Study law in USA. List of 65 best institutions, 2024 prices, rankings

Today, US schools, colleges and universities are the most popular among foreign students from all over the world. SMAPSE offers TOP-30 law schools, colleges and universities in the USA where international students can get advanced legal edication. Legal education in US TOP-90 schools, colleges and universities is a great step towards successful international career. 

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

High schools in the United States teach the basics of law, introduce students to the basic law of the country in the middle classes. A deeper study of law takes place in high school, as part of preparatory programs and elective courses. A high school diploma obtained in America, studying preparatory courses will be a significant advantage for foreign students wishing to enter US universities with a specialization in law.

Preparational programs for admission to American colleges and universities with the study of law:

• High school Diploma (14-16 years old) is focused on the study of specialized disciplines: American and world history, logic, rhetoric, sociology. An important component of the program is the improvement of English proficiency.
• Diploma + Advanced Placement (16+) is focused on studying of subjects to choose from according to the profile of study, general academic disciplines, language.
• International Baccalaureate (16+) includes an in-depth study of specialized subjects (history, law, economics, sociology, statistics), a strong general education, creative, social, and sports components.

Legal studies in the USA take place in several stages. For foreign students it begins with a preparatory program for entering a university. The next step is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in law or in another industry. If you want to specialize as a lawyer in the economic field, then it makes sense to get a Bachelor of economics. The undergraduate program will give you a common academic basis, will form general educational skills.

Further studying takes place only in law schools at universities, in law faculties of universities. Students receive a first-level law degree - Juris Doctor. This program focuses on the study of American jurisprudence. The second level is Master of Laws, which involves a narrow specialization and focuses on the study of foreign laws and specific areas of jurisprudence. Doctor of Juridical Science - a legal doctoral program aimed at research.

Legal education in the USA is not cheap, comparable with economic, financial, and political. The cost of a studying year at the Faculty of Law is 50.000-70.000$.

Yale Law School is one of the leading law schools in the world. It offers a unique educational environment, lectures by world famous teachers, small classes, unlimited opportunities for practical training. The program includes a wide range of courses. Yale graduates become the best in various professional fields: they are deans, teachers of law schools in the country and the world, company leaders, corporate consultants, founders of non-governmental and non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Among the graduates of the school are US presidents and judges of the Supreme Court.

Berkeley Law School is one of 14 schools and colleges at the University of California, Berkeley. It is one of the best law schools in the country. Among the graduates at different times there are the United States Chief Justice, the US Secretary of State, the Attorney General, federal and district judges, and public figures. The law school provides students with first-class preparation in legal theory, supports teachers who are leaders in their fields of scientific research and attract students to rigorous academic and intellectual work. Berkeley Law students receive:

• knowledge in the field of procedural law;
• legal analysis and justification skills, research work;
• written and oral communication skills in a legal context;
• Awareness of proper professional and ethical responsibility to clients and the legal system.

George Washington University Law School is the oldest law school in Washington, DC. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the American Law Schools Association. Graduates work as judges in local, state, and federal courts. Among the graduates are prominent senators, the attorney general, the US Treasury Secretary, politicians, business, and industry. The school offers Juris Doctor's LL.M. programs in the fields of:

• law, business and finance;
• energy and environmental law;
• environmental law;
• public procurement;
• intellectual property;
• international and comparative law;
• litigation and dispute resolution;
• national security;
• foreign relations.

New York University Law School is an intellectual center that plays a leading role in amending US legal education. A course in innovative learning ensures that NYU Law graduates are ready to work in the modern legal field. The Law School of the University of New York offers students a wide range of academic specialties designed and presented by leaders in their fields. Teachers and students create a close-knit dynamic community that helps students to work directly with teachers in conducting advanced research.

University Of New Haven is a private university with a good reputation in the field of liberal arts education. The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Medicine is internationally recognized in the field of criminal law preparation. The school offers curricula in criminal justice and forensic science. Studying areas:

• criminal justice;
• forensic psychology;
• forensic-medical examination;
• forensic Medicine;
• judicial technology;
• legal research.

Santa Barbara City College prepares students for work in the criminal justice system and related professions, as well as for transfers to California State University (CSU), other four-year universities, or law school. At the end of the program, an associate degree (AS) is awarded. Santa Barbara City College offers four options for a 2-year program:

• criminology;
• law enforcement;
• legal research;
• criminal law (for university entrants).