1. Reputation and Prestige: The USA houses some of the world's most prestigious law schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Graduating from these institutions can significantly enhance your profile and career prospects globally.
2. Comprehensive Legal Education: American law schools provide a thorough grounding in the foundations of U.S. law, which is influential worldwide. The education system emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical application through case studies and moot court exercises.
3. Diverse Specializations: Law schools in the USA offer a wide array of specializations, including international law, environmental law, intellectual property, and human rights law. This diversity allows students to tailor their education to their career interests and goals.
4. Career Opportunities: The U.S. legal market is one of the largest in the world, offering numerous career opportunities in various sectors such as corporate law, public interest law, and government. A U.S. law degree can be a gateway to prestigious and high-paying job opportunities.
5. Networking: Studying in the USA provides access to a broad network of alumni, professors, and professionals. These networks can be invaluable for mentorship, internships, and employment opportunities after graduation.
6. Global Influence: U.S. law often sets precedents that influence other legal systems and international law practices. Understanding U.S. law can be beneficial for those interested in working in international contexts or for multinational corporations.
7. Multicultural Environment: American law schools host students from around the globe, offering a multicultural environment that enriches learning and enables students to build a global perspective on legal issues.
8. Bar Passage and Practice: Graduates from U.S. law schools are prepared to take the bar exam in various states, which is necessary for practicing law in the USA. Moreover, some programs specifically prepare international students for the challenges of the bar exam.
University Name |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
International Law, Environmental Law, Health Law |
|
Yale University |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Corporate Law, Human Rights, Constitutional Law |
|
Stanford University |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Tax Law |
|
University of Chicago |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Law and Economics, Criminal Justice, International Law |
|
Columbia University |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Business Law, Environmental Law, National Security Law |
|
New York University (NYU) |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Tax Law, International Law, Public Interest Law |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Technology Law, Environmental Law, Social Justice |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Health Law, Environmental Law, Business Law |
|
University of Michigan |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Civil Rights, Environmental Law, Immigration Law |
|
Duke University |
J.D. (Juris Doctor) |
Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Law, Public Policy |
University Name |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Business Law, Human Rights |
|
Yale University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Constitutional Law, International Law, Legal Theory |
|
Stanford University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate Governance, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law |
|
Columbia University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate Law, International Law, Taxation |
|
New York University (NYU) |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Business Regulation, Tax Law, Legal Theory |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Technology Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate Law, International Law, Human Rights |
|
University of Chicago |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Law and Economics, Public Law, Criminal Justice |
|
Georgetown University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Legal Studies, Taxation, National Security Law |
|
Duke University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Public International Law |
University Name |
Program Name |
Specializations/Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
|
University of California, Berkeley |
B.A. in Legal Studies |
International Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law |
|
New York University (NYU) |
B.A. in Law & Society |
Legal Theory, Human Rights, Public Policy |
|
Georgetown University |
B.A. in Government (with a Legal Studies track) |
American Law, International Law, Political Theory |
|
University of Chicago |
B.A. in Law, Letters, and Society |
Law and Economics, History of Law, Sociology of Law |
|
Stanford University |
B.A. in Political Science (with a focus on Legal Studies) |
International Relations, Public Policy, Legal Institutions |
|
University of Southern California (USC) |
B.A. in Law, History, and Culture |
Constitutional Law, Civil Rights, Legal History |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) |
Political Theory, Ethics, Economic Policy |
|
University of Michigan |
B.A. in Political Science (with a focus on Legal Studies) |
Public Law, Criminal Justice, Political Theory |
|
Boston University |
B.A. in Political Science (with a Pre-Law track) |
American Law, International Law, Political Theory |
|
Northeastern University |
B.S. in Criminal Justice |
Criminal Law, Law and Society, Public Policy |
University Name |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights |
|
Yale University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Constitutional Law, International Law, Legal Theory |
|
Stanford University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate Governance, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law |
|
Columbia University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate Law, International Law, Taxation |
|
New York University (NYU) |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Business Regulation, Tax Law, Legal Theory |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Technology Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate Law, International Law, Human Rights |
|
University of Chicago |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Law and Economics, Public Law, Criminal Justice |
|
Georgetown University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
International Legal Studies, Taxation, National Security Law |
|
Duke University |
LL.M. (Master of Laws) |
Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Public International Law |
University Name |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) |
Constitutional Law, International Law, Human Rights |
|
Yale University |
J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) |
Legal Theory, Constitutional Law, Comparative Law |
|
Stanford University |
J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) |
Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law |
