Kara Sears
Studying law in the USA is a dream for many international students. However, it is important to note that international students cannot study law at the undergraduate level in the US. Instead, they must first obtain a bachelor's degree and then apply to law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, the highest law degree in the US. The legal education system in the US is unique and academically rigorous, with a focus on specialized legal studies and practical skills. Law school graduates in the US can pursue careers as attorneys or in other fields such as politics, diplomacy, economics, and education. The decision to study law in the US should be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as school rankings, accreditation, and the intention to practice law in a specific state.
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What You'll Learn
International students
When choosing a law school in the US, international students should consider the school's ranking, location, and campus environment. The northeastern region of the US, including Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, is known for its well-established law schools and proximity to top law firms. However, there are also excellent law schools across the country, and it is generally recommended to attend law school in the area where you intend to practice.
To increase their chances of acceptance, international students should ensure they have all the required materials before applying and work on crafting a strong personal statement that showcases their English skills and passion for law. Additionally, seeking letters of recommendation and exploring financial resources, such as scholarships, can be beneficial.
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Undergraduate requirements
To study law as an undergraduate in the US, you must first complete a bachelor's degree in any subject. This is because, in the US, law is a postgraduate degree. This differs from some countries, including China, Australia, and the UK, where you can begin studying law at the undergraduate level and earn a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.).
The benefit of the US system is that it allows students to explore a variety of subjects before committing to law as a career path. Students can choose any field of study that prepares them for applying to law school and for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). There is no specific pre-law major, but some common choices include English and political science. It is generally recommended that students attend law school in the area where they intend to practice. This is because, in the US, each state administers its own bar exam, and it can be helpful to be familiar with the laws and principles of that particular state.
After completing their undergraduate degree, students can apply to law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is required to practice law in the US. The J.D. program typically involves three years of study for full-time students and four years for part-time students. The first year of law school covers foundational courses in core law concepts such as torts, contracts, civil procedure, property, criminal law, and constitutional law. In the second and third years, students choose an area of specialisation, such as administrative law, legal theory, analytical legal methods, bankruptcy, business law, and ethics.
It is important to note that the J.D. is not always recognised outside of the US, and individuals intending to practice law in another country should research the requirements of that jurisdiction. However, many countries allow graduates with a Master of Law (LL.M.) to practice, and this degree can be earned in the US in as little as one year. Some states, such as New York and California, allow international students with an LL.M. to take the bar exam and practice law, although exact requirements vary by state.
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Law school applications
When applying to law school, students must register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which is required by nearly all ABA-approved law schools and some non-ABA-approved schools. International students must also provide financial documents showing proof of funds for the academic year if applying for an F1 visa.
The personal statement is a critical component of the law school application. Applicants must demonstrate excellent English skills and a passion for law, explaining why they want to attend law school in the US. It is an opportunity for international students to highlight how their diverse backgrounds can benefit the school.
It is generally recommended that applicants consider attending law school in the area where they intend to practice. School rankings, campus visits, and conversations with current students and graduates can provide valuable insights when deciding on a law school. The reputation and recognition of the school are also essential factors, as the legal field is status-oriented.
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is another crucial aspect of the law school application process. The results of the LSAT, along with the applicant's undergraduate degree, will form the framework for admission to a Juris Doctor (JD) program. The JD is the highest law degree in the US and is required to practice law in the country.
It is worth noting that a law degree alone does not give the right to practice law as an attorney in the US. After completing law school, aspiring lawyers must pass the state-administered bar exam in the jurisdiction where they intend to practice. The bar exam is the final step before beginning their legal practice.
International students can use their US law degree to practice law in other countries, as many nations allow graduates with a Master of Law (LL.M.) to work in the legal field. An LL.M. can be earned in the US in as little as one year, and some states, like New York and California, allow international students with an LL.M. to take the bar exam.
