Top Law Universities in 2022-2023

Best Law Colleges and Universities in the World

About Law

The field of law has long been recognized as one of the most prestigious professions. Law influences roughly every area of life: politics, business, economics, international relations, society and community, and human relations. A lawyer is expected to balance the art and science of justice. Through legal studies, students are trained to navigate through complex scenarios and conflicts to seek resolution. Careers in law are diverse and not limited to courthouses. Lawyers skilled across various specializations are employed in Business corporations, law agencies, and consultancy firms.

Duties of a Lawyer

A lawyer’s primary duty entails protecting the client’s rights and providing counsel on concerned matters. A lawyer is required to 

• Research and collect relevant information. 

• Draft legal documents, review, and verify the legitimacy of documents.

• Recognize potential issues of conflict and advise clients.

• Stay relevant with the updates in state and country laws that may affect the client.

• Represent clients in trial, if required, and attend court hearings.

• Manage interpersonal relations and be a bridge of communication between the client and other parties.

• Perform tasks of administrative nature.

Qualities of a Good Lawyer

Law is a demanding profession that requires a definitive set of essential skills for a successful career. A lawyer is expected to demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills with prowess in negotiation and persuasion. Communication skills extend to interpersonal meetings in a private setting and addressing the judge and the jury at a courthouse. 

The ability to conduct thorough research, analyze the information and exercise accurate judgment for the client’s benefit is vital. A lawyer is expected to be sharp in pointing out flaws or logical inconsistencies in documents or discussions with relevant parties. Lawyers may come across several instances in their career where they may have to make quick decisions and take immediate actions in a limited period. The skills of multitasking and resisting pressure come in handy. 

Successful lawyers exude confidence, independence, and firmness in their personalities. In addition, they know how to stay emotionally balanced and adapt to changing circumstances.

Popular Degrees for Pursuing a Career in Law

Bachelor’s Level

• LLB (Hons) Law; Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelors in Law
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Psychology
• Bachelor of Civil Law

Master’s Level

• Master of Laws
• Master of Science in Criminology
• Master of Law in International and Commercial Law
• MPhil in Law
• Master of Banking and Finance Law
• Juris Doctor

Ph.D. and Doctorate Level

• Ph.D. in Law
• Ph.D. in Intellectual Property Law
• Ph.D. in Company and Commercial Law

Specializations under Law Studies

Maritime Law also goes by the name of ‘admiralty law’ and deals in shipping, navigation, international waters, piracy, insurance, etc.

Business law can be further classified into two based on the level of business activity. Small business law deals in laws relating to the registration and setting up of start-ups and focuses on providing legal advice needed during the early years of business. Corporate Law is concerned with providing counsel to established corporations to assist in their operations.

Civil Law specializes in disputes concerning individuals and organizations, including family law and labor and employment laws and cases such as divorces and child custody, property damage, property disputes, contract disagreements, etc.

Criminal Law specifies what conduct can be perceived as a threat to the welfare of people and properties. Criminal Laws can vary as per the jurisdiction area and focus on enforcing punitive actions or rehabilitation measures on the offenders.

Environmental Law is a body of Law prescribing rules that ensure the protection of the environment while limiting private and public actions that can be perceived as a threat to environmental wellbeing. Environmental Law is also concerned with conserving, protecting, and managing natural resources. 

Average Salary of a Lawyer

Law can be a rewarding career for those who deliver their best. Law’s interdisciplinary and dynamic feature makes it adaptable to any organization or work setting. Lawyers are needed in law firms, financial companies, multinational conglomerates, non-profit organizations, etc. An experienced lawyer may even set up their private practice extending counsel in the areas of expertise. The average salary drawn by a lawyer is given below

USA– USD 126,930 per year (US. Bureau of Labour Statistics)

UK– USD  65,887 per year ( UK Talent)

Canada– USD 99,768 per year (Canada Talent)

Australia– USD 100,072 per year (Indeed)

Duration of Completing Law Studies

Top 50 Law Colleges based on Various Rankings

Top Law Colleges in USA

Top Law Colleges in Canada

Top Law Colleges in UK

Top Law Colleges in Australia

Academic Requirements for Studying Law in Top-ranked Colleges

Bachelor’s Level

Entry requirements can be unique to each university, however, below are some of the common admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in law

Entrance Test

Aspirants are required to take the entrance exam to apply to law schools.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries. The LSAT is divided into five components: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, unscored variable section, and essay. The average score in LSAT is typically 150, but a score of 160+ (180 being the highest possible) can get you into the top universities in the US.

The National Admissions Test For Law (LNAT) is required by UK universities for admission into legal study programs. The LNAT is a two-hour fifteen-minute test divided into sections A and B. Section A features multiple-choice questions, and section B needs candidates to write a compelling essay within the 40-minute time limit.

The Law Admission Test is required by some universities in Australia like the University of New South Wales for admission to law programs. No specific preparations are required for LAT. Two questions requiring written answers are included in the test.

Candidates will be able to apply to universities based on their scores on the entrance tests. Along with the entrance test results, they may also have to keep in mind the below-listed requirements:

• Applicants must have graduated high school with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Applicants must have had all or some subjects in their high school: Mathematics, English, Biological and physical sciences, history, and social sciences.
• English language proficiency score of 6.5 (or equivalent) and higher.
• Admission may be based on the applicant’s record of extracurricular activities, community service, professional experience.
• A sample essay, a statement of purpose, and a letter of recommendation may be required for admission.

Master’s Level

• Application will be assessed based on the applicant’s academic performance, although no cutoffs have been specified.
• The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree.
• The applicant should be able to demonstrate English proficiency.

For Bachelor’s/Master’s, applicants may be tested based on an interview conducted by the university.

Exams to be passed for obtaining a Lawyer License

Practising law in a foreign country is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.

Students must have a qualifying law degree. The law degree must be obtained from a government-approved institution, and the degree itself must be recognized and approved.  

The duration of the degree program must be of equivalent length of the degree programs of the foreign country, which is usually a three or four-year full-time program. The course of law study of the student must be equivalent to the Common Law education prevalent in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Students who wish to practice law in the US must clear the Bar Council examination of the preferred state. 

For those aiming to practice in the UK, in addition to the acceptable equivalent degree, applicants should complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) in law firms, legal clinics in academic institutions, law centers, or other similar organizations. Students must also have completed the two stages of SQE1 and SQE2. The SQE1 is a multiple-choice examination, while the SQE2 tests students’ skills through written and oral examinations.

Canadian rules for practicing law are slightly different. Students should complete the Provincial Bar Admissions Course, which will have different requirements according to the province. Students should also undertake articles for nine to twelve months under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. Upon completing the course and article, students can participate in the provincial bar examination, which allows them to practice law.