LLB Degree in USA: Law Education Pathways & Top Universities
Judicial Journey, Legal Legacy!
Table of Content
- How to Study LLB in USA?
- Top Law Universities in USA for International Students
- Admission Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
- Types of Bachelor of Law Degrees
- Difference Between the JD program in USA and LLB
- Course Structure and Specializations in Law Degree USA
- 1. Year 1
- 2. Years 2 & 3
- Cost of Studying an LLB Degree in USA
- Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
- 1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- 2. Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell Law School
- 3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
- 4. Stanford Law School
- 5. Yale Law School
- 6. Amber Scholarship
- Career Opportunities After an LLB Degree in USA
Do you find yourself mentally transported to a courtroom every time you dramatically shout “Objection!” — even in casual arguments? If yes, then an LLB degree in USA will be the right fit for you.
LLB in USA for international students comes wrapped with practical learning of legal studies and reasoning, and aspiring career opportunities. But we get it—navigating through the process can feel overwhelming, especially when the right information is hard to come by.
That’s where we come in. From top universities, tuition fees, and eligibility criteria to the admission process and accommodation options, this guide covers everything you need to know about pursuing an LLB in the USA.
How to Study LLB in USA?
In India, you qualify to become a lawyer after a three-year post-graduation LLB program or a five-year-long integrated course of LLB right after high school. However, in the US Legal Education System, the LLB system has largely been replaced by the Juris Doctor (JD).
The answer to how to become a lawyer in USA lies in completing either an LLM degree or, preferably, a JD after your LLB. The program is designed to make the students eligible to sit the US Bar Exams and further practice law in any state.
Top Law Universities in USA for International Students
While a traditional LLB degree in USA isn’t offered, aspiring students can pursue a JD program in USA. Below are some of the renowned universities that offer the course:
Law Schools in USA | Location | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | #4 | Criminal Law and Policy |
Stanford University | Stanford, California | #6 | Corporate & Commercial Law |
University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | #11 | Human Rights Law |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, California | #12 | Environmental Law |
University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | #21 | International & Comparative Law |
Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | #23 | Constitutional Law |
Columbia University | New York City, New York | #34 | Technology & Media Law |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, California | #42 | Business Law & Policy |
New York University | New York City, New York | #43 | Native Nations Law |
Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. | #301 | Public Interest Law & Policy |
Admission Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
There are certain criteria that a student must check off to be able to get an LLB degree in USA or its equivalent. Below, we have listed out the requirements:
A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a 4 year US Program with a minimum of 3.0 GPA or higher as required by the respective college.
Clearing the LSAT (Legal School Admission Test).
An official proof of English Proficiency via IELTS/TOEFL.
Letter of Recommendation
When filling out the college applications, make sure to keep these documents handy. This will ensure you are eligible for law studies in USA.
Types of Bachelor of Law Degrees
In the United States, a standard LLB degree is not provided, as legal education typically begins at the graduate level with a Juris Doctor (JD) program.
International students who already hold an LLB from their home country can pursue an LLM (Master of Laws) to specialize in a particular area of law. If they wish to practice law in the USA, they may opt to complete a JD, which is the primary professional degree required for admission to the bar.
Difference Between the JD program in USA and LLB
| LLB | JD |
|---|---|
LLB is typically an undergraduate course popular in commonwealth countries. | JD is a professional degree to study law in the USA, whose prerequisite is an undergraduate degree. |
The duration of the course is usually 3 to 5 years, which equips students to kick-start their legal journey. | Its duration is 3 years for full-time students and 4 years for part-time students. |
Here, we have listed out some of the degrees that are equivalent to an LLB Degree:
Degree Type | Description |
|---|---|
BA in Legal Studies | Focuses on the fundamentals of law, legal systems, and critical reasoning. |
BS in Law or Legal Studies | Focuses on technical and functional aspects of law. |
Accelerated Pre-Law Programs (3+3) | Integrate undergraduate courses with a JD program, which shortens the time and expenses. |
LLB (Offered by Select Institutions) | Although rare in the U.S., some schools like Golden Gate University, Glendale University College of Law may offer LLB-like programs with international emphasis. |
Course Structure and Specializations in Law Degree USA
Unlike LLB degrees in India, a JD program in USA is pursued after undergraduate and is meant to develop legal knowledge and practical skills in students. The curriculum is designed to help students excel in several legal areas, from courtroom to corporate cases.
