HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?

The practice of law in the U.S. has a proud history, with many lawyers and law students worldwide coming to study or practice law in the United States. There are plenty of outstanding law programs for international students like you. Are you interested in earning a law degree in the USA? Read on to learn how you can!

What Law Classes Do I Need to Take?

Before entering law school, you will have to obtain a bachelor's degree. The American Bar Association (ABA) has not recommended a single specific field. That means your law school journey can start from basically any study area. However, before applying to law school, students' common majors include economics or political science, English, philosophy, business, and journalism.

While your first year in law school will likely have a predetermined schedule, you will likely have more leeway in choosing your classes afterward. It is important to take courses that help you with the bar exam. While the courses that will best prepare you for the bar exam will depend on where you are taking the bar, some of the courses that are most helpful for many state bar exams include:

• Constitutional Law
• Contracts and Sales
• Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Civil Procedure
• Evidence
• Real Property
• Torts
• Family Law
• Trusts and Estates
• Business Entities
• Secured Transactions

While many students do not know what area of law they will ultimately practice, most know whether they want to litigate or engage in transactional work. Classes that prepare students for either litigation or transactional work include:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution classes
• Trial Advocacy classes
• Moot Court or a similar program (this may be offered for credit)
• Civil Procedure
• Evidence
• Clinics (i.e., patent law clinic, cancer clinic, disability clinic — a school may offer a variety of these)
• Contract Drafting courses
• Intellectual Property
• Business Associations
• Negotiations
• Secured Transactions

You may also want to take classes that interest you and help you achieve a balanced schedule to ensure you create an enjoyable structure for your time in law school.

What Are the Different Concentrations for a Law Degree?

As an international student pursuing a law degree in the U.S., you will have a broad range of law specializations to choose from. The specialization you choose will prepare you for work in your desired legal field, building upon your existing knowledge and providing new, concentrated knowledge. Some common law specializations include:

• Admiralty Law
• Animal Law
• Business Law
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• Environmental Law
• First Amendment Law
• Healthcare Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Joint Degree Programs
• Patent Law

What U.S. College or University Should I Attend to Earn My Law Degree?

With more than 200 law school programs in the United States, there is sure to be at least one that is perfect for you! You will likely want to attend an ABA-accredited institution as many law firms only accept graduates from ABA-accredited schools, and an ABA-approved education often guarantees a higher starting salary. You should also consider the location of a law school. The location can affect your potential internships and other learning opportunities, alumni and professional networks, post-grad job prospects, etc.