Gavin Howe
There are many universities around the world where you can study law, with the top spots in rankings usually dominated by institutions from the UK or the US. The National University of Singapore is the only university from outside of the UK and US to feature in the top 10. The University of Pretoria in South Africa is ranked as the best place to study law in Africa, and is in the top 100 law schools in the world. In the US, the University of Chicago is a top-ranking law school, while the University of Miami School of Law is also a great choice. In the UK, the London School of Economics, King's College London, and the University of Cambridge are all highly regarded for law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top universities for law in the world | The UK and the US dominate the top spots. The National University of Singapore is the only university outside of the UK and US in the top 10. Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Canada and France feature in the top 20. |
| Top universities for law in the UK | London School of Economics and Political Science, King's College London, City (City St George's, University of London), Royal Holloway, University of London |
| Top universities for law in the US | University of Chicago, University of the District of Columbia (Clarke), University of Miami |
| Top universities for law in South Africa | University of Pretoria |
| Law degree courses | LLB, BA, and BSc Law first-degree courses |
| Law degree specialisations | Business Law, Criminal Law, Public Law, Tax Law, Family Law, Environmental Law, Immigration Law, etc. |
| Law degree costs | Tuition ranges from $13,438 (in-state at a public university) to $74,607 (at a private university). |
| Law degree duration | Typically three years for full-time programs, four years or more for part-time programs, and as little as two years for accelerated programs. |
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What You'll Learn
Best universities for law in the UK
Aspiring law students in the UK have a variety of institutions to choose from, with 54 universities across the country offering law degrees. The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are considered the best universities for law in the UK, with London School of Economics, UCL, and King's College London also ranking highly.
The University of Glasgow is also a great choice for law students, with its School of Law celebrated for its innovative approach to teaching and research. The university offers an LLM in Corporate & Financial Law, a one-year programme that covers corporate law, financial regulations, and business transactions. Entry requirements include a 2:1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in law or other subjects, with at least 50% of the credits in law.
Warwick Law School, within the University of Warwick, is another excellent option, known for its strong research culture and commitment to teaching excellence. The LLM in International Commercial Law is a one-year postgraduate programme that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international and corporate law. Entry requirements include a good 2:1 degree or equivalent in law or a related subject.
When choosing a law school, it is important to consider various factors such as entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, teaching quality, and research quality. The UK university rankings for law can help guide aspiring law students in selecting institutions with strong reputations, industry connections, and high-quality teaching.
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Best universities for law in the US
The cost of law school in the US varies depending on whether the school is private or public and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Tuition fees can range from $13,438 for in-state students at the public University of the District of Columbia (Clarke) to $74,607 at the private University of Chicago.
The U.S. News and World Report ranks law schools using approximately 12 different factors, and the top 14 spots have historically been occupied by the so-called "T14 schools", including Harvard, Yale, Northwestern, Duke, Georgetown, Cornell, and Columbia University. These schools are renowned worldwide and offer high employment outlooks and salary prospects.
However, it is important to consider other factors when choosing a law school, such as the student experience, class size, events, and extracurricular opportunities. For example, Georgetown Law Center is excellent for public interest and government legal work, while Fordham University specializes in private sector work.
Other notable law schools in the US include Stanford, Michigan, Virginia, Berkeley, UCLA, and Vanderbilt.
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Specialising in an area of law
There are several different strands within the study of law, including LLB, BA, and BSc Law first-degree courses. Law degrees will teach you about the legal systems that underpin society.
Specialisations
There are many specialisations within the field of law, and the right specialisation can help you create a sustainable career that aligns with your interests, financial security, and job opportunities.
Criminal Law
Criminal law deals with offences against the state and society. Specialising in this area involves understanding the legal frameworks governing crimes, punishments, and the justice system. It covers everything from prosecution and defence strategies to criminal investigations and trials. A specialisation in criminal law prepares students for careers as public prosecutors, defence attorneys, or legal advisors in criminal cases, with opportunities to work in both the public and private sectors.
Corporate Law
Corporate law is crucial for businesses to navigate the complexities of the legal framework surrounding corporations, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance. Specialising in this field allows students to become experts in drafting legal documents, handling corporate disputes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Graduates can pursue careers in top law firms, multinational companies, or as legal advisors to businesses, making it one of the most lucrative areas of law.
Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property law (IPR) focuses on the protection of creations of the mind, including inventions, trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Specialising in IPR allows students to assist businesses and individuals in safeguarding their innovations, ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws, and managing disputes over ownership. With the growing importance of sectors like entertainment, technology, and pharmaceuticals, careers in IPR are in high demand globally.
