13 August 2025
7 minutes read
Can Indian Student Study Law in USA?
13 August 2025
7 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Can Indian student study law in USA? Yes—through JD, LLM, or dual degrees, meeting eligibility rules, tests, and bar exam requirements.
- Top US law schools offer global opportunities, though costs are high; scholarships can make them more affordable.
- Strong applications, proper credential evaluation, and visa readiness are vital for building a successful legal career in the US or India.
Can Indian student study law in USA? Yes, but it’s not as easy as just boarding a plane for Harvard Law School. Many Indian lawyers and law students aspire to earn a Juris Doctor or LLM in the USA, but there are all kinds of eligibility issues, LSAT requirements, and bar exams with rules that vary from state to state, like New York and California.
This guide outlines the legal education system, application process, and pathways to practice law so that you can study law in the US with clarity and confidence.
Why Indian Students Choose to Study Law in the US?
Can an Indian student pursue a legal education in the United States? Definitely, and many students have. Universities in the United States provide a world-class legal education in corporate law, constitutional law, technology law, and intellectual property law.
The LLM degree or J.D. degree from an ABA-approved law schools can lead to top law firms, international law practice, an opportunity to take the bar exam in New York or California, and other post-graduation employment opportunities. Prosperity is endless with scholarships, transparent eligibility requirements, and strong career law practice opportunities.
How to Study Law in USA from India?
If you’re an Indian student who wants to study law in USA, you have several pathways. US universities offer law programmes that follow the common law legal system, and each has specific admission requirements.
Whether you’re aiming for a Juris Doctor, a Master of Law, or a dual degree, your choice will depend on your current qualifications and career goals. Here are the main options:
1. Juris Doctor (JD) for Fresh Graduates
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to practice law in the USA, a JD from an ABA-accredited law school is the primary route.
Law school applicants must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), complete the US law school application process, and meet credential assembly service requirements. States require JD graduates to sit for the bar examination to practice law in the United States.
2. Master of Laws (LLM) for Law Graduates from India
If you already have a foreign law degree or an Indian law qualification, pursuing an LLM in the USA can help you specialize in areas like immigration law, criminal law, or intellectual property.
This is a popular option for internationally educated lawyers who want to qualify for the bar exam in certain states, including New York and California. Admission requirements usually include proof of your law degree, evaluation for internationally educated applicants, and strong English proficiency.
3. Dual Degree and Exchange Programs
Some US universities allow students to pursue dual degree programs that combine a US law degree with another field, such as business or technology law. These are ideal if you want to work in interdisciplinary fields like corporate law or international law.
Exchange programs also let Indian law students spend a semester or year in the US, gaining exposure to the American legal system while keeping costs lower than a full-time degree.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements for Indian Students to Study Law in the USA
Studying law in the USA as an international applicant involves specific steps that vary by program and state. Whether you aim to attend law school in the US for a Juris Doctor or LLM, you must satisfy both academic and procedural requirements before you can practice law in the USA.
1. Academic Qualifications
An Indian student must hold either an undergraduate degree (for JD) or a recognized degree in law (for LLM). This legal degree is essential for applying to law school in the US and is needed to practice law in many states.
2. Credential Evaluation
International applicants, including those with an Indian law degree, must go through authentication and evaluation for internationally educated applicants. This ensures your foreign law degree meets US law school standards.
3. Application Process
Applicants to law schools in the US must register for the Credential Assembly Service, submit transcripts, and complete law studies application forms. Students need to demonstrate their passion for law through essays and references.
4. Entrance Requirements
Students must meet admission requirements such as the LSAT for JD programs or proof of legal education for LLM. Some states in the US also require specific coursework to allow lawyers to qualify for the bar exam and practice law.
5. Bar Exam Eligibility
To practice law in the USA, students must meet state-specific requirements, take the bar examination, and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Many states, including New York and California, allow internationally educated lawyers to qualify after completing an LLM.
6. Financial Planning
Studying law in the US comes with a high cost of living and tuition. Scholarships are available for Indian students, but applicants to law programs should plan ahead for all expenses.
10 Top Law School in the US for International Students
Studying law in the USA offers international students access to a world-class legal education, diverse fields of law, and the opportunity to practice law in the United States after passing the bar exam.
