In order to get into law school, you first need a bachelor's degree (4-year degree) from an accredited college or university. It does not matter what kind of bachelor's degree you get. However, if you want to practice law internationally, then you may want to consider majoring in a foreign language, politics, or international relations.
Jun 05, 2015 · It could be said that the most direct route into becoming an international lawyer is by becoming qualified in a second (or third, etc.) jurisdiction as a lawyer, and thus being able to practise law and advise clients in more than one jurisdiction and from the perspective of more than one set of laws. The potential gain is clear: businesses are constantly looking for advisors âŠ
Oct 11, 2019 · Harvard Law School's international law program prepares is one of the best in the country. With 100 courses in the area of international law, Harvard provides a comprehensive education in virtually every aspect of the field, from international development to human rights to international trade.
Feb 03, 2021 · As an undergraduate, youâll likely study international organizations, multinational corporations, not-for-profits, non-governmental organizations, and religious organizations. This understanding paired with the ability to think critically and analyze information can be a great foundation for law school.
in International Law Programs (tie) # 9. in Best Law Schools. Cost (Type) TUITION AND FEES. $56,858 (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES. 4.0 PEER âŠ
So much of politics is high-quality legislation that it is no wonder this field tops our list of most popular majors for law school students. Political Science offers an invaluable framework for the laws you will be studying in graduate school. If you know you want to be a lawyer but are still deciding which major to choose, you cannot go wrong with Political Science.
English is another famous choice for pre-law students, since so much reading and writing is required to perform well in this field. Learning to synthesize a lot of content and becoming sensitive to careful word choice will make you a stronger applicant and a better lawyer.
To receive great letters, it is important to cultivate strong relationships with your instructors. Small class sizes make it easier for your professor to get to know you. If you want to major in a subject with large lectures, that is okay too. Simply make a point of attending office hours regularly to foster relationships with your professors and teaching assistants.
For industry-related law, take classes on your industry. Patent lawyers require a firm grasp of the natural sciences in order to practice. Similarly, entertainment and international law rely on an extensive understanding of media and current affairs, respectively. Use your undergraduate years as an opportunity to strengthen your foundation in the industry in which you hope to practice law.
Beyond taking these steps, there is no single best major for law school. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. However, there are schools and programs that do a better job of preparing you for graduate study.
Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. But getting into law school is no easy matter.
Traditionally, philosophy is considered the ultimate pre-law major. In this field, you wrestle deeply with logic and reasoning as you consider questions about knowledge, existence, and other fundamental concepts. The same skills directly improve a lawyerâs ability to do their job well.
Being an international lawyer means having to work with different business cultures, and finding a way to achieve client goals whilst being mindful of different working practices around the world. This cultural sensitivity is increasingly important in the modern world, and the best way to develop insight into the correct way of doing business with different nationalities is to read as much as possible about the business culture you will be dealing with. For example, the European Commission has funded a website called âBusiness Cultureâ to help you learn the culture in 31 different European countries, but cultural differences can be even more important when dealing with major markets such as China and India. Issues such as negotiation practices, body language, the type of language to use, and other aspects of etiquette can all play a vital role in whether you succeed in your dealings.
One of the challenges to grapple with as a budding international lawyer is the ongoing reform of the profession as a whole all over the world. The nation with far and away the most lawyers, the US, has recently seen the first liberalising of the legal profession, with further discussion ongoing, while another important jurisdiction, the UK, has undergone (and is still undergoing) considerable reforms, such as alternative business structures (ABS) for ownership of law firms. And the US has also seen its share of innovative web-based legal services providers, such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer, looking to take advantage of technology and market forces. A wider revolution is gradually taking place in the legal profession.
Globalisation of business has changed the way law firms and lawyers operate and the business model they employ. The need for lawyers with international expertise, experienced in the type of work we identified above, is ever-growing. On the other hand, this has also led to huge growth in the number of young lawyers around the world. Ambitious lawyers looking to learn the trade need to find ways to differentiate themselves from the crowd. One of the best ways to do this is to develop their profile as an international lawyer.
Examples of these include criminal defence, family law, employment law, personal injury, real estate, and wills and probate.
Opportunities for engaging in international work tend to be found most in large law firms with offices in other countries, or working in-house within certain international businesses.
Multiple research papers have found that English law is the preferred set of law for cross-border transactions, by a large margin, followed by the law of New York. The courts of England are also a popular venue for international dispute resolution, while English law and London tend to dominate as the preferred law and seat of international arbitration hearings.
Lawyers coming out of an English-speaking country may prefer to ignore this part, but for everyone else, it can hardly be ignored that English is the predominant language of international business. If your English is not at professional level, it needs to be. But even if you speak English as your mother tongue, learning a second or third language can bolster your career opportunities immeasurably, enabling you to work on legal matters in a variety of forums, and advise clients from outside your home jurisdiction.