|
Columbia University |
J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) |
International Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law |
|
New York University (NYU) |
J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) |
International Law, Legal Theory, Taxation |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) |
Technology Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights |
|
University of Chicago |
J.S.D. (Doctor of the Science of Law) |
Law and Economics, Public Law, Criminal Justice |
|
Georgetown University |
S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) |
International Legal Studies, National Security Law, Constitutional Law |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) |
Corporate Law, Human Rights, International Law |
|
Duke University |
S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) |
Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Public International Law |
University Name |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
Graduate Program in Law |
Corporate Law, International Law, Human Rights |
|
New York University (NYU) |
Advanced Professional Certificate in Law (APCL) |
Taxation, Corporate Compliance, Intellectual Property |
|
Georgetown University |
Certificate in International Human Rights Law |
Human Rights Law, International Legal Studies |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Certificate in Environmental Law |
Environmental Law, Energy Law |
|
University of Southern California (USC) |
Graduate Certificate in Business Law |
Business Law, Corporate Governance |
|
Boston University |
Certificate in Legal Studies |
Paralegal Studies, Litigation, Contract Law |
|
Northwestern University |
Advanced Certificate in Corporate Law |
Corporate Law, Securities Law |
|
American University Washington College of Law |
Graduate Certificate in Health Law and Policy |
Health Law, Policy Law |
|
Fordham University |
Advanced Certificate in International Business and Trade Law |
International Trade Law, Business Law |
|
University of Miami |
Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development and Law |
Real Estate Law, Development Law |
University Name |
Program Name |
Duration |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
Executive Education Programs |
1-2 weeks |
Negotiation, Leadership in Law Firms, Corporate Governance |
|
New York University (NYU) |
Summer Legal English Institute |
4 weeks |
Legal English, U.S. Legal System, Contract Law |
|
Georgetown University |
Summer Institute on Law and Policy |
3 weeks |
International Law, Human Rights, Policy Law |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Legal Studies Summer Program |
6 weeks |
Introduction to U.S. Law, Intellectual Property Law |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford Program in International Legal Studies |
2 weeks |
International Law, Human Rights, Technology Law |
|
University of Southern California (USC) |
Summer Law and English (SLE) Program |
4 weeks |
Legal English, U.S. Law, Legal Writing |
|
University of Chicago |
Summer Institute in Law and Economics |
3 weeks |
Law and Economics, Public Policy, Regulation |
|
Columbia University |
Law School Summer Program |
4 weeks |
Corporate Law, International Arbitration, Constitutional Law |
|
American University Washington College of Law |
Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law |
2-3 weeks |
Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law |
|
Fordham University |
Summer Institute in New York City |
4 weeks |
International Law, U.S. Legal System, Business Law |
University Name |
Notable Course Programs |
Specializations/Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
Corporate Law, International Law, Human Rights |
|
Yale University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
Constitutional Law, Legal Theory, Human Rights |
|
Stanford University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law |
|
Columbia University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
Corporate Law, International Law, Taxation |
|
New York University (NYU) |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
International Law, Tax Law, Legal Theory |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
Technology Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights |
|
University of Chicago |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
Law and Economics, Public Law, Criminal Justice |
|
Georgetown University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
International Law, Human Rights, National Security Law |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
Corporate Law, Human Rights, International Law |
|
Duke University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Michigan |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
Criminal Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
Northwestern University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
Business Law, Taxation, Health Law |
|
University of Virginia |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, International Law |
|
Cornell University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
International Law, Human Rights, Business Law |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
Entertainment Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
University Name |
Program Name |
Application Deadline |
Intake Period |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: February 1, LL.M.: December 1, S.J.D.: April 1 |
Fall |
|
Yale University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 15, LL.M.: December 1, J.S.D.: March 1 |
Fall |
|
Stanford University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 1, LL.M.: December 1, J.S.D.: January 15 |
Fall |
|
Columbia University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 15, LL.M.: December 18, J.S.D.: February 1 |
Fall |
|
New York University (NYU) |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 15, LL.M.: December 20, J.S.D.: January 1 |
Fall |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 1, LL.M.: December 1, J.S.D.: April 1 |
Fall |
|
University of Chicago |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: March 1, LL.M.: December 15, J.S.D.: May 15 |
Fall |
|
Georgetown University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: March 1, LL.M.: January 5, S.J.D.: February 1 |
Fall |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: March 1, LL.M.: December 15, S.J.D.: March 15 |
Fall |
|
Duke University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: February 15, LL.M.: January 20, S.J.D.: April 1 |
Fall |
|
University of Michigan |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: February 15, LL.M.: January 15, S.J.D.: April 1 |
Fall |
|
Northwestern University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 15, LL.M.: January 15, J.S.D.: May 1 |
Fall |
|
University of Virginia |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: March 1, LL.M.: December 1, S.J.D.: February 1 |
Fall |
|
Cornell University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: February 1, LL.M.: December 15, J.S.D.: March 1 |
