20 Best Law schools in the world

November 25, 2022

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Best Law schools in the world. Finding the school that best suits your needs is the first step towards a legal career. You can focus your search by location, tuition, school size, and test scores using the U.S. News rankings of the best law schools in the world. Studying law is a difficult topic to enter on its own, but studying international law takes that challenge to a new level. Fortunately, we have put together this list of some of the top international law schools from around the globe.

Table of Contents

Best Law schools in the world

Harvard University

One of the top international law schools in the world is Harvard University, a renowned and esteemed Ivy League university in Massachusetts. Its 1817-founded law school is home to the biggest academic law library in the entire globe.

The Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and Doctor of Jurisprudential Science programs are available through the Harvard Law School. In addition to this, they also provide unique combined degree programs in law and business, government, public health, and urban planning, as well as the J.D./LL.M joint degree program between Harvard Law and the University of Cambridge.

All Juris Doctor students at Harvard Law School are required to enroll in an international or comparative law course at some time in order to fulfill a program of study requirement. Through immersions and initiatives carried out overseas, this provides them with insight into various instances across the globe.

2. University of Oxford

One of the oldest and most prominent universities in the world is the University of Oxford in England. Its foundations date back to 1096, and since that time, it has built a reputation for academic brilliance in a variety of subject areas, including law.

For prospective attorneys and human rights activists who desire to concentrate on international law, the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford provides a part-time degree program. The MSt in International Human Rights Law is the degree that can be earned in two academic years.

The MSc in International Human Rights Law strives to shape the students at this outstanding international law school to be informed in the breadth, application, and implementation of international human rights laws. It is given via online instruction and summer residentials at Oxford’s New College.

3. University of Cambridge

Due to the fact that the University of Cambridge is regarded as an outgrowth of the University of Oxford, there are numerous similarities between the two universities. Even their nickname is “Oxbridge.” As one of the oldest and most well-known universities in the world, it was established in 1209.

The university’s Faculty of Law provides a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law that may be pursued full- or part-time over the course of two years. A dissertation is required of students before they can receive their degree. The purpose of this course is to equip students with the information and abilities necessary to do research on international law, grow as researchers, and take part in creative projects. The University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Law additionally offers an undergraduate degree (the BA Tripos Degree in Law) and postgraduate degrees in addition to the aforementioned postgraduate diploma (Master of Law, Masters in Corporate Law, Doctorate in Law).

4. Yale University

Yale University is a private, Ivy League institution, just as Harvard University. This university is the third-oldest higher education establishment in the US and was established in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1701.

The Law School at Yale offers five different degree options for its students. In addition to joint degrees with other schools and departments, these programs include the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Doctor of the Science of Law, Master of Studies in Law, and Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

Additionally, the university’s law school offers an international laws program that coordinates and manages the several initiatives that work with international law. It aids pupils of this esteemed foreign law school in discovering chances both inside and outside the institution. Traditional classes, workshops, courses created by students, clinical courses, and other possibilities are also available.

5. Stanford University

Stanford University is one of the best international law schools and one of the best universities in the world. It is situated in Stanford, California.

The Master of Laws Program in International Economic Law, Business, and Policy is offered by the Law School at Stanford University. It seeks to provide professional knowledge in areas such as international commerce, dispute resolution, corporate transactions, environmental law, and other topics that have an impact on global trade. However, admission to the program is restricted to those having foreign-issued main law degrees.

The Stanford Program in International Legal Studies is another program offered by their law school. For students who obtained their initial legal degree outside of the nation, this leads to the completion of a Master of the Science of Law degree. In addition to these programs, they also provide combined degrees, master’s degree programs, and programs leading to the juris doctorate.

6. The London School of Economics and Political Science

The University of London’s constituent colleges include the London School of Economics and Political Science. Despite being established in 1895, it didn’t begin awarding degrees under its name until 2008.