Bachelorâs in Economics . Economics is an excellent major for aspiring lawyers, especially for those intending to work in corporate law, intellectual property, or another niche where an understanding of economic theory and the levers that drive capitalism can be useful.
Because the criminal justice and legal systems are so intertwined, a bachelorâs degree in criminal justice serves as an excellent undergraduate major in preparation for law school. Those considering work as a prosecuting or defense attorney may find the degree especially helpful, as the coursework and internships will give students a strong familiarity with the criminal justice system. Potential law students can also form helpful relationships with current lawyers that can provide insight into what itâs like to work in the criminal justice system. Helpful courses include criminology, criminal psychology, law & the criminal justice system, and social science research.
A bachelorâs degree in business administration is well suited for law school, especially those applicants considering a corporate law track where knowing business fundamentals is helpful . The coursework is rigorous in reading, writing, and quantitative analysis, which is also helpful in preparing for the LSAT.
Courses such as business law, contract negotiations, and public speaking are just a few that have proven to be helpful.
Approximately 12,000-13,000 pre-law students choose political science as an undergraduate major, making it the most popular major by a wide margin. One in five applicants has a bachelorâs degree in political science.
Bachelorâs in Public Policy. Public policy is a major component of law. In fact, public policy is nothing more than systems of laws, regulatory measures, and funding allocations that drive the policy out into society. Law shapes public policy and vice versa.
Laws have material consequences on every person and structure. They influence outcomes across the life course, making the field extremely important to the stability and progress of society. The work done by law professionals is competitive and pays well. Because of these things, students wishing to pursue a career in law are faced ...
If you think international law is a good fit for you, pursue a bachelorâs degree in a foreign language, politics, or international relations. Additionally, focus on becoming fluent in as many foreign languages as possible, which will put you in higher demand for jobs later on . Then, apply for highly-ranked law schools, since international law firms are very selective. For advice from our Legal reviewer on how to find an entry-level job with an international organization, read on!
Not everyone gets into law school. To increase your chances of getting in, keep your grades up. You want to graduate with at least a 3.0, but of course, a 3.5 or 4.0 would be even better. Admissions committees view a high GPA as an indicator that you are a hard worker who is self-motivated.
Prepare for the bar exam. Prep courses abound. They typically last several months and prepare you for both the essay and multiple choice portions of the bar exam. Costs can run up to several thousand dollars.
Join a study group. Law school is stressful and isolating, and a study group is a great way to meet people. Study groups help with exam preparation, sharing notes and outlines, as well as just blowing off some steam.
Build your foreign language skills . You should start as soon as possible developing your foreign language skills. The more languages you are fluent in, the more likely you are to be hired by an international organization. If you want to work for the United Nations, then you will need fluency in two or more of the official languages.
âInternational lawâ also encompasses âtrans-nationalâ law, in which you help entities (like corporations) do deals across borders.
Give more attention to employment statistics than to whether a school offers âcertificates,â âspecialtiesâ or clinics in international law. Schools can give the impression that they are international law powerhouses when , in fact , they place few students in international organizations.
When choosing an international law program, the most important factors to consider are coursework, extracurriculars, study abroad, and career services . The following law schools offer some of the best international law programs in the U.S. 01. of 10.
The University of Virginia School of Law has a robust international law program with a strong focus on national security, human rights, and international criminal law. UVAâs human rights study project sends students abroad to research and study human rights issues, while grants and fellowships enable students to gain hands-on experience at The Hague, the United Nations, the CDC's Global AIDS Project. Opportunities are also available with non-governmental organizations such as Earth Rights International. UVA students can take courses in nearly all aspects of international law, from banking and trade to human rights and European Union law. What separates Virginia from other law schools is the number of courses dedicated to national security and global diplomacy. J.D. candidates also have access to some of the classes at the Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School. Short- and long-term international study options are available; one notable example is a dual degree program with Sciences Po .
Stanford's W. A. Franke Global Law Program is one of the most comprehensive international law programs in the country. In addition to foundation courses on global legal practice, students have the opportunity to undertake a "global quarter": an intensive 10-week immersion in international law and finance. SLS supplements coursework with intensive overseas study trips. During these 7-10 day trips, which take place between quarters, students earn law school credit while observing the international legal system in locations including Thailand, South Africa, India, and The Hague.
International law is the binding set of rules, agreements, and treaties between countries to promote shared interests such as peace, justice, and trade. Attorneys can choose to practice either public or private international law. This area includes both public international law (diplomacy, international relations, ...
University of Michigan Law Schoolâs Center for International and Comparative Law is known for its extensive course offerings, which cover everything from broad topics (International Trade Law) to highly specific issues (Global Animal Law, Water Wars/Great Lakes). Mich Law is highly regarded for its Refugee and Asylum Law program, which offers courses, workshops, fellowships, and more. Students with an interest in international business law can participate in the International Transactions Clinic. Mich Law also offers opportunities for study abroad in global business centers such as Amsterdam, Geneva, Hong Kong, Hamburg, and Tokyo.
