Dartmouth-based University of Massachusetts School of Law — the only public law school in the state — was named number two for hands-on learning by preLaw Magazine.

The local law school finished only behind Northeastern University in the rankings, which used data from the American Bar Association and focused on practical training including clinics, externships, simulation classes, and pro bono work.

It received an overall grade of A-, which places it in the top 50 law schools in the country for experimental learning.

Dean of UMass LawEric Mitnick commented: “At UMass Law, we strive to give our students real-life experiences that require them to actualize what they learn in the classroom. When our students graduate, they are prepared for a career in a legal setting due to their past participation in our many clinics and pro bono opportunities.”

UMass Law emphasizes opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in external settings.

Each student is required to perform 30 hours of pro bono service, resulting in more than 120,000 hours of pro bono legal services provided to the community since the school’s inception in 2010.

In order to match students with clients who need legal assistance, UMass Law houses legal clinics focused on community development, criminal prosecution, human rights, immigration, and tribal law.

The university also operates Justice Bridge, a law practice incubator in New Bedford and Boston that matches recent graduates with seasoned mentors to provide legal services to individuals who otherwise could not afford representation.

Since 2014, Justice Bridge has served thousands of clients in housing, family, and immigration cases.