Best Majors For Law School
In this post, we discuss the best majors for law school applicants. If you are still in undergrad and you are considering law school, this article will give you a better understanding of which undergraduate majors are the most beneficial for law school admissions, and how your choice of major might affect your law school application.
Quick Note from Joshua Craven: Remember, these numbers represent averages, and regardless of your major you can dominate the LSAT. I was a finance major and I got a 177 on the LSAT .
University Of California Irvine School Of Law
U.C. Irvine School of Law hasnt been around for long, but it manages to be among the most progressive law schools in the United States. It has been one of the top 25 in the country. The school has about 500 students, with a student/faculty ratio of 5:8:1.
The ratio ensures that students get personalized attention from professors throughout their course. U.C. Irvine is also quite competitive, with only about 25 percent of applicants getting accepted. If youre lucky to get a spot in the school, you start gaining hands-on experience right away.
First-year students undergo a Lawyering Skills course, where they get to interview real clients. In your second year, youll need to choose from 10 core clinics. The clinics focus on a wide range of issues, including domestic violence, community development, criminal justice, and immigrant rights.
Other practical learning opportunities include a rigorous externship program and the UCDC Law program, where you get to spend a semester in Washington, DC.
Here are critical numbers to keep in mind if you wish to join the school:
- LSAT 25th-75th percentile: 161-165
- GPA 25th-75th percentile: 3.4-3.73
Top Law Schools In Europe
Europe is the most well-represented region globally for law schools, with 148 ranked programs, including 13 in the global top 50 and three in the global top 10.
The United Kingdom has an impressive 37 law schools in the ranking, the most of any country in Europe, with eight of these featuring in the global top 50. Amongst them is University of Oxford, the top law school in Europe, ranking 2nd globally. The University of Oxford states its aim is to help law students analyse complex information, construct arguments and write with precision and clarity. This is reflected in its high score for academic reputation.
KU Leuvens law school in Belgium ranks at joint 35th globally this year, placing amongst the six universities offering law courses in Belgium. Founded in 1425, KU Levins Faculty of Law is the largest in Belgium, emphasising an international and comparative approach to law.
Frances Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne enters the top 20 worldwide this year, rising five places. The law school boasts a growing international presence, with links to universities around the world and is largely recognised as one of the most distinguished centres of education and research in Europe. It places amongst the nine French law schools in the rankings.
Elsewhere in Europe, Germany features two law schools in the global top 50: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München .
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London School Of Economics And Political Science Law School
Founded over a century ago, the London School of Economics and Political Science Law School began teaching the subject of law as early as 1895. Throughout its long history, LSE Law has become one of the best law schools in the world.
The school has been named the best school in the United Kingdom for research outputs in the most recent Research Excellence Framework .
LSE Law School emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary, international perspectives to study law. The school considers inclusivity an essential component of their identity and their approach to legal education.
The school is located in London, at the heart of legal activity in the United Kingdom. Its campus is situated in close proximity to Lincolns Inn, one of the four Inns of Court of which all UK barristers must be members, as well as the Royal Courts of Justice.
Additionally, the House of Parliament is within walking distance for LSE Law students.
Do You Have To Go To Law School In Order To Become A Lawyer
No, it is not necessary to go to law school in order to become a lawyer. However, the road to earning a license to practice law is as long, as difficult, and in some ways more demanding than the law school route. More importantly, students should understand just how slim the chances are to become a lawyer without a degree from a law school.
To begin, 99 percent of lawyers who earn their license will have completed a law school program. This is for a very good reason: there are only four states in the United States that enable potential lawyers to sit for the bar exam without having completed law school. Those states are California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. In these states, less than one-quarter of the professionals without a law degree passed the bar exam and won the right to practice law. In fact, all four states are in the top 20 hardest bar exams, with California leading the pack at a pass rate of 54.3 percent.
Professionals will note that while it is difficult to pass the bar examination without a degree, it is not impossible. There is a great deal of hard work that is involved, but nothing that cant be managed by an ambitious individual. And while it does take a lot of time to complete an apprenticeship, it is significantly cheaper than a law school education some estimates have the difference between the two paths to equal $145,000.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Most Affordable Law Schools in the United States.
