B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons.) programmes are especially popular. At the PG level, the LL.M. in Criminal Law and Justice is the most pursued specialisation, owing to its alignment with trial advocacy, forensics, and procedural law practice.

Approximate Fees: ₹1.25 Lakhs per year for UG programmes; ₹90,000 total for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Based on your scores in the last qualifying exam, followed by the institute’s internal selection process. 

Approximate Placement Package: Top offers go up to ₹8 LPA; average placements are around ₹4.5 LPA. 

Vellore Institute of Technology – School of Law (VITSOL), Chennai

Since its launch in 2014, VITSOL has differentiated itself among the law colleges in Chennai through its focus on international collaborations, live legal clinics, and tech-driven legal education. As part of the NAAC A++ accredited VIT group, it blends academic structure with exposure to real-world legal systems, and the Bar Council of India approves the law programmes here.

Apart from its flagship B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons.) programmes at the UG level, the LL.M in Corporate Law is the top specialisation at the postgraduate level, particularly among students looking to work in corporate compliance, commercial litigation, or international arbitration.

Approximate Fees: ₹1.4 Lakhs per year for UG programmes; ₹1 Lakh total for LL.M.

Admission Process: Based on qualifying exam scores, followed by VSLAT or personal interview. 

Approximate Placement Package: Top offers often reach ₹7.5 LPA; average placements revolve around ₹4 LPA. 

Also Read: Top 5 B.Com Colleges in Chennai 

SRM School of Law, Chennai

Opening doors in 2014, the SRM School of Law is a constituent law college of the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), one of the top private universities in Tamil Nadu. It is approved by the Bar Council of India and is recognised for its interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates legal education with emerging fields such as technology and business.

Top offerings are the integrated undergraduate programmes, B.A. LL.B (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons.) At the postgraduate level, the most opted specialisation is LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights. This is especially true among students interested in patent law, digital rights, and innovation policy.

Approximate Fees: ₹2 Lakhs per year for UG programmes; ₹1.5 Lakhs total for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Based on performance in the last qualifying examination, followed by a personal interview conducted by the college. 

Approximate Placement Package: While the average offer remains no less than ₹3.5 LPA, the top offers can go up to ₹6 LPA. 

Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) – School of Law, Chennai

Launched in 2015, the School of Law at VISTAS has steadily built its presence among Chennai’s top private law colleges. With the Bar Council of India’s approval, the college emphasises practical legal training and offers a curriculum that aligns with evolving sectors like fintech regulation, cyber law, and business arbitration.

Among its undergraduate offerings, students can choose between law-integrated streams in arts, commerce, and management. At the postgraduate level, the LL.M. in International Trade and Commercial Law draws the most interest, especially from those looking to build careers in cross-border transactions, trade compliance, or WTO-related legal frameworks.

Approximate Fees: ₹1.9 Lakhs per year for UG programmes; ₹1.99 Lakhs total for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Based on performance in the qualifying examination, followed by a personal interview conducted by the college. 

Approximate Placement Package: Top offers reach ₹6 LPA while average package stays at ₹3.5 LPA. 

Bharath Institute of Law (BIL), Chennai

Since its inception in 2016, Bharath Institute of Law (BIL) has positioned itself as a top constituent law college of the Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), a deemed-to-be university in Chennai. Known for blending foundational legal training with emerging areas like social justice and rights-based litigation, it holds approval from the Bar Council of India and draws students from across Tamil Nadu and beyond. 

Besides its integrated B.A. LL.B (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B (Hons.), and B.Com LL.B (Hons.) UG offerings, the college attracts aspirants for its LL.M. in Human Rights Law. This is particularly for those interested in civil liberties, social justice, and international human rights frameworks.

Approximate Fees: ₹2 Lakhs per year for UG programmes; ₹1.8 Lakhs total for LL.M. 

Admission Process: Based on your performance in the last qualifying examination, and then an interview administered directly by the institution. 

Approximate Placement Package: The highest offers can reach up to ₹6 LPA, while the average packages are likely to be around ₹3.5 LPA. 

Also Read: Top Government Law Colleges in Lucknow 

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) – School of Law, Chennai

HITS introduced its School of Law in 2015 as part of its expansion into interdisciplinary education, merging technology, policy, and legal studies under one roof. Approved by the Bar Council of India, the law school is gradually becoming one of the top choices for law aspirants because of its globally aligned curriculum and emphasis on applied legal learning.

The institution offers integrated law degrees in arts, commerce, and management streams at the UG level. Among postgraduate options, the LL.M. in International Law and Diplomacy stands out, particularly for students aiming to work in global policy, humanitarian law, or diplomatic legal services.

Approximate Fees: ₹1.87 Lakhs per year for UG programmes, and ₹1.5 Lakhs for the entire LL.M course. 

Admission Process: Based on your marks in the last qualifying exam, and further, a personal interview, held by the institution. 

Approximate Placement Package: The highest offers often go up to ₹6.5 LPA, whereas the average packages hover around ₹3.8 LPA. 

Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS), Chennai

As a bold step toward modernising legal education in South India, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation introduced its law school, VMLS, in 2021. Since then, it has emerged as a top private law college in Chennai, mentored by the globally reputed O.P. Jindal Global University. The Bar Council of India has approved all its programmes, which are built around emerging legal domains, interdisciplinary studies, and practical courtroom learning.

The B.A. LL.B (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B (Hons.), and B.Com LL.B (Hons.) form its core undergraduate offerings. Apart from that, the LL.M. programme in Corporate and Financial Laws attracts most law students keen on careers in banking law, fintech regulation, and corporate compliance.

Approximate Fees: ₹2 Lakhs per year for LL.B; ₹1.5 Lakhs for the complete LL.M course.  

Admission Process: Based on your scores in the last qualifying exam. Then, a personal interview is conducted by the law school itself. 

Approximate Placement Package: The highest package typically reaches ₹6.5 LPA, while the average package remains at ₹3.8 LPA. 

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (SIST) – School of Law, Chennai 

Introduced in 2018 as part of SIST’s expansion into legal education, the Sathyabama School of Law has steadily made it to the list of top private law colleges in Chennai. Approved by the Bar Council of India, it stands out for integrating core legal studies with emerging fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology regulations, and digital forensics.

Its key undergraduate offerings include B.A. LL.B (Hons.), B.B.A. LL.B (Hons.), and B.Com. LL.B (Hons.) programmes. At the postgraduate level, the LL.M. in  Environmental and Climate Change Law draws growing interest, especially among students keen on working in ecological policy, ESG law, and international environmental negotiations.

Approximate Fees: ₹1.5 Lakhs per year for UG programmes; ₹1.2 Lakhs for the entire LL.M programme.  

Admission Process: Based on your marks in the last qualifying examination. Then, there will be an in-house personal interview round. 

Approximate Placement Package: Top packages touch ₹5.5 LPA, with the average remaining close to ₹3.2 LPA. 

Also Read: Private Law Colleges in Bhubaneswar  

To wrap up, when it comes to legal education, what truly sets a college apart is not just its reputation but how well it prepares you for the career path you want. Whether you aim to join a law firm, crack the judiciary, or work in policy and research, your choice of law school should reflect that direction.

Each college in this list offers something different. While some provide stronger access to court practice and legal aid clinics, others open up space in newer fields like digital law, trade regulation, or diplomacy. Instead of only scanning rankings, take a closer look at the kind of peer group, mentorship, and real-world legal exposure each college provides. In the end, it’s not the name alone, but the ecosystem around you that will shape your next steps in law.