A variety of degree-granting programs are available through the institution’s law school, including an undergraduate law program (LLB), a law doctoral program, and master’s degrees (Executive LLM, LLM Master of Laws). Additionally, they provide an LLB/JD dual degree program. The public international law programs of their law school are crucial to both teaching and research. Human rights and general public international law are taught to undergraduate students. For Master of Laws students, additional specialized courses including an advanced public international law course are available. Their faculty also supervises the PhD students’ research in the area of international law.

7. Columbia University

Ivy League institution Columbia University in the City of New York, sometimes known as Columbia University, was founded in 1754. It is among the oldest American higher education institutions as well as one of the oldest in New York. The following degree-granting programs are offered by Columbia Law School, one of the most prestigious international law schools in the world: Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Executive Master of Laws, and Doctor of the Science of Law. They also provide a course of study with a comparative and international legal emphasis.

8. University of California – Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

The University of California – Berkeley, also referred to as UC Berkeley, is the first university in California’s public research system and was established in 1869. The university is renowned for being one of the finest universities in the world. A total of 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students are housed in the fourteen colleges that make up UCC Berkeley’s 350-degree programs.

Its law school is famous for its top-notch instruction, supported by a faculty with a stellar international reputation and 25 research centers. UC Berkeley has solidified its position as one of the greatest international law institutions in the world thanks to its strong educational standards. The three-year Juris Doctorate Program, the Master of Laws, the Doctor of Jurisprudential Science, and the Ph.D. in Jurisprudence and Social Policy are the options available to prospective students.

9. University of Chicago (UChicago)

Private research university The University of Chicago (UChicago) was founded in 1890 and is situated in Chicago, Illinois. UChicago is regarded as a top institution that improved academic advancement in many fields, and as a result, they are quite picky when selecting prospective students.

The University of Chicago Law School provides potential students with a stimulating educational setting intended to develop them into qualified professionals. Over 170 courses are offered at the law school, including 30 electives with a focus on comparative and international law. Students interested in a comparable legal profession can apply to the JD program at the University of Chicago before continuing through the LLM or JSD programs.

10. Georgetown University

Georgetown Institution, a private research university in Washington, D.C., was first established as Georgetown College in 1789. The university is ranked #22 out of 443 National Universities, making it one of the best universities in the USS. As a result, the university is renowned for its stringent admissions requirements.

For students interested in studying American law and procedures, the university law school provides J.D./Ph.D. degree programs. The LL.M. in International Legal Studies and the LL.M. in International Business and Economic Law are available to J.D. students who choose to specialize in international law.

Also Read: 10 Best Highest-Paying Countries for Lawyers

11. University of Amsterdam (UvAA)

The Institution of Amsterdam (UvA), a public research university in the Netherlands, was founded in 1632. As the third-oldest institution in the nation and one of the biggest research universities in Europe, UvA is well-known. It is also regarded as one of the best universities in the world for future lawyers who practice abroad.

In addition, UvAA is renowned for maintaining top-notch instruction in its curricula and specializing in a wide range of sciences and arts degrees, particularly in languages, geography, economics, and finance. Most recently, the QS Rankings in 2019 gave their media and communication degree programs the top spot. In the university’s Master of Public International Law program, postgraduate students can broaden their knowledge of general international law while thinking about their selected specializations.

12. University College London (UCL)

The Institution College London (UCL) is a public research university in the United Kingdom that was established in 1827. The Law School at UCL has been a leader in the study and study of law for about 200 years and is regarded as one of the best law schools in the UK.

Additionally, the university has helped shape both domestic and international legislation. The Master’s program in Public International Law is open to students who are interested in studying international law. Here, knowledgeable instructors instruct classes and guarantee that students acquire a top-notch education and current knowledge.

13. New York University (NYU)

Private research university New York University (NYU) was established in 1831 by the New York State Legislature. With a ninth-place finish in the QS World University Rankings and numerous smaller rankings dispersed throughout its 25 schools, it is regarded as one of the best institutions in the world.