Political science is the most popular major for those planning to head to law school for good reason. As a political science major, youâll study the theory and practice of government and its link to the legal system. Whether you earn your political science bachelorâs degree online or on-campus, your coursework will cover how laws are created and executed and youâll learn about the history behind each lawâs formation. Youâll also gain a strong understanding of topics such as political theory, international relations, and political methodology. Depending on your school, you can graduate with either a B.A. or B.S. in political science .
Philosophy students study human thought and debate on age-old topics such as knowledge, existence, ethics, and truth. Your coursework can include subjects like ancient and modern philosophy, ethics, theory and logic, and metaphysics. Youâll likely take deep dives into the works of renowned philosophers like Plato, Kant, Descartes, and Nietzsche. Most schools will offer a B.A. in philosophy, but B.S. options may also exist.
While the official definition of sociology is the study of institutions, those who choose this major will quickly find that it entails much more. As a sociology major, youâll discover how societies interact, how groups work together, and how human behavior influences it all. Youâll learn how different systems and structures govern humans and communities and youâll walk away with knowledge running the gamut from anthropology and psychology to philosophy and political science.
Like political science, criminal justice is a natural undergraduate major for those applying to law school. As a criminal justice major, you will develop an understanding of the American justice systemâs three main branches: the courts, the police, and prisons. Youâll likely be required to take courses in administration, constitutional law, criminal justice, evidence, forensics, law, criminal profiling, and judicial process. Most programs are interdisciplinary and require you to take some courses that fall under the political science, sociology, psychology, and philosophy departments. You can earn a B.A. or a B.S. in criminal justice and both online criminal justice degrees and in-person programs exist.
Political science is a logical choice for future law students . The overlap between the political and legal worlds means that youâll be entering law school with a strong foundation to build upon. On top of that, the problem-solving and critical thinking skills youâll have gained as an undergraduate will serve you well both in law school and as a professional lawyer. Youâll have the chance to hone the art of public speaking which can be beyond useful in the professional world.
Majoring in economics can be a smart choice if youâre aiming for law school, especially if youâre interested in corporate law. As a law student, youâll benefit from the ability to analyze large datasets, recognize problems, and suggest solutions. Youâll also be able to apply the critical thinking skills youâve acquired to both your studies and your profession upon graduation. Because economic issues often dictate legal reforms, having a foundation in economics can make a lot of sense if youâre thinking of becoming a lawyer.
The School of Law at New York University has an application deadline of Feb. 15. The full-time program application fee... Read More »
The law school at Harvard University has an application deadline of Feb. 1. The full-time program application fee at... Read More »
The Law School at Columbia University has an application deadline of Feb. 15. The full-time program application fee at... Read More »
The Law School at Yale University has an application deadline of Feb. 28. The full-time program application fee at the... Read More »
The Law Center at Georgetown University has an application deadline of March 1. The full-time program application fee... Read More »
The Washington College of Law at American University (Washington) has an application deadline of March 1. The full-time... Read More »
The Law School at George Washington University has an application deadline of March 1. The full-time program... Read More »
Business. Majoring in business, such as in business administration or corporate business, may be a smart path for some pre-law students to follow. Business degree plans are often rigorous, which may make business majors more appealing to law schools.
Leading law schools have an acceptance rate well below 20 percent with an average GPA of admitted applicants close to or higher than 3.8. Your undergraduate-level education directly impacts your ability to get ...
LSAC data reveals that students majoring in business administration had an average LSAT score of 150 and an average GPA of 3.22.
If you thrived in high school English classes, majoring in English may enable you to earn a higher GPA in college than you may earn in other areas of study. This major may provide other substantial benefits as you prepare for the future. Consider that 3,549 law school applicants held a degree in English in 2016 and 2017. The average LSAT score for these applicants was 154.4, and approximately 80 percent of applicants with this degree were admitted to at least one law school.
Approximately 81 percent of the 12,693 law school applicants who majored in political science were admitted. The average LSAT score for this major was 153.4. Political science is overwhelmingly the most popular major for pre-law students. In fact, 18 percent of law school applicants between 2016 and 2017 majored in this area of study.
Economics coursework is also relevant as the economy and the use of money in modern society are driving factors. Students learn about the evolution of the modern economic system as well as the impact of recessions and booms. Economic conditions have historically been a catalyst for legal reform, and pre-law students with this major refine their understanding of defining factors.
In a working environment, math is used by lawyers regularly to manage time sheets and to bill clients. Many lawyers are self-employed and use math skills to manage business finances. Math also enables lawyers to more successfully specialize in niche areas of the law. These areas include bankruptcy law, real estate law, taxation law and other areas. Math majors may also thrive in legal niches related to securities, estates and trusts. High-level math may be used in patent and healthcare law. Many attorneys utilize statistics when presenting cases in a courtroom, which makes statistical analysis broadly vital for success in a legal profession.