Aspiring to become an international law expert? Aspiring to become an international human rights attorney, business attorney, or diplomat? The best law school is where it starts. In the global sphere, among its best universities, there are world-class legal studies, international experience, and solid alumni connections—readying them as future international lawyers.
In this article, we’ll explore the world’s top law schools that consistently produce leaders in the field of international law, including insights into their programs, strengths, and what makes each unique.
Why Choosing the Right Law School Matters
The path to becoming an international lawyer is highly competitive and complex. Beyond academic performance, your choice of law school can impact your:
- Global network
- Internship and placement opportunities
- Access to international legal institutions
- Interaction with other legal systems and cultures
Top law schools offer special education in international law, moot court, study abroad, and interaction with institutions like the UN or World Bank.
Top Law Schools for Future International Lawyers
1. Harvard Law School (USA)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Top points:
- Offers a highly coveted LL.M. program in international and comparative law
- Features a variety of research centers in international law like the Human Rights Program
- Close relationships with international institutions like The Hague and the UN
Harvard’s international stature and reputation put it at or very close to the top of the list in pursuing leadership in international legal practice.
2. University of Oxford – Faculty of Law (United Kingdom)
Location: Oxford, England
Highlights:
- Offers the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), one of the most prestigious postgraduate law degrees in the world
- Excellent concentration on comparative law, international law, and jurisprudence
- Century-long access to the scholarship and faculty
Tutorial method of Oxford allows for students to form aggressive legal thinking—exactly what those who work in the high-level international courts or academia require.
3. Yale Law School (USA)
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Features:
- Respected for scholarly culture and strong concentration on public interest and international law
- Offers unique opportunities by the Yale Law School Center for Global Legal Challenges
- Low student-faculty ratio and small classes
Yale is ideal for those who want to leave a mark on global policy or work in careers involving collaboration with NGOs or transnational legal institutions.
4. University of Cambridge – Faculty of Law (United Kingdom)
Campus: Cambridge, England
What’s unique:
- In-depth public international law, EU law, and international economic law courses
- Located at the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law—a premier international research centre
- Research-based learning and global connections are vast
Cambridge remains a great destination for those who want to study theory and practice of international law.
5. New York University (NYU) School of Law (USA)
Location: New York City, New York
Features:
- Is home to the Hauser Global Law School Program and the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice
- Offers several concentrations in LL.M. including International Business Regulation and Environmental Law
- Best internship with UN, best law firms, and international courts
NYU’s integration of scholarship and interface with the external world is a strength for global legal education.
6. University of Melbourne – Melbourne Law School (Australia)
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Highlights:
- Top law school in the Asia-Pacific region
- Offers firm LL.M. with international law specializations
- Focusing on cross-cultural legal training and international legal systems
Best for international trade and Asia-Pacific law school students who want to take an alternative path other than the traditional US-UK law school path.
What to Search for in an International Law School
When choosing an international-oriented law university, search for the following:
Curriculum Focus
Are there robust courses in public and private international law, comparative law, or human rights?
International Exposure
Is there a foreign exchange program, internship, or arrangement with international tribunals and courts?
Alumni Network
Are there renowned international lawyers or diplomats included in the alumni list?
Faculty Expertise
Look for faculty personnel working in international legal research and policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Must I study in a top-ranked university to become an international lawyer?
A: It is helpful, but success as an international lawyer also includes experience, specialization, and networking. Lawyers can be successful with any background.
Q: What level of language proficiency an international lawyer should possess.
A: Fluency in the English language is often the requirement. Competence in other languages like French, Spanish, or Arabic can become a wonderful asset for international practice.
Q: Is LL.M. necessary to practice international law?
A: You don’t need it, but it can be a good thing—if you’ve studied in one system and you’d like to experience another. An LL.M. in international law establishes credibility and expertise.
Q: If I only have one law degree, can I practice law in many countries?
A: Not really. You’ll likely need to take separate bar exams for each country. International bar associations might give you more international practice options, though.
Final Thoughts
A career in international law starts with proper education. Should you be interested in diplomacy, international trade, or human rights, the above schools are among the best in the world to start an international legal career. Read about their courses, visit campus if possible, and talk to graduates.
Your legal career can bring you from country to continent—so why begin anywhere else?