Notably, the Law School is renowned for being a think tank. The 300 courses and 16 fields of study at NYU Law School are taught by more than 100 academic members, who are supported by more than 30 research centers. Aspiring lawyers can participate in the JDD degree program, which offers eight different concentrations.

14. University of Melbourne (Unimelb)

The Institution of Melbourne is a public research university in Victoria, Australia, that was established in 1853. It is recognized as the second-ranked institution in Australia and a Group of Eight member. The university is a part of both the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and Universitas 21.

Unimelb’s Law School is a pioneer in domestic and international legal education and one of the top institutions for international law in the world. Students may anticipate a competitive study environment on its campus grounds. Aspiring law students can choose from a wide range of academic areas at the Law School, including international human rights law, international criminal law, finance, tax, law, and development, or international arbitration. A Graduate Diploma in International Law and an LL.M. in Public and International Law are available to those who are interested in this area of law.

15. George Washington University

George Washington Institution (GWU) is a private research university in Washington, D.C. that was established by the US Congress in 1821. It is most known for being a university with a focus on research and the most prestigious college in the state.

The oldest law school in Washington, D.C. is also at GW. The administration at GW Law places a high priority on educating students in international legal theories and doctrines so they can compete and function effectively on a global scale.

The university provides a variety of JSD programs, general LLM programs with 11 specialization options, and JD programs. Several joint-degree programs are also included. Over 50 specialized international and comparative law courses are available to prospective postgraduate students in international law.

16. University of Helsinki

The Institution of Helsinki is a public research university in Finland that was founded in 1829. It is renowned for being the biggest and oldest university in the nation and for housing a wide range of disciplines under one wing.

The institution was initially situated in the center of Helsinki and now has four main sites. The institution still constructed extra facilities close to the city’s periphery and neighboring municipalities as a result of its quick expansion. The university offers education in three different languages: English, Swedish, and Finnish. The school provides two master’s degree programs in international business law and global governance law that are taught in English.

17. University of New South Wales

Sydney, Australia’s Institution of New South Wales (UNSW) is a public research university that was founded in 1949. The university has a reputation for continually rising through the rankings of premier institutions; it is now ranked 67th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 44th overall in the QS World University Rankings.

For the past 50 years, Australia’s law and criminology research has been led by UNSW’s Law and Justice School. This alone is evidence that the university is among the best in the world at teaching international law. The Master of Laws degree program at UNSW provides students with top-notch instruction and guidance from professors.

18. National University of Singapore (NUS Law)

The top law school in Asia Pacific is NUS Law, which is part of the National University of Singapore. The earliest law school in Singapore was founded in 1956. Undergraduate students can pursue a four-year LL.B. program at NUS Law that consists of two years of required coursework and two years of electives. They provide JD, LLM, and PhD degrees in graduate law. Normally, applicants must hold a law degree at the bachelor’s level. All shortlisted candidates must also pass a written test and interview, which usually take place in February or March.

Fun fact: The four-year LLB degree at NUS Law School allows students to participate in exchange programs with New York University, Boston University, Erasmus University, King’s College London, University of Melbourne, and University of Toronto. Students enrolled in the three-year JD program are also eligible for the NYU exchange program.

19. University of Michigan

A public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan is known as the University of Michigan (U-M, UMich, or Michigan). The university is the oldest in Michigan and was established in 1817 as the Catholepistemiad, or the “School of Universal Knowledge,” by an act of the former Michigan Territory, 20 years before the territory became a state. On 40 acres (16 ha) of what is now known as Central Campus, a U.S. historic district, the university was relocated to Ann Arbor in 1837. Since the state’s second constitution was ratified in 1850 and an elected board of regents was established, the university has operated independently of the state.

Nineteen colleges make up the university, which offers degree programs in about 250 disciplines at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. There are nine professional schools in Michigan: The Ford School of Public Policy, Ross School of Business, Ford School of Medicine, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, School of Social Work, School of Public Health, and School of Dentistry. It runs a center in Detroit and has affiliations with two regional universities in Flint and Dearborn (each an independently accredited institution).

