what is a good undergrad for an internationla lawyer

by Krystal Dibbert 9 min read

Joint JD/LLM programs in international law are also available. Students who are interested in international law and want to become a legal assistant, paralegal, mediator, or go on to earn a JD/LLM, may want to pursue elective classes. A bachelor's degree in legal studies or an interdisciplinary law is also an option.

As you select your undergraduate major with the intent to apply to law school in the future, these are some of the leading majors to consider.
  • History. ...
  • Business. ...
  • English. ...
  • Philosophy. ...
  • Political Science. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • Arts and Humanities. ...
  • Psychology.

Full Answer

What is the best law school for international students in USA?

Oct 20, 2021 ¡ Students who are interested in international law and want to become a legal assistant, paralegal, mediator, or go on to earn a JD/LLM, may want to pursue elective classes. A bachelor's degree in legal studies or an interdisciplinary law is also an option. Next: View Schools Link to this page

What should I study to become an international lawyer?

International law, also known as public international law, is a field of law that governs the rules of relations between states. It was born out of the ancient Greek idea of ‘natural law’ which established alliances and facilitated peace treaties with other world empires. Today, international organisations any other bodies possessing a ...

How do I choose the best international law programs?

Aug 22, 2021 · Sciences and engineering. Other majors. Our analysis found that nearly one-third (30%) had a background in the social sciences, with most having studied political science prior to law school. Other top liberal arts majors included humanities, classics, history, economics, and …

How good is Harvard Law School's international law program?

Feb 03, 2021 ¡ History is another smart choice of undergraduate major for those interested in going to law school. As an American history major, you will learn how the United States developed its legal system and will be able to put those developments into context.

What should I major in for international law?

What Major Can I Pursue to Study International Law? Most bachelor's degree programs that touch on international law issues award a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Studies or a B.A. in International Relations.

What type of lawyers work internationally?

Lawyers starting their careers abroad typically work for either a private law firm or a public service oriented organization, such as an NGO or international court.

Can a law degree be used internationally?

A law degree abroad can set you up for a career in international law, but remember, law degrees don't always translate over. Each country, and in some places each state or province, will have different rules on practicing law.Sep 6, 2016

Is international law an undergraduate degree?

Opportunities to study international law at the undergraduate level are available through a legal studies or an interdisciplinary law bachelor's degree program.Oct 20, 2021

Is international law hard?

An International career is challenging but stimulating. In addition to your formal training, you will need skills in critical thinking, a comparative approach, analytical reasoning, research and writing. Here's the steps to follow if you want to do a career in international law.May 10, 2020

Do international lawyers make good money?

The salaries of International Lawyers in the US range from $95,000 to $160,000 , with a median salary of $160,000 . The middle 50% of International Lawyers makes $95,000, with the top 75% making $192,000.

Which country is best for studying law?

Best Countries to Study Law AbroadUnited States of America (USA) Reasons: World-Renowned Law Schools, Prominent Faculty, Numerous Law Courses & Seminars, Advanced Clinics, Cross Programs, Home of Renowned Law Firms, Scholarships. ... United Kingdom (UK) ... Australia. ... Canada. ... Singapore. ... Japan. ... China.Feb 13, 2022

Why should I study international law?

Three reasons to study International Law: Because it is a rather encompassing field that also covers aspects of international economics and international politics, international law majors are able to learn about all aspects of the legal relations between countries and beyond.

What can I do with a JD in international law?

Here are nine jobs you might consider if you have a degree in international law:Mediator. National average salary: $53,532 per year. ... Law professor. National average salary: $54,497 per year. ... Judge. National average salary: $75,442 per year. ... Policy analyst. ... Legal adviser. ... Attorney. ... Diplomat. ... Chief legal officer.More items...•Oct 7, 2021

Is there a Bachelor degree in law in USA?

Bachelor of Laws (abbreviated as LL. B., LLB, or rarely Ll. B.) is an undergraduate law degree.

Who sets international law?

Since most international law is governed by treaties, it's usually up to the individual nations to enforce the law. However, there are a few international organizations that enforce certain treaties. The most notable example is the United Nations, which has 192 member states.

What are the subjects of international law?

There are mainly 7 subjects of International law i.e. States, International Organizations, Non-State entities, Special case entities, Individuals, Minorities and Indigenous People. All these are explained what are these subjects and why it is considered as subjects of International law.Jun 30, 2020

What is international law?

Let’s start with the basics: International law is the set of rules, agreements and treaties that are binding between countries. That’s for the definition. As a practical matter, International Law covers three areas:

What is a lawyer's specialty?

Most attorneys specialize in one area , such as contract, corporate, customs, immigration, tax or human rights to name a few. They usually advise their clients on the domestic laws of their home country. These lawyers may be involved in negotiating contracts, resolving international dispute, handling mergers, etc.

What is the best language for pre-law students?

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. 4. History. Admitted Students: 2,657.

Is it easy to get into law school?

Graduates go on to be judges, prosecutors, professors, legislators, mediators, and so much more. But getting into law school is no easy matter.

Is there a law school major?

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.

What are the factors to consider when choosing an international law program?

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.

What is the international law program at the University of Virginia?

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. UVA’s 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 .

What is the University of Michigan Law School known for?

University of Michigan Law School’s 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.

What is international law?

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, ...

What is Stanford's global law program?

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.

What are the best liberal arts majors for pre-law?

The top 5 popular arts majors for pre-law are: Political science. Other humanities. History and classics.

What majors are liberal arts?

