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School of Law
Study lawin the UnitedStates.
The practice of law in the United States has a proud history, integral to the founding of the nation and to maintaining the rule of law.
Studying law
A degree that opens many doors
Many lawyers and law students from around the world come to study or practice law in the United States. Studying law gives you the skills to practice as an attorney, or to build a career in another field such as politics, diplomacy, economics, business or education.
The rewards are real, but the path is demanding. It is important to be sure that law is the right choice for you before you start.
As an international student, keep in mind that a U.S. Juris Doctor (J.D.) does not always prepare you to practice in your home country, because U.S. law schools teach common law based on the British system. Law firms around the world do hire lawyers with a J.D., and many foreign students choose graduate law degrees such as the LL.M., MCL or MCJ, which generally strengthen job opportunities back home.
Degrees
Three levels of law degree
Each level serves a different purpose. From basic to most advanced:
J.D.
Juris Doctor
The degree most practicing lawyers hold. It takes about three years, after which graduates must pass their state’s bar exam and obtain a license to practice.
LL.M.
Master of Laws
For J.D. holders who want to specialize in an area of law, or for law graduates from outside the U.S. who want to practice there. It usually takes about a year and involves research, papers and seminars.
S.J.D.
Doctor of Juridical Science
The highest law degree commonly offered, mainly for those who want to do research rather than practice. It requires a high-quality dissertation after at least three years; an LL.M. is often required first.
Specializations
Choose an area of law
For both the J.D. and the LL.M., you can specialize in an area of law you find meaningful. Specializing is not always required for a J.D., but it is often recommended.
If you did not specialize during your J.D., you can do so through an LL.M., which offers many more specializations. Certification in a specialty is also possible; it usually involves an ABA-accredited program, a written exam and a record of practice in that area.
Examples of legal specializations
- Business law
- Tax law
- Civil liberties
- Environmental law
- Constitutional law
- Admiralty law
- Criminal law
- Healthcare law
- Patent law
- Intellectual property law
- First amendment law
Your path
Three years of law school in the USA
In the U.S., law is a professional field studied after a first degree, the equivalent of a graduate degree elsewhere. The J.D. typically takes three years full-time or four years part-time.
First year (1L)
Core classes in legal writing, contracts, torts, criminal law and constitutional law. Often the hardest year, with exams and the Socratic method, where professors call on students to discuss cases.
Second year (2L)
Practical experience through Law Review, Moot Court and other activities, and the search for legal internships that often lead to full-time jobs.
Third year (3L)
Electives such as international, immigration, antitrust or intellectual property law, while preparing for employment and the bar exam.
Requirements
What you need to apply
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent (4-year university degree) in any subject
- Registration with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), required by nearly all ABA-approved law schools
- Your LSAT scores
- Relevant teacher or professional recommendations
- Your TOEFL score if English is not your native language
- Financial documents showing proof of funds for the academic year (only if you apply for an F1 visa)
Admissions open
Are you ready to start?
Talk to our admissions team about law programs.