Cecily Zamora
Studying law can be a challenging and intimidating process, but it can open many doors for you. Law gives you the necessary skills to practice as an attorney or develop a career in another field such as politics, diplomacy, economics, business, or education. In this paragraph, we will explore the different pathways to studying law in different countries and the requirements for international students. We will also discuss the benefits of a law degree and the importance of choosing the right law school.
Characteristics of Studying Law Externally
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries where it is possible to study law | Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US |
| Degree required to practice law in the US | JD degree |
| Degree required to practice law in the UK | LLB (Bachelor of Law degree) |
| Requirement to practice law in the US | Pass the bar exam associated with the state of practice |
| Requirement to practice law in the UK | Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) |
| Other requirements to practice law in the US | Degree approved by the American Bar Association, complete a year of study at an approved law school |
| Requirements for international students | A J.D. (Juris Doctor) from a US law school will not always prepare you to practice law in your home country |
| Law degree characteristics in Australia | Competitive, requiring high grades and a Law Admissions Test (LAT) |
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What You'll Learn
Law degree competitiveness
Law is a highly competitive field, and this competitiveness starts with getting into law school. To get into law school, you generally need to have a strong undergraduate GPA, as well as a high score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). However, having a high GPA and LSAT score is not the only way to get into law school. Law schools also consider other factors, such as work experience, community involvement, and extracurricular activities, as well as personal statements, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
The competitiveness continues into law school, where the classroom settings can be intense. To get a decent grade, you will often have to state the law and the facts of the cases. Mooting, or practising fighting a case, is another way you'll gain experience in law school.
After graduating from law school, the job market for lawyers is extremely competitive, especially for large and prestigious law firms. However, it's important to note that there are many different types of legal careers, and some may be less competitive than others. For example, litigation and defence attorneys are considered to be among the most competitive areas of law.
While the legal field is competitive, it's not just academic or intellectual ability that determines success. Successful lawyers also possess other skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to work well under pressure. Additionally, individuals need to develop their skills and market themselves well in interviews to increase their chances of securing a job in the competitive legal market.
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Law degree flexibility
One example of a flexible law degree program is the Flex Juris Doctor (Flex JD) offered by Albany Law School. This program delivers the benefits of an on-campus law degree with the flexibility of online learning. Students can access the same full-time faculty and legal leaders who teach on-campus courses and can take advantage of the school's location in New York's state capital to connect with lawmakers, government officials, and nonprofit leaders. The program offers small classes with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing a personalized learning experience. It is accredited by the ABA and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring the quality of the education.
The Flex JD program also provides opportunities for experiential learning, externships, and immersive experiences that can be completed remotely or on campus. Students have access to career services, alumni mentoring, and networking events, all offered in a remote-friendly format. The tuition for the Flex JD program is the same as for residential students, and financial aid is available for eligible students.
In addition to the Flex JD program, some law schools offer evening programs designed for students who want to complete their J.D. degree requirements while balancing other commitments. For example, Georgetown Law's Evening Program allows students to complete their degree in four consecutive academic years and provides the option to pursue an accelerated program to finish in three-and-a-half or three years.
It is worth noting that the flexibility in the legal field can vary depending on the work setting. In-house positions and government roles may offer more flexibility than traditional law firms. Additionally, while some firms may have stringent expectations regarding office hours and availability, others may provide more remote work and flexible hour arrangements.
Overall, while the legal field may have a reputation for traditional work expectations, there are flexible options available for those pursuing a law degree, and the specific level of flexibility in the profession can vary depending on the work setting and individual firm culture.
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Law degree prerequisites
There is no specific required undergraduate education to increase your chances of being admitted to law school, as law is a multidisciplinary field. Although students who major in pre-law fields such as business, political science, economics, philosophy, English or history may feel more prepared, many successful law students have undergraduate studies in seemingly unrelated fields. Irrespective of the chosen undergraduate study, the grade point average is usually a major part of a law school's applicant selection process.
The LSAT is a standardised test that most law schools require applicants to take. It consists of two parts and is considered by many American Bar Association-approved law schools to be one of the most important factors for admission, along with the student's bachelor's degree GPA. Alternatively, applicants may need a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) result, a standardised test administered and owned by the Educational Testing Service.
Letters of recommendation are also important and can increase the odds of entering law school. The most well-received letters typically come from work supervisors or previous professors and are usually precise and concise, avoiding general praise and using objective measurements to compare the applicant to their academic peers.
