You may be anxious to know which are the best universities and colleges to study a law degree if you are planning to apply to best law schools in USA.
The ranking of law schools in the States is by far the most consistent, and has not changed for more than 20 years. The only difference is the order of the first ten slots, which changes marginally annually. You might claim that the only thing that counts is that no matter what it is, you have been admitted into a top law school in the US.
Some of you on the other hand, have to follow the custom of the family and go to a particular law school, the one from which all of your family members graduated. It is necessary for others to be admitted to one of the top three or top five in the rankings.
However one thing is certain; American law schools and colleges have a long and exemplary history of excellent academic instruction. While it is important to take note of these annual rankings of law schools, based on various parameters set by your own judgment, you can make your final decision.
Best Law Schools in the US
With reference to the U.S. News, the best law schools in the United States are as follows;
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- University of Chicago
- Columbia University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Virginia
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Duke University
How to get into the United States’ best law school
You should recognize that law schools in the United States have different standards compared to Europe.
These are the steps to take during admission to law school;
- It may be related to law studies, but that is not mandatory.
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree. All applicants who have earned a Bachelor’s degree are admitted by law schools, regardless of their previous areas of study.
- Take the LSAT, an official assessment that tests the critical and analytical skills needed to obtain a degree in law.
- Choose two or three law schools and begin applying.
Types of Law degrees in the U.S.
Juris Doctor
In the United States, all law schools, both public and private, grant J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree that is required in the nation to practice law. Three years of study for full-time law students and four years for part-time students are included in the J.D program.
Master of Laws (L.L.M.)
After completing a J.D., a Master of Laws degree is a one year full-time study programme. Uh. Program. An L.L.M. is intended for those students who wish to further emphasize the comprehension of a specific field of law or for international students who need to relate to the U.S. legal system in addition.
Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
The degree of Doctor of Judicial Science is the highest academic degree in the legal profession, equivalent to the normal PhD program. An S.J.D. lasts for three years and is followed more often by students interested in teaching law. A limited number of S.J.D. services are however, offered by most law schools in the States.
Way of Teaching and Curriculum at U.S. Law schools
You will have courses covering subjects such as administrative law, legal theory, theoretical legal methods, bankruptcy, corporate law and ethics, civil rights, constitutional law and much more during the three to four years of studying law.
- Apply for fully funded scholarships
In order to obtain practical experience that can often contribute to a potential job after graduation, most local and foreign students in the United States participate in an internship program between the 2nd and 3rd years.
You may select elective courses tailored to the unique law specialty that will shape your future career, beginning with the 3rd year.
Law Specializations in USA include;
- International Law
- Public Law
- Criminal Law
- Business Law
- Patent Law
It might not look like an easy task for students, it is the best opportunity for American teachers to train prospective law professionals to be serious, logical and swift problem solvers.
Passing the bar exam to become a lawyer in the U.S.
When you finish law school successfully, you have to take one more step that will help you become a real lawyer, and that is passing the bar exam.
In every state, you can take the bar exam, but you have to pick the exact state where you intend to practice law afterwards. – state in the USA has its own bar admission laws, and if you are admitted to one state, you will most likely only be permitted to practice as a lawyer in that state alone.
As several states have signed agreements in this way, there are several exceptions, granting law practitioners the freedom to practice without having to take another bar exam.
Why should you be a lawyer in the US?
Maybe you must have heard a thousand reasons why it’s so intense and exciting to be a lawyer in the Great USA. The U.S. is a big country to begin with and that eventually leads to various job possibilities. Second, the legal system of the States, all at the same time, is by far the most open, challenging, surprising and plain.
- Read also; Acceptance rates of the Ivy league schools
Last, but not least, from any point of view, the lawyer’s career is incredibly satisfying. Financially, a “fresh” lawyer’s annual income starts from about 160,000 USD. Morally speaking, for many individuals, you will become an everyday hero and genuinely make a difference in their lives.
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