Bilingual Education: Puerto Rico provides a unique environment for studying law in both English and Spanish. This dual-language proficiency is highly beneficial for legal professionals dealing with diverse communities and international law.
Accredited Institutions: Many law schools in Puerto Rico are accredited by the American Bar Association, ensuring that the education meets high standards and graduates are eligible to take the bar exam in various states across the U.S.
Legal Framework: Puerto Rico operates under a mixed jurisdiction of both U.S. federal law and Puerto Rican civil law. This provides students a broader perspective and understanding of different legal systems.
Cultural Richness: The island’s rich history and cultural diversity offer a unique backdrop for the study of law, especially in areas like human rights, environmental law, and family law.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers within Puerto Rico’s legal system or in the U.S., given the commonwealth’s unique position. There are also opportunities in sectors like corporate law, tax planning, and federal law enforcement.
Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, the cost of living and tuition fees in Puerto Rico are lower compared to many U.S. states, making it a financially viable option for many students.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, International Law, Human Rights, Family Law, Labor Law, Corporate Law |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Family Law, Labor Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
Constitutional Law, Civil Law, Human Rights, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Environmental Law |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
LL.M. in Law |
Human Rights, International Law, Corporate Law |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
LL.M. in Law |
Comparative Law, International Law, Constitutional Law |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
LL.M. in Law |
Civil Law, Human Rights, International Law |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
3 years |
Spanish and English |
Bachelor's degree, LSAT, proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
3 years |
Spanish |
Bachelor's degree, LSAT, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
3 years |
Spanish |
Bachelor's degree, LSAT, proficiency in Spanish |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
Spanish and English |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
Spanish |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
Spanish |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico |
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Pre-Law Track |
4 years |
Spanish and English |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico |
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with Pre-Law Concentration |
4 years |
Spanish |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico |
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Pre-Law Track |
4 years |
Spanish |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
Spanish and English |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
Spanish |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1 year |
Spanish |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish |
|
University of Puerto Rico |
Master of Public Administration with a focus on Legal Studies |
2 years |
Spanish and English |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico |
Master of Public Administration with a focus on Legal Studies |
2 years |
Spanish |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
3-5 years |
Spanish and English |
LL.M. or equivalent, proficiency in Spanish and English, research proposal |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
LL.M. or equivalent, proficiency in Spanish, research proposal |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
LL.M. or equivalent, proficiency in Spanish, research proposal |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legal Studies |
1 year |
Spanish |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legal Studies |
1 year |
Spanish |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish |
University |
Course Program |
Program Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate in Comparative Law |
6 months |
Spanish and English |
Law degree (JD or equivalent), proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution |
6 months |
Spanish |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate in Legal Translation |
6 months |
Spanish |
Proficiency in Spanish and English, legal background recommended |
|
University of Puerto Rico |
Certificate in Environmental Law |
6 months |
Spanish and English |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate in Human Rights Law |
3 months |
Spanish |
Bachelor’s degree, proficiency in Spanish |
University |
Course Programs |
|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), Certificate in Comparative Law, Certificate in Environmental Law |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legal Studies, Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Certificate in Human Rights Law |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legal Studies, Certificate in Legal Translation |
University |
Course Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
August |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
August |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
August |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate Programs |
August, January |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
August |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
August |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
August |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Diploma and Certificate Programs |
August, January |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
August |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
August |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
August |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Diploma and Certificate Programs |
August, January |
University |
Course Program |
Estimated Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
$8,000 - $12,000 (for residents) $15,000 - $18,000 (for non-residents/international students) |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
$8,000 - $12,000 |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
$8,000 - $12,000 |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate Programs |
$3,000 - $5,000 (total for the program) |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
$10,000 - $14,000 |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
$10,000 - $14,000 |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
$10,000 - $14,000 |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Diploma and Certificate Programs |
$4,000 - $6,000 (total for the program) |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
$9,000 - $13,000 |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
$9,000 - $13,000 |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
$9,000 - $13,000 |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Diploma and Certificate Programs |
$4,000 - $6,000 (total for the program) |
University |
Course Program |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) or equivalent law degree |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Certificate Programs |
- Bachelor's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) or equivalent law degree |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Diploma and Certificate Programs |
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) or equivalent law degree |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Diploma and Certificate Programs |
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
University |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Dean's Scholarship |
Academic excellence, demonstrated financial need |
Up to full tuition coverage |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Merit-Based Scholarships |
High GPA, strong LSAT scores |
Varies, typically partial tuition |
|
University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Need-Based Scholarships |
Demonstrated financial need |
Varies, based on need |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Academic achievement, strong LSAT scores |
Up to full tuition coverage |
|
Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Institutional Aid |
Financial need, academic merit |
Varies, typically partial tuition |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Catholic Leadership Scholarship |
Demonstrated leadership within the Catholic community |
Partial tuition |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Merit-Based Scholarships |
High academic achievement, strong LSAT scores |
Varies, typically partial tuition |
|
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law |
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Demonstrated financial need |
Varies, based on need |
|
Various Universities |
Puerto Rico Bar Association Scholarships |
Law students with outstanding academic records and financial need |
Varies, typically partial tuition |
Career Path |
Description |
Average Salary (per year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Attorney/Lawyer |
Represents clients in legal matters, offers legal advice, and advocates in court. |
$50,000 - $120,000 |
|
Judge/Magistrate |
Presides over legal proceedings, interprets and applies the law, and makes decisions in legal cases. |
$60,000 - $150,000 |
|
Corporate Counsel |
Provides legal advice to corporations, handles business transactions, and ensures legal compliance. |
$70,000 - $130,000 |
|
Public Defender |
Represents defendants who cannot afford a private attorney in criminal cases. |
$45,000 - $85,000 |
|
Legal Consultant |
Offers specialized legal advice to businesses, governments, or individuals on specific legal issues. |
$50,000 - $100,000 |
|
Mediator/Arbitrator |
Facilitates negotiations and conflict resolution between parties outside of the court system. |
$40,000 - $90,000 |
|
Legal Academic/Professor |
Teaches law at universities or law schools, conducts research, and publishes scholarly articles. |
$50,000 - $100,000 |
|
Government Attorney |
Works in various government agencies, providing legal advice, drafting legislation, and representing the government in legal matters. |
$50,000 - $100,000 |
|
Human Rights Advocate |
Works for NGOs or international organizations to promote and protect human rights through legal channels. |
$40,000 - $80,000 |
|
Legal Researcher |
Conducts in-depth legal research for law firms, universities, or governmental agencies. |
$40,000 - $75,000 |
|
Compliance Officer |
Ensures that organizations comply with legal regulations and internal policies. |
$55,000 - $95,000 |
|
Environmental Lawyer |
Specializes in legal issues related to the environment, such as regulations, land use, and conservation. |
$50,000 - $110,000 |
