What are the Top Universities in the World for Studying Law?

Looking to pursue a career path in law?

Well, you'll want to start by finding the school that fits you best. Many universities around the world offer law degree programs and it can be difficult to choose one from a multitude of over a thousand prestigious universities that offer law courses.

Fortunately, the QS World University Ranking by Subject for 2020 is out, showcasing the top 300 universities for this field. If you haven't laid your eyes on this report, fret not. We've compiled a list of the top 10 universities for studying law as ranked in the QS Report.

The QS Rankings are based on 4 metrics: Academic reputation, research citations per paper, employer reputation, and H-Index (a method used to measure the productivity of the publications of a scholar) Without further ado, here are the top 10 universities in the world to study law.

1. Harvard University

Harvard law school is by far the most renowned law school in the world.

Located in Massachusetts, US, Harvard University ranks 100% in Academic Reputation and Employer Reputation. Their Juris Doctor courses are also unmatched in the world, making it the dream school for aspiring lawyers.

The Harvard law school also offers more law courses than any other university in the world and has a student to faculty ratio of 12.4:1.

To get admitted to Harvard law school, you'll need an LSAT or GRE. The school requires a high LSAT score of 170+. While scoring high in this admission test requires a lot of planning, hard work, and endurance, it's easy to prepare for the LSAT when you have the right study material and enough information about the test.

2. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the most reputable law schools in the world and was ranked 2nd in the QS World University ranking. Located in London, the University of Oxford offers 4 undergraduate programs of law.

1. Diploma in legal studies
2. BA in Jurisprudence
3. The BA in Jurisprudence with Senior Status
4. BA in Law

Oxford's law program also offers several postgraduate programs that are highly upheld. The school has a student to faculty ratio of about 7:1.

3. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's oldest and widely recognized universities in the world. Law has been taught in Cambridge since the 13th century.

Located in Cambridge, UK, the University boasts of the largest library of legal collections with over 180,000 volumes. The entry requirements into the LLB program are a bit strict, as students need to pass a BA Tripos undergraduate exam.

The faculty of law at Cambridge offers six different degrees as well as an MPhil in Criminology, MPhil in criminological research, a diploma in international law, and a diploma in legal studies.

4. Yale University

Established in 1824, Yale University has quite a history, and their law school is ranked one of the best in the US.

The school hosts several clinics that allow students to represent clients in real-world problems. While their teaching is topnotch, the university is the most selective in the US with an acceptance rate of less than 10%. It also has a high LSAT score requirement of 173.

5. Stanford University

Known for having one of the lowest students to faculty ratio of 7.3:1, Stanford University offers one of the best law programs.

Located in California, US, Stanford doesn't just excel in academics but is also generous in funding. About 80% of the students who get admitted to the Juris Doctor (JD) program receive fellowship funding of up to $28,000. However, it does have a low acceptance rate of 9.1%.

6. London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)

LSE law school is renowned for having a pre-eminent research faculty. Located in London, LSE is one of the best law schools for those who want to study abroad.

The school has an international outlook, with students coming from all over the world. Their LLM program offers a wide variety of courses, ranging from banking law to trade law to criminal law, etc. LSE is also generous with funding and each year, it avails £4 million in scholarships to students.

7. University of California, Berkeley

Well known for its environmental, intellectual property, and international law programs, the University of California will not disappoint when it comes to law courses.

Did you know that it offers students the opportunity to take their third year at Harvard if they can't find the courses they're looking for? The school is not just good at pedagogical practices; over 90% of their students get employed within one year with an average salary of $180,000.

8. Columbia University

Located in New York City, Columbia University is a member of Ivy League colleges.

The university offers a unique "Legal Methods" course designed to help students make a smooth transition to the life of a law student.

Their Juris Doctor (JD) program is unique and goes for around $70,000 per year tuition cost—quite expensive but rated one of the best in the US. The acceptance rate is good (at 22%) but their LSAT requirement of 171 is quite high.

9. New York University

Looking to study public interest law or property law?

The New York University carries the Oscar for these two programs and it might just be the right place for you, granted you can afford it.

If you have broader interests, you can enroll for a joint degree with other programs at the university as well as through other institutions like Princeton. The university has a good acceptance rate of around 30% and student to faculty ratio of 9:1. 

10. The University of Melbourne (Australia)

The University of Melbourne is the highest-ranked law school in Australia.

The law faculty offers a 3-year JD program that has set a benchmark for legal education in Australia. It also offers several LLM courses, including Masters of Construction Law, Master of Commercial Law, and Master of Law (Global competition and consumer law)

The university also offers a joint degree from Oxford that allows students to take two and a half years in Melbourne and complete the final year at Oxford. As far as the grades are concerned, the University of Melbourne accepts a lower LSAT score of 158.

Wrapping Up

If you're looking to attend a top, internationally recognized law school, the universities on this list are your best options. Other top law schools worth considering include the University of Chicago, University of Toronto, Peking University, and the University of Edinburgh.