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Law school curriculum
Anyone can study law in the USA, but international students should be aware that a Juris Doctor (JD) from a US law school will not always prepare them to practice law in their home country, as US law schools teach common law based on the British system.
The curriculum of a law school in the USA is academically rigorous and structured. It is designed to prepare students for the bar exam, which is the final step in legal education before they begin practising law in their state. The first year of law school, in particular, is the foundation of a student's legal education.
Across law schools in the USA, the first-year curriculum includes courses on:
- Torts, or harmful acts for which someone might be held legally responsible under civil law.
- Civil cases and their judgments.
- Contractual relationships, including the law governing the system of conditions and obligations a contract represents, as well as the legal resolutions available when contracts are breached.
Additionally, many law schools require first-year students to participate in a moot court exercise, where they prepare briefs and oral arguments for a mock trial.
In the second and third years, students are required to complete 40 core credit hours, two courses with a substantial writing component, and eight credits in experiential courses.
Law school graduates in many jurisdictions must also take continued legal education courses to maintain their licenses. These courses cover various legal fields, including human life and family-related matters such as mental health law, land law, labour law, and insurance law.
Law schools in the USA also offer a wide range of courses, seminars, and reading groups. For instance, students can take courses that analyse law from an interdisciplinary approach, discussing topics such as public international law and its connection to international relations, European Union law, and Islamic law.
Students can also gain real-world experience by practising in in-house clinics or outside organisations, as well as taking on writing projects for academic credit.
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Practising law post-graduation
Once you have graduated from law school, there are a few more steps to take before you can begin practising law in the United States. Firstly, it is important to note that the legal profession in the US is regulated by jurisdiction, meaning there are 57 different sets of rules governing the right to practise law. These are specific to each state, the District of Columbia, and territories under federal control.
If you are an international student, it is worth noting that a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a US law school will not always prepare you to practise law in your home country, as US law schools teach common law based on the British system. However, there are some law firms around the world that hire lawyers with a J.D.
Choosing a Law School
When choosing a law school, it is recommended that you attend law school in the general area where you intend to practise. The reputation of the school is also important—the legal field is very status-oriented, so more prestigious schools may offer better employment opportunities. On the other hand, if you can stand out in a lower-ranked school, this may be a good way to make yourself more noticeable.
Taking the Bar Exam
Once you have graduated from law school, the next step is to register for the state-administered bar exam in the jurisdiction where you will be working. Most bar exams are approximately two days long, with a few states having three-day exams. They consist of multiple-choice and essay questions designed to test knowledge of general legal principles, as well as state-specific laws and principles. Most students take a bar review or other exam preparation course to prepare for this test.
Continuing Education
After passing the bar exam, you can begin practising law in your state. However, in many jurisdictions, law graduates must continue to take legal education courses to maintain their license. These courses cover various legal fields, such as mental health law, land law, labour law, and insurance law, and help lawyers stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the legal field.
Practical Training
In addition to continuing education, new lawyers undergo practical training, applying their legal knowledge to real-life, practical situations. This training helps lawyers broaden their skills and gain experience, making them more employable.
Career Options
A law degree can open many doors, providing the necessary skills to practice as an attorney or develop a career in another field such as politics, diplomacy, economics, business, or education.
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Frequently asked questions
To study law in the USA, you must first complete a bachelor's degree in any subject. This is because there is no formalized law program in the US after high school.
International students cannot study law at the undergraduate level in the US. Instead, they must complete an undergraduate degree first and then apply for a Juris Doctor JD program.
A JD, or Juris Doctor, is the highest law degree in the US. It is required to practice law in the country. The program involves three years of study for full-time students and four years for part-time students.
To practice law in the USA, you must pass a bar exam. Each US state has its own bar exam, which is approximately two to three days long. It is generally recommended that you attend law school in the area where you intend to practice.
When choosing a law school, you should consider the school's reputation and ranking. The legal field is status-oriented, so some schools may have more name recognition than others. However, you could also consider choosing a lower-ranked school where you can stand out more.