Taxation Law
Taxation law deals with the legal regulations governing taxes on individuals and businesses. This specialisation equips students to interpret tax legislation, structure tax strategies, and handle disputes related to tax assessments. Professionals in this field often work as tax consultants, advisors in law firms, or as legal officers in the tax departments of multinational corporations.
Environmental Law
Environmental law is an emerging specialisation that focuses on the legal aspects of environmental issues, such as climate change, conservation, and natural resource management.
Other Specialisations
Other specialisations include Business Law, Public Law, Civil Law, International Law, Labour Law, Immigration Law, and Real Estate Law.
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Law school application process
The law school application process can be challenging, so it's important to be prepared. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Step 1: Preliminary Research and Self-Reflection
Before embarking on the application process, it's crucial to conduct preliminary research and engage in self-reflection. Consider the costs and benefits of law school and evaluate whether pursuing a legal education will help you achieve your life goals. Make a balanced list of reasons for applying to law school, which will help you stay focused when self-doubt arises.
Step 2: Academic Performance and Preparation
Academic performance is a critical factor in law school admissions. Ensure that you focus on your current studies and strive for excellent grades. If you're in college, the spring semester is particularly important, as it can boost your GPA and increase your chances of securing strong recommendation letters. Consider taking a free LSAT practice test to assess your diagnostic score and determine if an LSAT prep course is necessary.
Step 3: Standardized Tests and Transcripts
Most law schools require applicants to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). It is advisable to take the LSAT by June or September/October, with the score released before your first law school application deadline. Some schools may also accept other standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. Request transcripts from your previous academic institutions, and submit them along with your test scores.
Step 4: Personal Statement and Recommendations
Craft a thoughtful and well-written personal statement that clearly articulates your reasons for pursuing law and your specific areas of interest within the field. Seek feedback from trusted individuals to refine your statement. Additionally, cultivate relationships with professors or employers who can provide strong letters of recommendation. Give them ample time to submit their letters and provide them with clear instructions.
Step 5: Application Submission and Timeline
Most law schools open their applications by September, and it is advantageous to apply as early as possible. Compile a list of requirements for each target school, carefully reviewing short-answer questions and essay prompts. Aim to submit all your applications by late November or early December, regardless of official deadlines.
Step 6: Wait for Decisions and Negotiate
Application decisions typically arrive between December and April. If you are waitlisted, consider sending an update and a letter of continued interest to the school. If you receive multiple offers, visit the schools and consider negotiating scholarships to leverage your options.
Remember, this process may vary slightly depending on the specific law school and your individual circumstances. It is essential to stay organized, proactive, and diligent throughout your law school application journey.
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Studying law abroad
When considering studying law abroad, it is important to choose a destination that is relevant to your course of study and future career plans. Law is a professional course of study, and going overseas requires careful planning to ensure that the coursework aligns with your graduation and graduate school timelines. It is also important to consider the language of instruction and whether you have the necessary proficiency to take classes in that language. For example, proficiency in German is required for students wishing to study at Humboldt University in Berlin.
There are several ways to study law abroad. You can participate in summer study abroad programs, semester study exchanges, or dual-degree programs. Many universities have partnerships with foreign schools, allowing students to spend a semester or year studying in another country. For example, Northwestern Pritzker Law School has exchange relationships with Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany, the National University of Singapore, King's College London, and several other universities. The University of Notre Dame also offers exchange programs with the Pontificia Universidad Católica, Paris II Panthéon-Assas in Paris, France, and Tsinghua School of Law in Beijing, China, among others.
When deciding where to study abroad, it is important to look critically at the courses offered and ensure that they complement your existing undergraduate coursework. If you are enrolling in a semester or year-long program, make sure that the courses on offer will satisfy the requirements at your home university. Additionally, consider the reputation and expertise of the faculty at the foreign university.
Finally, it is important to plan your studies abroad carefully. Studying abroad can interfere with law school application timelines and preparing for entrance exams such as the LSAT. It is recommended to study abroad before the application process begins so that you can fully enjoy your time overseas. Additionally, consider the cost of studying abroad, as tuition fees can vary significantly depending on whether the school is private or public and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. However, there may be opportunities to carry over your financial aid and apply for additional scholarships.
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Frequently asked questions
The QS World University Rankings for Law and Legal Studies 2025 ranks institutions from the UK and US as the top places to study law. The National University of Singapore is the only university from outside of the UK and US to feature in the top 10. Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Canada, and France also feature in the top 20. The University of Pretoria in South Africa is ranked as the best place to study law in Africa and is in the top 100 law schools in the world.
The Law Subject League Table 2026 ranks the best universities for law in the UK. Some of the universities featured include King's College London, City (City St George's, University, and Royal Holloway, University of London.
The University of Miami School of Law is one of the top research universities in the US. The University of Chicago and the University of the District of Columbia are also ranked highly.
