If you aspire to pursue a law degree in the USA, the country boasts some of the world’s most prestigious law schools. In this guide, we will explore the top 10 law schools in the USA for the year 2020, shed light on the various law programs they offer, and provide insights into the steps and requirements for studying law in the United States.
Top 10 Law Schools in the USA (2020)
| Rank | University | US News Ranking | QS World Ranking for Law Schools | THE World University Rankings for Law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | 1 | 7 | – |
| 2 | Yale University | 4 | 8 | – |
| 3 | Stanford University | 5 | 4 | – |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 7 | 13 | – |
| 5 | Columbia University | 8 | 16 | – |
| 6 | New York University (NYU) | 9 | 29 | – |
| 7 | University of Chicago | 11 | 9 | – |
| 8 | Georgetown University | 18 | 102 | – |
| 9 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 26 | 17 | – |
| 10 | University of Michigan | 29 | 21 | – |
Programs to Pursue at Best Law Schools in the US:
- Juris Doctor (J.D):
- Duration: 3 years (4 years for part-time students)
- Essential for practicing law in the USA.
- LLM (Master of Laws):
- Duration: 1 year
- Designed for expanding knowledge in a specific aspect of law or for international students adjusting to the US legal system.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D):
- Duration: 3 years
- The highest law degree, akin to a Ph.D. Only a few top law schools in the US offer this program.
Types of Law Degrees:
- First Year: Covers universal topics.
- Second Year: Practical experience in real-world legal scenarios.
- Third Year: Specializations in areas such as International Law, Public Law, Criminal Law, Business Law, and Patent Law.
How to Study Law in the USA? Application Requirements:
To apply for a law school in the USA, follow these steps:
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (four-year degree) in any subject.
- Application Process:
- Most law schools, both ABA (American Bar Association) approved and non-ABA approved, require applying through LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service). Register with LSDAS.
- Standardized Testing:
- Prepare and take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), a standardized test for law school candidates. It is crucial for studying law in the USA and Canada.
- English Language Proficiency:
- Take IELTS/TOEFL if English is not your native language to demonstrate proficiency.
Embarking on a journey to study law in the USA is a significant step toward a rewarding legal career. Consider the top law schools and carefully navigate the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements for a successful admission. Good luck on your path to becoming a legal professional in the United States!