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Choosing A Great Law School
The law program you select can have a big impact on your future. That’s why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Law rankings. We derive our Best Overall Law School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Top Law Schools In Latin America
Latin America has a significant presence in the law rankings this year, with 25 programs included. Four Latin American programs are in the top 50 globally.
Mexicos Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is the highest ranked university in Latin America this year in 34th after rising seven places. UNAMs law school produces high-level legal research aimed at solving current national and international problems and is home to one of the largest law libraries in Latin America. It is one of two Mexican universities featured in the law school rankings in 2021.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is the second highest-ranked in the region, and one of six of Chiles universities featured this year. The universitys law school has been teaching students for 125 years and challenges its students to learn and develop abilities from a comprehensive standpoint, encouraging reflection, critical analysis and active participation in the legal and social debate on a global scale.
Argentina and Brazil each have one entry in this years top 50, including Argentinas Universidad de Buenos Aires, which rises three places this year to rank 44th and Brazils Universidade de São Paulo . Colombias six law programs featured this year include Universidad de Los Andes Colombia, ranked 45th in the world.
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The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Points: 4 points Website
One of the most affordable law schools in the country can be found at the University of Alabama. This school is known for small class sizes, a high bar exam passage rate, great internship and externship placements in federal situations, and international programs. In fact, this school offers over 12 different programs, including JDs, joint degree programs, Master of Laws, and a Doctor of Juridical Sciences. Students can also study abroad in Australia, Israel, and India. Students who complete the JD will need to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours, one internship, one externship, at least three clinicals in accordance with their concentration, and a set of comprehensive exams. More information on these degrees and their requirements can be found by contacting the schools admissions office.
Average Program Cost: $32,740U.S. News and World Report Ranking:#27 in Best Law Schools
University Of California Hastings College Of Law
The San Francisco-based U.C. Hastings opened its doors in 1878. It takes pride in being the first law school in the U.C. system. Thanks to its San Francisco location, the school is just a few minutes walk from the California Supreme Court, City Hall, the Attorneys Office, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Students may network with major players in the legal industry. The school allows students to choose from 10 specializations, which include:
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Intellectual Property Law
U.C. Hastings also boasts nine centers and programs, offering specialized studies. These include the Center for Innovation, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, as well as the East Asian Legal Studies Program. It is much easier to get into U.C. Hastings compare to most law schools in this list, thanks to its 44.9 percent acceptance rate.
These numbers from the 2018 entering class may be of help if youre looking to join UC Hastings College of Law:
- Median LSAT Score: 158
- Median Undergraduate GPA: 3.44
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What Do Law Schools Want In A Student
Law schools want students from a wide variety of backgrounds and majors. Because of this, if youre the only physicist in your application class, you have a much higher chance of getting into law school than the 300th candidate with a business degree.
Knowledge in a specialized field will almost certainly help you in a career as a lawyer because there are so many different types of lawyers. Embrace the difference and be yourself. Dont make your choice of an undergraduate program based on what you think law admissions officers favor. Follow your passions, curiosities, and strengths. Take a variety of college courses in disparate fields to show that you have a range of academic talents. In short, excel in your field.
There is one path that we do NOT recommend: the pre-law major. It sounds counter-intuitive, right? After all, the major is designed specifically for getting students into law school. So why dont we recommend it?
A lot of law schools dont think its as challenging to get good grades in pre-law as it is in other majors. This is because it doesnt show any kind of subject specialization or excellence in a particular field. In fact, most top tier schools dont even offer this program anymore. This isnt to say that you cant get into law school in this major. If you score high on the LSAT and can demonstrate good grades, you can still be accepted, but your odds will likely be better along a different path.
The London School Of Economics And Political Science
London, UK
| LLM Requirements | Application deadline | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LLB UK Students: £9,250 per yearLLB International students: £22,430 per yearLLM UK students: £17,328LLM International students: £25,224 | A Levels: A*AAIB: 38 points overall, with 766 for HLLNAT and Personal statement required | Undergraduate degree in law Transcripts, statement of academic purpose, two academic references, and CV also required | LLB: 26 January |
About LSE Law
LSE Law is a vibrant and inclusive community of world-class students, staff, and alumni committed to bringing an international and interdisciplinary outlook to teaching and research. Established in 1895, the LSE Law Department seeks to understand the causes of things. They pioneered the study of banking, taxation, labor, family, and welfare law.
