Applicants interested in studying international law are in luck. In today’s globalized world, knowledge of comparative legal systems is increasingly important. Law schools have responded accordingly and expanded their international programming.
A variety of specializations within international law exist. Whether you dream of advocating for human rights, developing intergovernmental policies, pioneering cybersecurity or practicing transnational corporate law, law schools can help you achieve those goals.
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As you decide where to apply, school-specific research is critical. Look beyond general rankings and investigate what each program has to offer. Here are three key factors to keep in mind as you review the programs.
1. Concentrations: Almost every law school will offer some international law school courses. If you are committed to a legal career on the international stage, seek out schools that have additional programs specifically focused on global issues. Specialized degrees, centers of study and scholars’ programs are all ways to concentrate your J.D. on international law.
Schools that award specialized degrees include Cornell University, which offers both a J.D. with specialization in international legal affairs and a J.D.-L.L.M. in international and comparative law. Students at Case Western Reserve University can concentrate their J.D. coursework through the Cox International Law Center.
Be aware of application policies for programs that focus on international law. For example, there is no separate application for New York University‘s prestigious IILJ Scholars Program, for those with strong interest in international, comparative and transnational law. The admissions committee handpicks potential candidates from the general application pool, and the IILJ selects finalists to interview.
When applying to schools without a separate application process for degree concentrations or scholarship programs, your general application should highlight your qualifications for international legal study. Use your p ersonal statement to showcase your experiences and goals to position yourself as committed to pressing international issues.
In contrast, candidates must complete a separate application to Georgetown University‘s Global Scholar’s Program. To be competitive, do not wait until you receive your general admissions results.
When possible, submit both applications simultaneously. Avoid copying and pasting from your general application and instead spotlight different aspects of your international experiences.
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2. Study abroad opportunities: A successful international practice hinges upon experience in other countries. Remember, law school is only three years. Leaving campus to study abroad requires a robust program that will match the quality of education at your primary institution.
Study abroad opportunities are diverse. For example, the University of Virginia offers a J.D.-master’s in economic law at Sciences Po–Paris, which involves a year of study in France.
Harvard University‘s law school offers both formal exchange programs with select foreign schools and an independent semester abroad, in which students can petition to study at a school of their choice.
Most study abroad experiences will require submitting an application during your first, or 1L , year. While 1L coursework is largely standardized, seek opportunities to build your international credibility. Maintain language fluency, attend events hosted by international centers and visit faculty whose international scholarship you admire, even if you are not enrolled in their courses.
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3. Career services: When deciding where to enroll, admitted applicants often communicate solely with the admissions and financial aid offices. However, do not overlook the importance of career services. Securing employment in another country can be particularly difficult.
Reach out to career services and ask about international job placement processes. What can you do during your 1L year to network with foreign employers and improve your chances of securing your dream job? Familiarize yourself with cross-cultural interview techniques and resume formatting.
A school like the University of Georgia, which hosts the well-regarded Dean Rusk International Law Center, offers career counseling, professional development training and career development resources.
The University of Pennslyvania Law School’s career services office has on staff a director for international and LLM counseling devoted specifically to helping J.D.s who are interested in international careers.
Gaining admission into a law school that will prepare you for an international legal career if only the first step. If you do your research ahead of time, you will take better advantage of available resources and, ultimately, improve your chances of landing a job centered on global issues.
Have questions about applying to law schools with international scholarship? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.
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Pick the Right Law School for International Law Career originally appeared on usnews.com