20. University of Pennsylvania

The deadline for applications to the University of Pennsylvania Law School (Carey) is March 1. The University of Pennsylvania Law School’s (Carey) application fee for the full-time program is $80. Full-time tuition is $70,0042. The faculty to student ratio is 4.8:1.

Professional students at the University of Pennsylvania can tailor their study to include multiple disciplines. Other professional school students can take Penn Law courses, while Penn Law students can enroll in courses in other academic departments. By obtaining a certificate in a subject like Gender and Sexuality Studies or East Asian Studies, students can specialize in a particular field with a few additional classes. A J.D. and another degree, such as an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, a master’s in bioethics from the School of Medicine, or a Master of City & Regional Planning from the School of Design, can be earned by law students in three years.

On the Penn campus in University City, Philadelphia, the law school is housed in a number of buildings, making it convenient to go to other professional school facilities. Students studying law can apply for accommodation on campus. Students can take longer vacations and study abroad through six recognized programs. Through the Institut d’Études Politiques, they can even obtain a master’s degree in Global Business Law (Sciences Po). Before graduating from Penn Law, students must do at least 70 hours of pro bono work. Students can spend their leisure time participating in more than 100 student clubs, like Penn Law Boxing and the Urban Law Reform group, legal clinics, and community service initiatives in addition to participating in community service projects.

FAQS on Best Law schools in the world

When Should I Apply to Law School?

Although deadlines for applying to law school vary from institution to institution, they often fall in the first few weeks of the spring semester. But that doesn't mean you should wait until the new year to submit your application; doing so before the holiday break can increase your chances of getting in.
Writing a personal statement, a résumé, taking the LSAT, acquiring transcripts from your previous institutions to upload to the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service, and obtaining letters of recommendation are all steps in the application process for law school.
A monthly schedule may keep you organized, on top of deadlines, and prevent you from cramming everything in at the last minute.

How Much Does Law School Cost?

Like other higher education programs, the price of law school might vary depending on a school's status as a private or public institution, as well as whether you attend from inside your state or from outside it.
In the 2019–2020 academic year, tuition at the public University of the District of Columbia ranged from $13,134 for in-state students to $72,465 at the private Columbia University, according to the annual survey of U.S. News of full-time law programs (Clarke). According to this poll, the average cost of a full-time law program at a private institution was $49,548; at a public university, it was $28,264 for in-state students; and at a public university, it was $41,726 for out-of-state students.
Aspirants to law school should take advantage of any scholarships, grants, and other forms of tuition assistance that may be available to help with costs.

Is Law School Worth it?

If you can't picture doing anything else other than practicing law in some capacity, law school might be worthwhile for you. The perceived worth of a legal education is one of several variables at play, though: What is your financial investment in a J.D., and how effectively does law school prepare you for your career?
Think about comparing the starting salaries of recent graduates from the law programs you are applying to with the cost of those programs and the debt you would incur to attend.

What Do You Learn in Law School and Why Enroll?

Law students learn how to think like lawyers. They can expect to study complex cases that involve gray areas of the law, allowing arguments to be made for both sides.
Students who have a knack for thinking logically and an interest in analyzing and solving complicated problems may be good J.D. candidates.
Before you apply for and enroll in law school, decide whether you really want a career in law – and not just for the potential salary or because you made good grades during undergrad.
If you are serious about entering the legal profession, research different types of law and have a clear picture of what you want to do. Having a focused professional goal may help you determine which school might best prepare you.

Conclusion

Although having a law degree is sometimes associated with wealth and affluence, not all lawyers actually conduct their business as depicted in popular culture. Public defenders, private attorneys, specialty lawyers, judge advocates in the military, and many other positions are all possible for attorneys. The abilities you develop in a J.D. program are adaptable and may be useful in professions other than law.

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