Today, the department is one of the best in the world. They offer LLB, LLM, Executive LLM, MSc Law and Accounting degrees. Additionally, they offer a double degree program with the Columbia Law School LLB/JD program.
Is it for you?
AT LSE Law, you can study law as an undergraduate. They offer a three-year LLB degree, and then you can take the LPC after your LLB. The LLM program teaches law from various traditions and jurisdictions, so you can practice law in any jurisdiction. It also offers many specializations.
Speak to one of our UK admission advisors to learn more about your chances at LSE Law School
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Best Accredited Online Law Schools
Anyone who wants to practice law must earn a Juris Doctorate , then take and pass the Bar Exam. This test is difficult, and the effort required for JD students to do well is substantial, but the rewards are limitless and long-term. The American Bar Association ensures a baseline quality standard of legal education within the United States by accrediting all law schools in the country. There are a wide variety of ABA-accredited law schools available to attend for those pursuing a law degree or certification. For those with busy schedules and commitments outside of their education, earning a convenient online form of your Juris Doctorate may be the best route to take.
Unfortunately, California is the only state that allows online law school graduates to take the Bar Exam. Once you pass, you will be licensed to practice law anywhere in California. If you do not plan to practice law in California, you will need to attend a brick-and-mortar law school in person.
Leading up to that Juris Doctorate, however, you can still complete the undergraduate prerequisites wholly online, and there are plenty of options available. EDsmart has gathered a list of the best pre-law majors for you to peruse and choose from here. We also have plenty of lists of the best online degree options, depending on which major youd like to pursue.
Law School Rankings In The United States
Law school rankings are a specific subset of college and university rankings dealing specifically with law schools. Like college and university rankings, law school rankings can be based on empirical data, subjectively-perceived qualitative data , or some combination of these. Such rankings are often consulted by prospective students as they choose which schools they will apply to or which school they will attend. There are several different law school rankings, each of which has a different emphasis and methodology.
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Does Ucla Law School Average Lsat Scores
Their average college GPA is 3.0. It is UCLA Laws highest graduate score ever recorded with an LSAT of 79, and their median score of 168 holds strong to last years record set with an LSAT of 177. There is a 3.1% grade point average for the 25th percentile. At 51, you have a 76th percentile of three, and at 75, you have a 75th percentile. As of 2016 the percentile LSAT score for the 25th percentile was 164, as of 2017 the percentile of the 75th percentile was 169.
But First The Worst Majors For Law School
I want to state an important warning right up front: IF YOUR SCHOOL HAS A PRE-LAW OR CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR, DONT DO IT. The hard evidence out there is that pre-law and criminal justice majors do worse on the LSAT and have worse outcomes when applying to law school.
According to LSAC, who tracks these things, only 52% of criminal justice majors and 61% pre-law majors were accepted to law school. Compare that with philosophy, economics, and journalism majors, who were admitted to law school at rates of 82, 79, and 76 percent respectively.
Now I agree with other commentators this is likely explained by self-selection. The theory is that poor test takers tend to choose these majors in abundance and this same group would score low on the LSAT even if they chose a different major. Under that theory, its not the major itself thats causing the poor performance, but, no matter the explanation, they are clearly under-performing.
Lets take a look at a study of LSAT scores by major:
| Major Category |
|---|
Of those measured, the two majors supposedly tailored towards preparing students for law school have the worst performance on the exam that gets you in law school!
There is no way to say this nicely, but dont get lumped in with this group if you can help it. I realize there are great students at great schools pursuing these majors , but its my firm belief that these majors dont do anything to prepare you for law school that history, English, or political science doesnt do better.
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Law Rankings By Degree Level
The law school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Law Schools.You can also filter this list to find schools closer to you.
In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you.When you have some time, check it out – you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.
More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual’s Data Methodology.
Fees Of Law Colleges In Canada
One of the reasons students pursue higher education from Canada is that the cost of the study is comparatively affordable as compared to other countries. The cost of LLB in Canada is $14,000 $28,000 depending on the university and course type. The cost of LLM in Canada is $10,000 $20,000 . To help international students, various scholarships are also offered by Canadian universities.
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