Becoming A Lawyer: Best 10 Law Schools In United States

If you are preparing to apply to Law Schools In United States, you will be curious to know the best universities and colleges to pursue a Law degree. Law school rankings from United States are by far the most stable ones that are yet to change for more than 20 years. The only difference is the order of the first ten positions that is slightly different every year. It will be wise to say that the only thing that matters is that you got admitted into a top Law school in the US, regardless of which one it is.

As a matter of fact, some of you have to follow the family tradition and go to a specific law school, same school from which all your family members graduated. For others, it is important to get admitted to one of the top three top five from ranking.

One thing is certain, though: Law schools and colleges in America have a long and outstanding tradition in excellent academic teaching. While it is also important to take note on these annual Law school rankings, you should ensure that your final decision is based on multiple criteria set by your own judgement.

Best Law schools In The U.S.

These following are the best Law schools in United States in 2029, according to US News;

• Yale University
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• University of Chicago
• Columbia University
• New York University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Michigan University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• California University – Berkeley
• Virginia University

How To Get Into The Best Law Schools In United States

Law schools in United States have different requirements unlike Europe. During Law school admission, below are the necessary steps you need to follow:

You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree – it can be related to Law studies, but that is not compulsory. Law schools accept all candidates who have completed their Bachelor’s degree, regardless of their former fields of study.
You must ensure you take the LSAT – it is an official exam that will determine your critical and analytical abilities – it is necessary if you plan to further pursue a Law degree.
Make your choice on two or three Law schools and start applying.

Types of Law degrees in the U.S.

Juris Doctor

All Law schools in US, both public and private, grant the J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree that is needed in order to practice law in the country. A J.D program takes threes years of study for full-time Law students as well as four years for part-time students.

Master of Laws (L.L.M.)

This degree is a one-year full-time study course after finishing a J.D program. An L.L.M. is restricted to students who want to further emphasize the knowledge of a particular area of law or to international students that needs additional adjustment to the US legal system.

Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

This is a similar degree with the usual PhD program and it is the highest academic degree in the legal field. An S.J.D. involves three years of study and it is more often pursued by students who have passion for teaching Law. In fact, so many Law schools from the States provide a small number of S.J.D. programs.

Style Of Teaching And Curriculum At U.S. Law schools

In the three or four years duration of studying Law, you will take courses that will cover topics such as legal theory, administrative law, bankruptcy, analytical legal methods, civil rights, business law and ethics, constitutional law and so many others.

Between the 2nd and the 3rd year, most local and international students in the United States engage in an internship program for the purpose of gaining practical experience that can sometimes lead to a future job upon graduation.

You can choose elective courses at the beginning of the 3rd year, courses that are tailored for the particular Las specializations that will define your career.

Specializations in Law in the United States include:

• International Law
• Public Law
• Criminal Law
• Business Law
• Patent Law

Passing the bar exam to become a lawyer in U.S.

Upon the successful completion of Law school, there is one more step you must take that will help you to become a certified lawyer, and that step is passing the bar exam. The bar exam can be taken in any state, however, you must select the exact state where you will like to practice law. Each state in United States has its own rules and regulations for bar admission and once you are admitted in one state, you will most often be allowed to work in that only state as a lawyer. There are some exceptions though, as some state have signed agreements in this sense, giving right to law professionals to practice without having to take another bar exam.

Why become a lawyer in the U.S.?

You have probably heard that the US is a big country that inevitably leads to numerous career possibilities. So been a lawyer in the great USA I’d so intense and fascinating. Again, the legal system of the States is by of the most transparent, challenging, surprising and straightforward – all at same time.

Last, but not the least, the lawyer profession is extremely rewarding from any point of view. In terms of money, the annual income of a “fresh” lawyer is about 160,000 USD. Morally speaking, you will get to be an every-day hero for many people and actually make a difference in their lives.