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Law specialisations
Law is a diverse field with many specialisations, and lawyers can choose to focus on a particular area of law to build a rewarding career. Here are some of the most common law specialisations:
Constitutional Law
This area of law focuses on interpreting, following, and amending the United States Constitution. Lawyers practising constitutional law may work privately or for law firms, and they often aim to argue cases before the Supreme Court. Their duties include litigating in court on issues related to citizens' rights and meeting with their clients.
Criminal Law
Criminal law deals with the fundamental issues of law and personal liberties. It revolves around governmental prosecution of individuals accused of committing criminal acts as defined by public law. Criminal defence lawyers represent clients accused of crimes, while prosecutors and district attorneys represent the interests of the state in prosecuting those accused of crimes.
Civil Law
Civil law concerns the private relations between community members, rather than the criminal legal system. Lawyers in this field may oversee cases such as a car accident victim suing the at-fault driver or divorce, contract disputes, and class-action cases. Civil rights law, a subset of civil law, focuses on balancing governmental power and individual liberties, ensuring equal treatment and prohibiting discrimination.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers help companies navigate legal issues, ensure compliance, and minimise risks. They assist with forming, managing, and dissolving commercial transactions, acquisitions, and mergers. Their duties can range from preparing initial articles of incorporation to handling corporate reorganisation under federal bankruptcy law.
Admiralty Law (or Maritime Law)
This niche area of law governs legal matters that take place in navigable bodies of water, including nautical shipping, navigation, and disputes between ships and sailors. Admiralty law also covers topics such as insurance, canals, and piracy. The ship's flag determines the source country of the law, allowing each country to rule over their ships regardless of the waters.
Animal Law
Animal law focuses on non-human animals, addressing issues of animal cruelty, property, entertainment, farming, and federal statutes around exotic animals. Animal rights lawyers defend animal rights activists, campaign for the legal status and rights of animals, and contest animal exploiters.
These are just a few examples of the many law specialisations available. When choosing a specialisation, it is important to consider one's interests, regional job opportunities, and the availability of positions in the desired field.
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Law degree transferability
Transferability is an important aspect of a law degree, as it allows students to switch to a different law school after their first year of studies. This provides an opportunity for those who didn't get into their preferred school initially or those who wish to relocate due to changed personal circumstances.
Factors to Consider for a Law Degree Transfer
When considering transferring law schools, it's important to evaluate the following:
- Academic Performance: Achieving a high GPA in your first year is crucial. Law schools will heavily weigh your 1L grades when evaluating transfer applications.
- Extracurricular Activities: Engage in law-related extracurricular activities, such as clubs, legal advocacy groups, or student bar associations. These activities enhance your resume and provide networking opportunities.
- Internships/Externships: Pursue legal internships or externships during breaks to gain practical experience and make connections in the legal field.
- Letters of Recommendation: Cultivate strong relationships with professors to obtain letters of recommendation for your transfer application.
- Research and Essays: Thoroughly research the schools you're considering and prepare compelling essays explaining your specific reasons for wanting to transfer to each school.
- Scholarships: Keep in mind that transferring law schools may result in losing existing scholarships. Evaluate the financial implications and explore external or transfer school scholarship opportunities.
- School Rankings: While transferring to a higher-ranked school may be desirable, it is challenging. Evaluate the opportunities and resources offered by your current and prospective schools, as a lower-ranked school may still provide excellent education and career prospects.
- Transfer Acceptance Rate: Research the transfer acceptance rates and requirements of your desired schools. Some schools may not accept transfer students in a particular year due to class size constraints or other factors.
Transfer Process
The transfer process typically involves submitting a complete set of grades from your first year of law school, along with other supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation and essays. It is recommended to start researching and preparing your transfer application during the early part of the second semester of your 1L year, as application requirements vary across schools.
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Frequently asked questions
To study law in the US, you will need a Bachelor's degree in any subject or its equivalent. You will also need to register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and provide financial documents showing proof of funds for the academic year if you are applying for an F1 visa. Most states require a JD degree to sit for the bar, and some states, like California, require degree approval from the American Bar Association before you can sit for the bar.
In the UK, you must receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the Law Society of England and Wales, which outlines the tests you must pass and any further training you need. After obtaining the certificate, you need to sit for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) to qualify as a solicitor.
Law degrees in Australia are very competitive, so you will need good grades (ATAR) to get into a top university. Some universities also require the Law Admissions Test (LAT), which can provide more flexibility in your scores.