US universities with ABA-accredited law schools provide excellent LLM and JD programs, strong global reputations, and connections to top law firms. Below is a list of some of the best law schools in the US for international students, along with key details.
| Rank | Law School | Location | Notable Programs for International Students | Bar Exam Eligibility States* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard Law School | Cambridge, Massachusetts | LLM, JD, International Law, Corporate Law | New York, California |
| 2 | Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | JD, LLM, Constitutional Law, Human Rights | New York, California |
| 3 | Stanford University | Stanford, California | JD, LLM in Corporate Governance, Technology Law | California, New York |
| 4 | Columbia University | New York, New York | LLM, JD, International Business Law | New York, California |
| 5 | University of Chicago Law School | Chicago, Illinois | LLM, JD, Law & Economics, Criminal Law | New York, California |
| 6 | NYU School of Law | New York, New York | LLM in International Business Regulation, JD | New York, California |
| 7 | UC Berkeley School of Law | Berkeley, California | LLM, JD, Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law | California, New York |
| 8 | University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | LLM, JD, Corporate Law, Immigration Law | New York, California |
| 9 | Georgetown University Law Center | Washington, D.C. | LLM, JD, International Law, Taxation | New York, California |
| 10 | Northwestern Pritzker School of Law | Chicago, Illinois | LLM, JD, Business Law, Trial Advocacy | New York, California |
Cost of Studying Law in the United States for Indian Students
For a student in the US, pursuing law in US universities is a significant investment. Whether you aim to practice law or simply gain expertise, lawyers can qualify to take the exam and meet the bar exam to become licensed, but it requires careful financial planning, especially for Indian students.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (JD) | $45,000 – $70,000 | Varies by law school; ABA-approved programs often cost more |
| Tuition Fees (LLM) | $30,000 – $65,000 | One-year program for internationally educated lawyers can qualify them for certain state bar exams |
| Living Expenses | $15,000 – $25,000 | Includes housing, food, transport, and health insurance for a student in the US |
| Books & Study Materials | $1,000 – $2,000 | Covers law in US subjects, casebooks, and research resources |
| Bar Exam Preparation | $2,000 – $5,000 | Required for those who want to take the exam and enter the practice of law |
| Bar Exam Fees | $750 – $1,500 | State-specific; may require Indian students to submit extra documentation |
| Miscellaneous Costs | $1,000 – $3,000 | Visa, travel, student activities, and emergencies |
Application Process for Indian Students to US Law Schools
Applying to a law school in the US as an Indian student involves multiple steps, from preparing documents to meeting testing requirements.
The process can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding each stage makes it easier to navigate. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
1. Research Law Schools and Programs
Decide whether you want to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or a dual degree. Check each school’s eligibility criteria, tuition fees, and bar exam pathways for international students.
2. Meet Academic Requirements
For JD, you need an undergraduate degree in any field. For LLM, you must have a recognized law degree from India. Some states may require specific coursework for bar exam eligibility.
3. Take Required Tests
Most JD applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). LLM programs may require English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
4. Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
This service, managed by LSAC, collects and authenticates your academic records, recommendation letters, and other documents for US law school applications.
5. Prepare Your Application Documents
Write a compelling Statement of Purpose, secure Letters of Recommendation, and prepare a resume highlighting your academic and professional achievements.
6. Submit Applications
Apply through the law school’s application portal or LSAC’s platform, ensuring you meet deadlines for each program.
7. Secure Funding and Scholarships
Explore scholarships for International students, research assistantships, and external funding sources to cover tuition and living costs.
8. Apply for a Student Visa
Once accepted, apply for an F-1 visa, providing proof of admission, financial ability, and intent to return to India after your studies.
Career Opportunities After Studying Law in the USA
Indian students have many options after finishing law school in the USA. Indian students can take the bar exam as students who graduated from ABA-accredited law schools, which allows them to practice law in the USA in states like New York and California.
Graduates from those schools can work as lawyers specializing in corporate law, immigration law, intellectual property law or international law, and work at some of the top law firms, multinational corporations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Graduates from law school who are heading back to India can utilize their US law degree to practice, consult, or teach in a global environment.
Conclusion
So, can Indian student study law in USA? Absolutely, and with the right guidance, it can be a career-defining move. From choosing the right law school to meeting eligibility requirements and preparing for the bar exam, every step matters. That’s where Ambitio comes in.
We don’t just advise; we build your profile, strengthen your applications, and position you for top US universities. Ready to turn your passion for law into a global career? Let’s make it happen. Connect with Ambitio Elite today and start crafting your winning law school journey. Your dream legal career starts here.
FAQs
Can Indian student study law in USA with an Indian degree?
Yes, Indian students with a bachelor’s degree can apply for a Juris Doctor (JD) program in the USA.
What entrance exams are needed for Indian students to study law in USA?
Indian students typically need to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) to study law in USA.
Are scholarships available if Indian student study law in USA?
Many law schools in the USA offer scholarships and financial aid for international students, including Indian students.
Can Indian student study law in USA and practice there?
Yes, after earning a law degree and passing the state bar exam, Indian students can practice law in the USA.
Is English proficiency required if an Indian student study law in USA?
Indian students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove English proficiency when applying to U.S. law schools.
How long does it take if Indian student study law in USA?
It usually takes three years to complete a JD program if an Indian student study law in USA.
Are job opportunities good if Indian student study law in USA?
Indian students graduating from reputable U.S. law schools can find diverse job opportunities in law firms, corporations, or public sectors in the USA
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