Fall |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: February 1, LL.M.: December 1, S.J.D.: February 1 |
Fall |
University Name |
Program Name |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $70,430, LL.M.: $70,430, S.J.D.: $70,430 |
|
Yale University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $71,400, LL.M.: $71,400, J.S.D.: $71,400 |
|
Stanford University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $70,320, LL.M.: $70,320, J.S.D.: $70,320 |
|
Columbia University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $74,995, LL.M.: $74,995, J.S.D.: $74,995 |
|
New York University (NYU) |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $73,216, LL.M.: $73,216, J.S.D.: $73,216 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $62,283 (in-state), $70,326 (out-of-state), LL.M.: $65,321, J.S.D.: $65,321 |
|
University of Chicago |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $73,185, LL.M.: $73,185, J.S.D.: $73,185 |
|
Georgetown University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $69,280, LL.M.: $65,160, S.J.D.: $65,160 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $72,516, LL.M.: $72,516, S.J.D.: $72,516 |
|
Duke University |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $71,700, LL.M.: $71,700, S.J.D.: $71,700 |
|
University of Michigan |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $64,098 (in-state), $67,098 (out-of-state), LL.M.: $67,098, S.J.D.: $67,098 |
|
Northwestern University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $72,212, LL.M.: $72,212, J.S.D.: $72,212 |
|
University of Virginia |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $66,500 (in-state), $69,500 (out-of-state), LL.M.: $69,500, S.J.D.: $69,500 |
|
Cornell University |
J.D., LL.M., J.S.D. |
J.D.: $72,800, LL.M.: $72,800, J.S.D.: $72,800 |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
J.D., LL.M., S.J.D. |
J.D.: $52,468 (in-state), $60,739 (out-of-state), LL.M.: $62,073, S.J.D.: $62,073 |
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
S.J.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, detailed research proposal, and demonstrated research capabilities.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
J.S.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, academic excellence.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
J.S.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, scholarly potential.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
J.S.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, strong academic record.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
J.S.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, academic qualifications.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
J.S.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, academic excellence.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
J.S.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, scholarly work.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
S.J.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, academic distinction.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
S.J.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, high academic standards.
J.D.: Bachelor's degree, LSAT score.
LL.M.: J.D. or equivalent law degree, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers.
S.J.D.: LL.M. or equivalent, research proposal, demonstrated research potential.
University Name |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount/Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
The HLS Public Interest Funding |
J.D. students committed to public interest law |
Full or partial tuition, living expenses |
|
Yale University |
The Yale Law School Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) |
J.D. graduates working in public interest law |
Loan repayment assistance |
|
Stanford University |
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program |
All degree-seeking students, including LL.M. and J.S.D. |
Full funding for tuition, stipend, and related expenses |
|
Columbia University |
Human Rights Fellowship |
LL.M. students focusing on human rights |
Full or partial tuition, stipend for living expenses |
|
New York University (NYU) |
Hauser Global Scholars Program |
LL.M. students |
Full tuition, living stipend |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice Scholarship |
J.D. students committed to social justice |
Varies, can include full tuition and living stipend |
|
University of Chicago |
Rubenstein Scholars Program |
J.D. students |
Full tuition |
|
Georgetown University |
Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program |
LL.M. students from Africa focusing on women's rights |
Full tuition, living stipend |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
Toll Public Interest Scholars Program |
J.D. students committed to public interest law |
Full tuition, summer stipends |
|
Duke University |
Mordecai Scholars Program |
J.D. students |
Full tuition, summer stipends |
|
University of Michigan |
Michigan Law Scholars Program |
J.D. students |
Full or partial tuition |
|
Northwestern University |
Pritzker Legal Research Center Scholarship |
J.D. and LL.M. students |
Varies, can include full tuition |
|
University of Virginia |
Karsh-Dillard Scholarships |
J.D. students |
Full tuition, additional funding for summer projects |
|
Cornell University |
Berger International Legal Studies Scholarship |
J.D. and LL.M. students focusing on international law |
Partial tuition |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy |
J.D. students committed to public interest law |
Full or partial tuition, living stipend |
Career Path |
Description |
Average Salary (per year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Corporate Lawyer |
Represents businesses in legal matters |
$120,000 - $180,000 |
|
Public Interest Lawyer |
Works for non-profit organizations or government |
$50,000 - $80,000 |
|
Judicial Clerk |
Assists judges with research and writing |
$60,000 - $80,000 |
|
Legal Consultant |
Provides expert legal advice to businesses |
$90,000 - $150,000 |
|
Law Professor |
Teaches law at universities and conducts research |
$100,000 - $160,000 |
|
Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Defends individuals accused of crimes |
$70,000 - $120,000 |
|
Prosecutor |
Represents the state in criminal cases |
$60,000 - $110,000 |
|
Intellectual Property Lawyer |
Specializes in protecting intellectual property rights |
$100,000 - $160,000 |
|
Human Rights Lawyer |
Works on cases involving human rights issues |
$50,000 - $90,000 |
|
Environmental Lawyer |
Focuses on laws and regulations related to the environment |
$80,000 - $130,000 |
|
Family Lawyer |
Handles cases related to family matters |
$60,000 - $100,000 |
|
Immigration Lawyer |
Assists clients with immigration processes |
$60,000 - $110,000 |
|
Real Estate Lawyer |
Deals with property-related transactions and disputes |
$80,000 - $130,000 |
|
Tax Lawyer |
Specializes in tax-related legal matters |
$100,000 - $150,000 |
|
Litigation Attorney |
Represents clients in civil lawsuits |
$90,000 - $150,000 |
