4 global law schools that shape global thinking and ethically responsible professionals

From congressional hearings to pro bono cases for the most vulnerable, lawyers often have to confront many grey areas. It’s hardly ever black and white, demanding deep and up-to-date contemplation of statutes, case laws, ethical codes, current affairs, and more to perform their duties as the law’s guardians.

But the best lawyers can wade through this ocean of considerations, debates, and dilemmas. They are confident and tenacious against the toughest opponents and the highest authorities. Ask them about the source of this strength and many will point to the past, i.e. the law school that lodged in them a solid understanding of what it takes to always be on the right side of the law.

If this is the kind of legal professional you aspire to become, the following law schools have a track record of rich academic discourse and a list of graduates championing justice in various fields.

Auckland Law School is New Zealand’s largest law school and is renowned for academic excellence. Source: University of Auckland

The University of Auckland

Founded in 1883, the University of Auckland is the leading higher education institution in New Zealand. It’s the highest ranked (Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings) and the largest, with over 40,000 students and nearly 10,000 graduates each year.

At the heart of this institution lies Auckland Law School, the largest of its kind in the nation with a global reputation to match. Recently, it ranked 55th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject and number one in the nation — accolades that showcase the school’s quality of education and research yet again.

The school offers the widest range of programmes in New Zealand, including Bachelor of Laws (LLB and LLB Honours), both of which uphold high entry standards. Its postgraduate programmes include the Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Intellectual Property (MIP), Master of Taxation Studies (MTaxS), and the PhD in Law programme.

Whichever programme students choose, they will benefit from instruction by expert and renowned academic staff, professionals from the Department of Commercial Law, leading members of the legal profession, and distinguished academic visitors from abroad.

This diverse lineup ensures students benefit from varied perspectives and expertise. For instance, Dr. Fleur Te Aho, a leading academic and LLM supervisor, focuses her research on Indigenous peoples and the law. Her expertise reflects the school’s commitment to addressing contemporary legal issues while promoting critical thinking among students. Insights from experts like Dr. Aho enhance the learning experience here – as do the school’s location in the legal precinct near the Auckland High Court and wide range of resources.

The Davis Law Library, for example, has the most extensive legal collection in New Zealand, invaluable for coursework and research. Beyond campus, more offerings abound in New Zealand’s largest city and the world’s ninth most liveable city in 2024 (Global Liveability Index 2024). International students love Auckland’s cosmopolitan community, world-class wining and dining, an extremely active art culture, and so much more.

Learn more about Auckland Law School.

Founded in 1869, Notre Dame Law School is the oldest Catholic law school in the US. Source: University of Notre Dame/Facebook

University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame, ranked among the Top 25 institutions by US News & World Report, Forbes, and Niche, offers a unique approach to legal education through its Notre Dame Law School.

Here, the law is seen as a service to others. Students are encouraged to explore the moral and ethical foundations of the law while discovering their role in promoting justice. Whether pursuing a JD, LLM, LLM in International Human Rights Law, or a Doctor of Juridical Science, students gain a deep understanding of the law alongside practical skills. Courses centre around the following areas: business law, criminal law, energy and environmental law, global law, and real estate law, among others.

One of Notre Dame’s strengths is its close-knit community. With small class sizes and a central location on the university’s historic campus, students enjoy meaningful relationships with peers and faculty. This strong sense of community, combined with the “Notre Dame experience,” makes learning personal, supportive, and impactful.

Outside the classroom, the Law School prioritises hands-on experience. Students build practical skills through internships, legal clinics, pro bono work, and interdisciplinary studies. For those seeking a global perspective, Notre Dame has study abroad opportunities like the Notre Dame London Law and partnerships with top law schools in countries such as France, Germany, Israel, Kenya, and Switzerland to allow students to immerse themselves in international legal systems.

With the right balance of academic rigour, ethical focus, and real-world experience, Notre Dame Law School prepares students to lead with excellence, compassion, and integrity.

The University of Exeter Law School offers a blend of academic excellence and skills development, recognising students for their flexibility and employability in the legal profession and beyond. Source: University of Exeter/Facebook

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is one of the few universities holding Russell Group membership and a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). This combination reflects the university’s strong reputation for both teaching and research.

With a rich teaching heritage over 100 years, its Law School has earned its place among the Top 150 for Law in both the QS and Times Higher Education rankings for 2023. It offers a dynamic and rewarding education in law at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including unique opportunities to study abroad and engage in diverse extra-curricular activities.

The Law School provides a range of specialised programmes such as the LLB, Master of Laws LLM, LLM in International Law, LLM in Commercial Law, and LLM Law and Business, with pathways in Finance, Accounting, or Management. Postgraduate students can also explore MRes Socio-Legal Research, PhDs, and Masters by Research. At Exeter, there’s a pathway for every aspiring legal mind.

Exeter Law School prides itself on its diverse, global academic community. Students learn from academics and visiting lecturers from various jurisdictions who bring expertise across historical, theoretical, and socio-legal disciplines. This breadth of perspectives equips graduates with flexibility and highly sought-after skills, both within the legal profession and beyond.

Since its founding in 1833, the University of Zurich has made law a core part of its identity, with the Faculty of Law now one of Europe’s leading faculties. Source: University of Zurich/Facebook

University of Zurich

The University of Zurich (UZH) stands out for its commitment to continuously evolving teaching methods to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. At UZH, education is not only innovative but also designed to meet the needs of a society in flux.

Within this forward-thinking institution lies the Faculty of Law, one of Europe’s leading research institutions. With over 55 professors, 46 adjunct professors, 29 privatdozents (a German term for unsalaried lecturers) and over 153 external instructors, it is among the largest law faculties in Europe and one of the biggest in the German-speaking world. More than 3,961 students benefit from the faculty’s expertise, including 577 doctoral and postdoctoral candidates.

Internationalisation is a key priority at the Faculty of Law. The university offers several collaboration and exchange programmes with top law schools around the globe. Through double degree and joint degree programmes in partnership with institutions in Europe, Asia, and beyond, students can gain exposure to different legal systems and cultures.

The faculty offers the following programmes: the LLB, the Master of Law (90 ECTS credits), and specialised master’s programmes such as Rechtswissenschaft and International and Comparative Law (offered in English). The Double Degree programmes, which allow students to earn two master’s degrees within two years, provide a unique opportunity to earn a legal degree in two countries, giving students an invaluable career edge.

As a graduate, you’re set to follow in the footsteps of past alumni. Many UZH law graduates are successful and hold key posts in legislation and jurisprudence, advocacy, public prosecutor’s office, business, politics, diplomatic services, and more.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International