A Guide to Studying Law in the US

Before you read on, take note that you may not be able to practice law in your home country if you earned your degree in the US. On a brighter note, many global law firms hire law graduates from the US. 

Here’s short to studying law in the US as an international student:

Law Degrees in the US

There are three major types of law degrees in the US. Each law program varies in required qualifications and duration. You must select a law program depending on the career you want.

Read on to find out which law degree should you pursue:

• Juris Doctor – Any individual who wishes to practice law in the US needs a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Both private and public law schools can grant a J.D. degree. It is also offered through the American Bar Association (ABA). Full-time law students can complete a J.D. program in three years. 

• Master of Laws – You can take up Master of Laws (L.L.M.) if you have a J.D. degree. Under an L.L.M. program, you can choose an area of specialization. Foreign students often take this program to adjust their qualifications to the US legal system.

• Doctor of Juridical Science – The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)  is the highest law degree one can earn. You can take this program if you have a J.D. or L.L.M. It takes around three years to complete an S.J.D. program. If you wish to teach law in the US, this is the degree you need.

General Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on the law school of your choice. In general, you must submit the following documents listed below:

1. A four-year Bachelor’s degree in any subject (or any equivalent)
2. Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Scores
3. IELTS or TOEFL Scores (for non-English speakers)
4. Letters of Recommendation
5. Credential Assembly Service or CAS (for most ABA-approved law schools)

Once you’ve gathered all required documents, submit them to your selected law schools. Choose at least three law schools to apply for. Law school admission is tough so it’s best to increase your chances while you can.

Curriculum in Most US Law Schools

For your first year in law school, expect courses on administrative law, civil rights, constitutional law, and legal writing.

In between your second and third year in law school, you must take an internship program. This provides practical training in the legal field.

In your third year, you can take elective courses of your choice. This is also the time where you spend mostly preparing for the bar exam.

Best Law Schools in the US

The US is home to some of the most esteemed law schools in the world. However, you may find the list overwhelming and daunting.

If you want to find the best law school for you, it’s better to start with the best ones. Take a look at the list below from the US News to curate your own set of choices:

• Yale University
• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Columbia University
• New York University
• University of Chicago
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of California, Berkeley
• Duke University
• University of Virginia
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Georgetown University

Studying law in the US can lead to a fruitful career. To find more programs, check out program-related articles here at MSM Unify.