Our analysis found that nearly one-third (30%) had a background in the social sciences, with most having studied political science prior to law school. Other top liberal arts majors included humanities, classics, history, economics, and English.

What is the highest LSAT score?

Those who studied Greek or Latin had the highest average LSAT score (159.8) and highest average GPA (3.477) of all majors who applied to law school. The next highest LSAT scores came from those who studied policy, international relations, and art history respectively.

What to do if you want to work toward a JD?

If you’re planning to work toward a JD, your fate is less about what you study as an undergraduate and more about your performance as a student in that discipline. That means: Study what you love and where you have an aptitude, and the grades—and the graduate school—will follow. Good luck!

Do law schools look favorably on STEM majors?

This doesn’t mean that law schools don’t look favorably on STEM majors— far from it—but rather that there are relatively few law school applicants with these backgrounds. This is similar to how medical school students, for example, tend to come from science and engineering backgrounds more often than the humanities.

What is the most popular major for law students?

Political science is the most popular major for those planning to head to law school for good reason. As a political science major, you’ll study the theory and practice of government and its link to the legal system. Whether you earn your political science bachelor’s degree online or on-campus, your coursework will cover how laws are created and executed and you’ll learn about the history behind each law’s formation. You’ll 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 .

What do you study in law school with a philosophy degree?

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. You’ll 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.

What is criminal justice?

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 system’s three main branches: the courts, the police, and prisons. You’ll 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.

What is sociology major?

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, you’ll discover how societies interact, how groups work together, and how human behavior influences it all. You’ll learn how different systems and structures govern humans and communities and you’ll walk away with knowledge running the gamut from anthropology and psychology to philosophy and political science.

What is the best major for a lawyer?

Bachelor’s 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.

What is a criminal justice degree?

Because the criminal justice and legal systems are so intertwined, a bachelor’s 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 it’s like to work in the criminal justice system. Helpful courses include criminology, criminal psychology, law & the criminal justice system, and social science research.

What is a business administration degree?

A bachelor’s 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.

What are the courses required to take the LSAT?

Courses such as business law, contract negotiations, and public speaking are just a few that have proven to be helpful.

How many pre-law students choose political science?

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 bachelor’s degree in political science.

How do psychology and law intersect?

Psychology and law intersect well, as both deal with human thought and behavior. Psychology experts are relied upon heavily as witnesses and experts in many different legal cases and contexts. Having an understanding of psychological theory and its application can be helpful when it comes to preparing for law school.

What is a bachelors in public policy?

Bachelor’s 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.

What is the best degree for law school?

A degree in political science prepares you for success in law school and in a professional capacity by improving reading, writing and public speaking skills. In-depth knowledge about the Constitution and its founding principles as well as the development of the court system also provide strong benefits. 6. Economics.

What is the best major for pre-law students?

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.

What is the average GPA for business administration?

LSAC data reveals that students majoring in business administration had an average LSAT score of 150 and an average GPA of 3.22.

What is the benefit of majoring in English?

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.

How many law school applicants majored in philosophy?

Philosophy often falls into this group. According to LSAC statistics, 2,294 law school applicants majored in philosophy.

What is the average LSAT score?

Their average LSAT score was 152.5, and 78 percent of applicants were admitted. An undergraduate-level education in psychology provides several benefits for students in law school and for legal professionals. In many areas of the law, lawyers must work directly with social services, such as social workers.

What is the acceptance rate for law school?

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 ...

What is the University of Maryland's pre-law program?

The University of Maryland has a department dedicated to advising pre-law students , which also connects students with resources and mentors, and works closely with the university's law school. Maryland also has a three year arts/law degree program , in which a student can apply to law school in their third year of undergrad, and be awarded their baccalaureate degree in their first year of law school. College Park is also close to Washington D.C., which can help you with landing an internship.

What is a pre law student?

Pre-Law students are those who have decided in their undergrad careers that they intend to go on to law school. Pre-law is an unofficial track in a lot of schools, as most colleges and universities do not have an official pre-law major.

What is the importance of pre-law?

Pre-law students have a variety of majors, and it's most important that pre-law students demonstrate academic excellence and leadership . Law schools prefer students with majors that also demonstrate a challenging coursework that heavy in writing, analysis, and critical thinking.

What do you gain from pre-law?

You'll gain a thorough understanding of the law, and will develop critical thinking skills. If you major in pre-law, you will have a better understanding of how law school works, and you may also have an advantage on the LSAT.

Is Harvard a good pre-law school?

A traditional feeder school, a Harvard education will undoubtedly give you an advantage in your law school applications, especially with the right grades and LSAT scores. Harvard also has several organizations for pre-law students, including the Harvard Law Society and the Harvard College Black Pre-Law Association.

Is it easy to get into law school?

Your path to law school may look quite different than someone else's. You certainly don't have to attend a top college or university to get into law school, and you don't have to go to a top law school to be a lawyer. You do, however, have to make sure you study hard for the LSATs and build a strong resume .

Is Yale a good law school?

Yale is considered the top law school in the country, and is the 4th best university overall according to US News and World Report . Though Yale does not have a pre-law major, the school does offer an interdisciplinary track that allows students to create their own major that can give them the skills that law schools seek. The Yale Law School Admission Council also provides undergraduates with pre-law counseling and events throughout the year.

How We Made This List

Sociology

Arts & Humanities

Philosophy

Criminal Justice

Economics

English

  • Admitted Students:2,564 Average LSAT Score:155.3 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.
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