The well-rounded lawyer: US law schools creating capable business leaders

In many ways, lawyers and entrepreneurs are worlds apart. Noory Bechor, CEO and founder of LawGeex, had this to say about the shift in mindset required for a lawyer to run a business: “For lawyers, every risk must be mitigated. For an entrepreneur, taking risks is second nature. For lawyers, everything is confidential, but as an entrepreneur, the more you share, the more advice you get, the better you become.”

Several US law schools are equipping students to narrow this gap, transforming legal eagles into the modern-day legalpreneur. These graduates are breaking the traditional mould of law practice by developing the entrepreneurial sensitivity and skills to lead successful companies of their own. With this business savviness, these lawyers also go on to become top-level executives in companies across the world, from Asia and Europe to Latin America and the Middle East.

Bechor himself was a lawyer at a top Israeli firm when he identified the need to automate contract review — a task many lawyers still perform manually to this day. His platform uses artificial intelligence to review contracts according to set guidelines, winning over retail, finance, and insurance clients in the US.

Today’s business landscape is dynamic and versatile. Graduates who can apply their legal education in new and exciting ways become respected innovators, leading the way into the future of law. If you envision this for yourself, check out these US law schools creating capable business leaders in the digital age.

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF LAW

As one the leading public US law schools, UConn Law programmes emphasise critical analytical skills and intellectual discipline. These are not only transferable across several industries, but necessary to respond effectively to the rapid, evolutionary nature of the law and the society it serves.

What drives this type of real-world education? For one, high-quality, civil discourse among students and faculty. Students benefit from small classes, where they hone a personal give-and-take relationship with peers while fostering a spirit of collaboration and cooperation to attain greater goals. Creating and maintaining quality relationships is not just vital for a successful business, but a valuable life.

Besides degrees and certificate programmes, you can opt to do a Juris Doctor or master’s programme, or a dual degree that combines the best of both worlds. You will be part of clinics, field placements, and skills training workshops. You can also harness the power of the written word with one of the school’s four scholarly journals, which will help equip you for an insightful, influential career.

By the end of your time here, you would have gained skills in problem-solving, counselling, communication, ethics, and professionalism. These will open many doors on your career pathway, no matter which you choose. Explore more here. 

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

In 2018, the National Jurist voted Suffolk Law as the top law school in the nation for its expertise in legal technology. Its clinics, legal writing, trial advocacy and dispute resolution programs are in the top 25  of the 2021 US News & World Report’s “Best Law Schools” rankings and Suffolk Law is the only school in the USA that has had four top-25 ranked legal skills specialties in U.S. News & World Report for five years in a row (2017-21 editions).

These results prove what its graduates have long known: a Suffolk Law degree is one that has consistently met the demands of the legal industry and beyond since the law school’s founding over 100 years ago in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

How does it achieve this? It starts with a vibrant community of over 40 student organisations, six journals, and national and international moot court teams. These help students build a vast network and a diverse array of experiences, which are essential in any business environment.

No matter what program they pursue, students receive exposure to real-world practice and experiential learning opportunities that guide them to successful careers. Choose from a variety of concentrations, including Business Law and Financial Services; Legal Innovation and Technology; Intellectual Property; and International Law, as well as, post-graduate law degrees in taxation, global law and technology, and life sciences.

Today, there are over 23,000 Suffolk Law graduates in every area of legal practice including private law firms, corporations, public interest organisations, the military, and government. Graduates also apply their knowledge and skills in business, education, and finance ventures. They transform their education at one of the top US law schools into impactful careers across the world. Register your interest here to become a practice-ready lawyer of tomorrow.

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

Source: George Washington University

Established in 1865, GW Law is the oldest law school in Washington, DC. Its alumni include judges and State Supreme Court justices, as well as prominent leaders in business, industry, and government.

You can choose from various programmes including Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Doctor of Juridical Science, and Joint Degree. There are also summer study abroad and exchange programmes for students with global ambitions. You will get to do pro bono and public interest work to widen the scope of your practice. To that end, you can also utilise your access to numerous research centres and initiatives concerning the law, technology, history, and sustainability.

Among the focus areas here are environmental and energy law; government and procurement law; international and comparative law. You will be guided by respected faculty members who hold great influence as scholars and practitioners in the American legal scene.

Dynamic, rigorous, generous, and practical, your experience at GW Law will form an unforgettable foundation to a long, fulfilling career in any field of your choosing. Every graduate remains connected by their commitment to making the world a more just and humane place. See application details here.

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

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