Graduate Legal Education in USA

Graduate Legal Education
The master of comparative law (M.C.L.), also known as the master of comparative jurisprudence (M.C.J.), is a particularly appropriate degree program for international lawyers. Recognizing that legal systems in many countries differ from common law as practiced in the United States, these programs acquaint lawyers from other countries with U.S. legal institutions and relevant specialties of U.S. law. Another graduate option is the master of laws (L.L.M.), a degree offered in a variety of specialties or as a self-designed program, with appropriateness for the international practitioner varying from program to program. Programs in international law or international business law may also be of interest.

Almost all master’s programs in law last one year and admit students only for the fall semester. Programs can be planned according to the interests of the student. During study, international lawyers have the opportunity to observe courts and government agencies in the United States. Entrance requirements include a first degree in law, a strong academic background, letters of reference, a statement of purpose and/or writing samples, and a high level of English proficiency as demonstrated
by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for students whose law degree was not in the
English language. Most graduate law programs do not require standardized admissions tests.

Doctoral programs in law also exist. They admit only a small number of promising applicants, usually from among those who have completed a master’s program at a U.S. law school and who plan to enter a career as a law school faculty member. Financial assistance may be more readily available to law students intending to continue towards a doctoral degree than to those seeking only a one-year master’s program.

Short-term Legal Education
Many U.S. law schools offer programs, particularly in the summer, either designed for or appropriate for international lawyers. These usually last between one week and two months. Professional associations and private training organizations offer similar programs. Your nearest U.S. educational information or advising center may be able to provide information on other
options, such as tours to visit U.S. legal institutions.

Licensure
Most states limit licensure to graduates of American Bar Association approved schools and require passing of a written examination. In most states, this includes the 6-hour MBE (Multistate Bar Examination) and a locally prepared 6-hour State bar examination. Some states also require the 3-hour MSEE (Multistate Essay Examination) and Multistate Performance test (MPT). Currently 47 states also require law students to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). For detailed requirements about licensure or entrance to the bar, write to the Board of Bar Examiners of the state concerned. Or, consult the latest edition of A Review of Legal Education in the United States.

References:
The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools: Prelaw Handbook. Washington, D.C.: Law School
Admission Council. Annual Directory of Graduate Law Degree Programs. Washington, D.C. Federal Reports, Inc.

A Review of Legal Education in the United States. Law Schools and Bar Admission

Requirements for First Professional Law Degree Program:
At least three years of undergraduate education, and preferably a bachelor's degree.
Passing the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
A high level of English ability

Some law schools at state universities may be very restricted in the number of out-of-state students they can accept.

Information about the LSAT, which is offered four times a year, can be obtained from:
Law School Admission Council
P.O. Box 40
Newtown, PA 18940-0998