Leading Law Schools: Where talent meets opportunity

06 Jul 2017

The legal discipline is internationally-recognised as one of the most prestigious, yet competitive, fields of higher study. From the regulation of policies through to trade and of course, crime prevention, law is the concept that defines the modern world, as well as how the principles of justice should be followed through. From lawyers, to politicians, to consultants, businessmen and even government representatives, law graduates often go on to become some of society’s most upstanding members.

In fact, studying the law can unleash boundless opportunities for proactive and determined graduates. While the obvious roles of attorney or solicitor are some of the most captivating in the game, there’s also the chance to take on work in education, government, economics, diplomacy, or even in the fast-paced, dynamic field of global business.

But in a world rife with opportunity and rampant with change, our hyper-connected and globalised state undoubtedly influences our cumulative quality of life. As Christopher Kutarna writes for the World Economic Forum, “the human race has never had it so good,” with international rates of poverty on the decline; literacy rates remaining on a steady rise; and critical facilities like healthcare and infrastructure being better than they’ve ever been before. Around the world, experts look towards the face of globalisation as the catalyst for this explosive progression.

But the most significant improvements arguably lie within the academic realm. Today’s legally-minded students are spoiled for choice when faced with the prospect of choosing the most suitable institution. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), there were 203 reputable law schools, accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), throughout 2014-15 – and that figure represents the US alone.

It’s a well-known fact that some of the world’s most diverse, innovative and sought-after Law Schools are harnessing the power of globalisation, taking their industry-focused provisions to new heights with the integration of invaluable real-world placements and a sharp international focus. What prospective students must understand is that law isn’t just a call to justice – it’s also a call to strength, moral integrity and leadership. It’s no surprise then, that so many aspiring legal students select the US as the ultimate destination to study law abroad.

Here are some of our Law School top picks in the United States…

SCHOOL OF LAW – UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE (UNH LAW)

Source: University of New Hampshire

With its commitment to practice-oriented education, its intimate class sizes, and its expert faculty with deep practice experience, UNH Law offers each student an individualized learning journey and has produced an influential network of graduates working in more than 80 countries around the globe.

From its highly-regarded LL.M programme – a professional degree specifically designed for students from the US or overseas who are looking to specialise in a particular field of law – to its Intellectual Property Law programme – available at either the J.D., LL.M, Master’s or Certificate level from our Franklin Pierce Center for Intellectual Property, and ranked among the Top 10 in the US for 26 consecutive years – to its International Criminal Law & Justice programme – also available at the LL.M or Master’s level and delivered 100 percent online – UNH Law gives students the tools to excel in things that matter most, and helps its graduates forge long and rewarding careers in the field of global law.

“UNH Law has been a world-wide leader in intellectual property law for many years, and offers courses that are difficult to find in other schools, taught by great professors,” says Jérôme Muniken, former foreign student enrolled in the UNH LL.M, 2016.

Request more information from UNH Law here.

SCHOOL OF LAW – UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

Source: University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo School of Law — the only law school in the State University of New York system — is situated on the flagship campus of a research-intensive public university, the largest in the northeastern United States. One of only a few U.S. law schools located on an international border, UB School of Law offers cross-border learning opportunities focused on preparing students for the rapidly changing, global nature of legal practice. A strong alumni base of over 11,000 graduates world-wide provide guidance and mentorship to enrolled students.

“We are committed to helping you forge relationships not only with the professors, but also with private practitioners, public officials at the local, county, state and federal levels, and advocates working in numerous non-governmental organizations in the Buffalo Niagara region and across the globe,” the institution notes.

And while Buffalo-Niagara offers rich cultural diversity and a cosmopolitan vibe, legally-minded students gain a depth of understanding from the US District Court, the US Immigration Court, Buffalo City Court, Erie County Family Court and Domestic Violence Court and more, all located in the heart of downtown Buffalo.

SCHOOL OF LAW – UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE

Source: University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore School of Law prepares J.D. and LL.M. students for the fast-paced, demanding practice of law with a cutting-edge, industry-aligned education.

With more than 90 years of experience training students to write, reason and advocate as attorneys, the law school produces graduates who are ready to tackle the complex issues of contemporary law in a global context.

With a rigorous J.D. program and a highly ranked clinical program – recently named 12^th-best in the US – the University of Baltimore School of Law excels at placing students in sought-after externships in law firms, nonprofits, businesses and judges’ chambers throughout the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., area.

Students learn to approach legal practice from multiple angles and perspectives via a hands-on, comprehensive education that prepares them to practice all over the world.

SCHOOL OF LAW – UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT (UCONN)

Source: University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is one of the top public research universities in the United States, hosting more than 30,000 students on a vast network of campuses united by a culture of warmth and innovation. UConn Law’s programmes emphasize intellectual discipline and the development of the professional analytic expertise required to respond effectively to the challenge of continuing change in law and the societies it serves.

With an average class size of 20 to 30 students, UConn School of Law will offer the individualised attention you whole-heartedly deserve, making sure you aren’t distracted in the classroom at the same time.

The School also offers some of the lowest fees among top-tier law schools in the United States, providing great value for your money. Here, each student is given the chance to explore law and theory in an environment conducive to learning. Thanks to the Faculty’s broad specialities and creative intellectual approaches, students have the opportunity to prepare for a successful legal practice in wide-ranging fields.

SCHOOL OF LAW – UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (UM)

Source: University of Miami

UM’s 260-acre campus sits in the heart of Miami, Southern Florida, placing it at the crossroads of the Americas and the perfect location to instil students with a much-needed global perspective, crucial in being able to navigate today’s complex legal environment.

The School provides hands-on learning through various externship and fellowship programs, including opportunities to live and work in Washington DC for a semester, interacting with government agencies, non-profits and advocacy organisations. Students can also work alongside practicing attorneys on live cases in their practicum classes.

UM is making sure it is a force for good in its community by running the Center for Ethics and Public Service, a law school-housed interdisciplinary ethics education, skills training, and community engagement program devoted to the values of ethical judgment, professional responsibility, and public service in law and society.

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