Study Law Abroad: Studying law opens up a world of exploration into various social science and humanity issues, all wrapped up in one degree. Many students dream of a legal career and opt for law degrees abroad. However, if you’re eyeing a specific country to practice law, it’s crucial to understand the specific steps you need to take, as the process can differ. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about pursuing a law degree in a foreign land.

Why Study Law Abroad

Considering a career in law? Exploring the option of studying and working abroad could be a fantastic idea! Not only does it open doors to numerous job opportunities, but many overseas universities also boast global recognition in the field of law. Here are some compelling reasons why pursuing a law degree abroad might be the right choice for you.

• Boost your career prospects by honing your language skills.
• Dive into the legal system of a different country, broadening your understanding of how law operates globally.
• Immerse yourself in a new culture, exploring unique customs and activities not found in your home country.
• Gain a wider perspective on law and life by navigating the varying legal landscapes and evolving societal attitudes in different countries.
• Enrich your social and professional network by making lasting connections while studying abroad in a law school.
• Treasure the experiences of discovering a new culture and forging lifelong memories that will shape your outlook on life.

Popular law programs that students can study abroad:

1. Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in the USA:
   • This is a three-year program.
   • Unlike India, the USA doesn’t have a 3-year LLB program.
2. LLB (Bachelor of Law) in the UK:
   • Offered in countries like the UK.
   • In Cambridge, UK, the LLB program mainly focuses on English law.
   • It’s crucial for candidates to be clear about the legal system they want to study. For example, studying in Cambridge might not be the best choice for someone interested in Indian law.
   • Cambridge does cover EU law and International law in its program.
3. LLM (Master of Laws):
   • This degree is commonly pursued by international applicants.
   • It’s a postgraduate program.

What are the Objectives of Studying Law Abroad?

Many Indian students choose to study law abroad for various reasons. Some are drawn to the potential benefits it offers, while others see it as a more financially rewarding path. Certain students are attracted to the availability of specific law specializations in other countries, and some aim to gain international exposure through their legal education overseas.

1. To develop skills demanded by employers
2. Study in a cosmopolitan environment
3. Diverse options to choose from
4. Benefit from better Industry-academic linkages
5. International exposure
6. Access to world-class research opportunities

Here are some more examples why students may go abroad to study law:

• Compulsory Modules: Think of these like the essential building blocks of your law studies. They’re the must-learn subjects, such as Contract Law and Criminal Law, that set the stage for more advanced legal stuff.
• Specialist Modules: Here’s where you get to customize your legal education. It’s like choosing your favorite flavors of ice cream, but instead, you’re picking specializations like human rights, family law, or even diving into areas like terrorism and the environment.
• Debate and Argument: This is where the real fun begins. Imagine having heated discussions with your friends about the latest legal cases or ethical dilemmas. It’s all about gaining sharper perspectives on whatever you’re studying, and it’s a big part of any degree.

Admission Requirements for studying law abroad:

• Academic qualification: The candidate needs to have passed qualifying exam scoring minimum marks; for example
• English Language Proficiency: The candidate must have taken English language proficiency tests like IELTS (Academic) or TOEFL. Please note that the minimum scores in these tests may vary depending on the institute the candidate is applying to. In the tables below candidates can find the requirements for admission at Cambridge University.

Language Proficiency Requirement ( University of Cambridge, UK) for LLM program

IELTS (Academic)

TOEFL Internet Score

3. Two to four Letters of Recommendation (References)

Best Countries to Study Law

Many English-speaking countries are considered the best to study law. Their universities provide an internationally renowned basis for a career in law suitable to many countries and areas. Here are the top countries to pursue your Law degree:

• Law in UK
• Law in USA
• Law in Canada
• Law in Ireland
• Law in New Zealand
• Law in Australia
• Law in Singapore

Best Universities to Study Law

While it’s important to explore the options that make the most sense for your study interests and career goals, law school study abroad is an option that could enhance your overall study experience. Particular universities around the world are highly regarded for their law teaching. These universities generally have higher admission requirements and can be competitive to get into.

• University of Cambridge, UK
• Oxford University, UK
• Stanford University, USA
• Harvard University, USA
• University of Melbourne, Australia
• National University of Singapore

Law Study Abroad Programs

Undergraduate and postgraduate level law degrees can be studied as country-specific programs, or many universities now offer international law programs. At all the study levels, you can specialize in specific areas or types of law. Common types of law to study include:

• Environmental law
• Business law
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Civil Law
• Corporate Law
• Labor Law
• Real Estate Law
• Media Law
• Intellectual Property Law.

How to Apply for Law Study Abroad Program:

The application process is country-specific and so the candidate may refer to the country and institute and country they are applying for admission into.

Applying to law universities in the UK:

1. Applications can be submitted through the individual Applicant Portals of the specific university. The application must be filled in English language only.
2. The candidate should be able to request for references in the portal and also see whether these have been received.
3. Submit all supporting documents.
4. In case the candidate is looking for funding, the same can also be applied through the Applicant Portal.
5. The application fee is around (GBP sterling) £65 per application.
6. If the candidate seeks to apply to more than one program, separate application forms along with supporting documents may have to be submitted for each course.

Applying to law universities in the USA:

1. Most universities have their own online applications, including the likes of Harvard Law School, Harvard.
2. UCLA (law) accepts applications through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) LL.M. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Document Assembly Service for its LLM program.
3. At the time of application, the candidate will have to submit all relevant supporting documents along with the application.

How To Study Law Abroad After 12th

Before applying candidates must ensure they fulfil the requirements to study law abroad at the institute in order to successfully gain admission. Given below are few important points to beto study law abroad after 12th.

• Candidates should first decide on the university in which they want to study abroad.
• One can apply through the application portal of the official website of the university.
• Aspiring candidates must have a valid IELTS/TOEFL scores to prove proficiency in English language
• Candidates will need a letter of recommendation.
• The university will also ask for a statement of purpose to be submitted by the candidate mentioning the goals and objectives of choosing to study law at the university.
• Candidates must have a valid passport as well and visa.

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