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29 July 2025

5 minutes read

Study Law in USA for International Students: US Law School Application for Indian Applicants?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

29 July 2025

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Study law in USA for international students unlocks global career paths through top-ranked US law schools and specialized legal programs.
  • Study law in USA for international students requires strong academics, English proficiency, and a compelling personal statement.
  • Study law in USA for international students offers exposure to diverse legal systems, real-world training, and bar eligibility in many US states.

The USA continues to be a dream destination for students wanting to study law in a internationally renown academic framework.

International applicants (especially from India), view studying law in USA as a launchpad to professional success, with varied opportunities and global recognition.

Why Study in Law School in the US?

Did you know that there are over 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the US? That makes it a legal education powerhouse! 

  • Students may be able to concentrate in different branches of law, such as constitutional law, criminal law, and property law. 
  • U.S. universities emphasize practical legal education and incorporate either moot courts, clinics, or internships. 
  • The law degree prepares students to deal with both domestic law contexts and those set within international law.

Comparison Table: Why Choose US Law Schools

FeatureUSA Law SchoolsOther Countries
SpecializationsExtensive (e.g., constitutional law, international law)Limited scope
Legal ClinicsMandatory in top schoolsOptional or absent
Practice Law EligibilityAllows bar admission in many US statesMay require conversion

What are the Advantages of Applying to Law Degree in US Law Schools?

Fun fact: Over 10,000 international students and scholars attend law schools across the United States every year!

  • International students can also apply for scholarships to students based on merit and need.
  • The US law school application process accepts applicants from over 100 countries annually.
  • LLB in USA gives students a globally recognized education and helps them qualify international lawyers to sit for bar exams.

Table: Key Advantages of Studying Law in the USA

AdvantageDescription
International Law School AdmissionAvailable to international students
Global Career OpportunitiesOpens doors to global law firms
Law School Students SupportAcademic and professional guidance

How to Study Law in USA for International Students?

Fun fact: The typical law degree in the USA involves three years of full-time study after a prior undergraduate degree!

  • Students must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Prospective international students need a high school diploma and GPA conversion.
  • Students who wish to attend law school must submit a personal statement, resume, transcript, and letter of recommendation.
study law in usa for international students 1

Table: Study Law in the US – Basic Requirements

RequirementNeeded for Application
High School DiplomaYes
Statement of PurposeYes
ACT/SAT/GRE/GMAT (varies)Depends on program

Top Universities to Study Law in the USA

Did you know that Harvard Law School was founded in 1817 and is still one of the most prestigious and competitive law school in the world?

Here are fifteen top-ranked law schools in the US that accept students from around the world and provide world-leading law programs in the USA:

Sl NoUniversity NameApprox. Annual Fee (USD)Popular ProgramsAvg. Graduate Salary (USD)
1Harvard Law School73,600JD, LLM, Constitutional Law190,000
2Yale Law School72,300JD, LLM, Criminal Law193,000
3Stanford Law School74,000JD, Law and Legal Theory192,000
4Columbia Law School75,200JD, International Law190,000
5NYU School of Law74,500JD, LLM, Tax Law187,000
6University of Chicago Law73,185JD, Property Law191,000
7UC Berkeley Law70,000JD, Environmental Law185,000
8University of Pennsylvania73,000JD, Law and Business189,000
9University of Virginia69,500JD, Civil Rights Law180,000
10Duke University Law71,100JD, Health Law183,000
11Northwestern Law72,250JD, Corporate Law184,000
12University of Michigan68,400JD, Public Interest Law181,000
13Cornell Law School72,200JD, Law in the United States182,000
14Georgetown Law71,000JD, Legal Studies in the USA180,000
15UCLA Law School68,000JD, Entertainment Law179,000

Admission Requirements to Bachelor of Law (LLB) in USA at Harvard Law School

Fun fact: Harvard receives over 6,000 applications for just around 560 seats!

  • Students must complete an undergraduate degree before applying to law.
  • Law school may require LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or GRE.
  • Students to pursue LLB must submit transcripts, letter of recommendation, personal statement.

Table: Harvard Law School Entry Requirements

RequirementMandatory?
Bachelor’s DegreeYes
LSAT or GREYes
Resume and SOPYes

Is It Hard to Get Into Law Schools?

Did you know? Acceptance rates for the best law schools in the US are below 15%!

  • Candidates should work on their overall GPA, transcript, and personal statement.
  • Candidates can also apply in earlier application rounds.
  • International applicants may need both a requirement and supplemental documents.

Table: Difficulty Levels by School Tier

Law School TierAcceptance RateAdmission Difficulty
Top 5 Schools<15%Extremely High
Top 10–25 Schools15–30%High
State Law Schools35–60%Moderate

Does the US Law School Application Accept Applicants?

Did you know? In the US, each law school is free to create their own evaluative rubric, so holistic profiles can be a considerable benefit! 

  • If you’ve already obtained your first law degree, you are eligible to apply to LLM programs.
  • Applicants must fulfill the entire degree requirements set out by each school.
  • The application system allows students to apply to multiple law schools via LSAC.
study law in usa for international students 2

Table: Law School Application System Overview

ComponentDescription
LSAC PlatformCentral portal for applications
Credential Assembly ServiceStandardizes international records
School-Specific EssaysOften required

Is It Difficult to Study Law in the US as an International Student?

Did you know: International students represent nearly 5% of JD program enrollments!

  • Students must learn how to function in the common law system used in the US.
  • Students must comply with the rules related to visa and financial documentation.
  • Students start with a steep learning curve with legal English and case reading.

Table: International Student Challenges & Support

ChallengeSupport Provided
Legal English ProficiencyESL classes, writing centers
Cultural AdjustmentOrientation programs
Financial RequirementsScholarships and financial aid

Conclusion

When you decide to study law in the USA, you will receive rigorous academic instruction, international acclaim and practical training in a legal environment.

While the transition from international student to practicing attorney in the USA may seem overwhelming, this can be done with proper preparation. 

All you need is the desire to attend the law school of your dreams, and Ambitio is there to support you every step of the way, from transcript to bar admission!

FAQs

Can I study law in USA for international students without a prior law degree?

Yes, you can study law in USA for international students even without a prior law degree. Many JD programs are designed specifically to help students study law in USA for international students from diverse academic backgrounds.

What exams are required to study law in USA for international students?

To study law in USA for international students, you may need to take the LSAT or GRE. These exams are commonly accepted by schools that allow students to study law in USA for international students.

Is it expensive to study law in USA for international students?

Yes, it can be expensive to study law in USA for international students, with tuition ranging between $60,000 to $75,000 annually. However, scholarships and aid options are available to help students study law in USA for international students more affordably.

Are there scholarships to study law in USA for international students?

Yes, there are many scholarships available to study law in USA for international students. These financial aids ease the burden and make it more feasible to study law in USA for international students at top schools.

How long does it take to study law in USA for international students?

Typically, it takes three years to study law in USA for international students at the JD level. Most programs that allow students to study law in USA for international students are full-time and academically intensive.

Can I practice law after I study law in USA for international students?

After you study law in USA for international students, you must pass a state bar exam to practice. Completing your degree to study law in USA for international students does not automatically grant bar eligibility without meeting additional requirements.

Which visa is needed to study law in USA for international students?

To study law in USA for international students, you typically need an F-1 student visa. This visa allows full-time enrolment for those who study law in USA for international students and meet SEVP requirements.
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