Below, we have tried to break down the course structure for you to better understand the LLB degree in USA:
1. Year 1
The first year lays out a strong foundational basis for the students. The common subjects during this year include Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Property Law, Legal Research & Writing, and Constitutional Law. The aim of the year is to build a great foundation for students who demonstrate excellent legal thinking, writing, and analysis.
2. Years 2 & 3
In the next two years, students are supposed to choose electives, pursue specializations, and gain hands-on experience. During this time, students visit real clinics, practice moot court & mock trials, and pursue internships.
Popular specializations include:
Corporate/Business Law
International Law
Intellectual Property Law (IP)
Criminal Law
Environmental Law
Health Law
Tax Law
Constitutional Law
Human Rights Law
Cyber Law / Tech Law
Cost of Studying an LLB Degree in USA
The expenses of pursuing an LLB in USA can vary significantly based on your college, city or the specialization you have opted for. Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs you may have to incur during your time in the USA studying law.
Expense | Average Cost [USD $] |
|---|---|
Tuition Fees | $20,000 - $65,000/year |
Living Expenses | $10,000 - $20,000/year |
Books and Materials | $1,000 - $2,000/year |
Health Insurance | $1,000 - $3,000/year |
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Studying law in the USA isn’t cheap, with average tuition fees ranging between 50,000 USD to 80,000 USD per year. On top of that, one also has to take care of living expenses, accommodations, travel and more.
However, some tips on financial management and a scholarship can solve your problem in a jiffy. Below are some of the scholarships granted to students that can help them land their desired law university:
1. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The scholarship is backed by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) with an aim to aid Indian students to pursue master’s degrees in the USA. The selection for the program is done on the basis of excellent academic records and strong leadership skills. The amount covered can vary depending on the college and program that a student opts for.
2. Tata Scholarship Fund at Cornell Law School
The Cornell University Tata Scholarship 2025 is an initiative to support Indian students to study law in USA. However, to be eligible to get the scholarship, the student must be enrolled in the LLM program at Cornell Law School. The amount granted under the aid covers full-tuition fees and living expenses of the students.
3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is for students to pursue post-graduation programs in colleges all over the world. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is a golden ticket for Indian students with stellar academic records to fulfill their dream of getting an LLB degree in USA.
4. Stanford Law School
There are some highly competitive scholarships that are also provided by Stanford Law School for international law students. They include the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, Littlefield International Graduate Fellowships, and the American Association of University Women. They substantially help cover the cost of LLB in USA.
5. Yale Law School
The Yale Law School offers a need-based scholarship to international students. It is a generous scholarship that attempts to cover 100% expenses of students. Moreover, the college also doesn’t make any difference between the fee structure for domestic and international students.
6. Amber Scholarship
The Amber Scholarship by amber is aimed at supporting international students, including those pursuing law degrees in the USA. Amber, known for helping students secure accommodation abroad, offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 to assist with living expenses. Eligibility typically includes securing accommodation through amber and demonstrating academic commitment.
Career Opportunities After an LLB Degree in USA
Graduating with a JD program in USA is a gateway to a pool of many high-paying and renowned opportunities. Students with a law degree USA land in prestigious MNC courtrooms or go on to shape public policy.
Below are some of the best career opportunities:
Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Corporate Lawyer | $100,000 – $200,000+ |
In-House Counsel | $90,000 – $160,000+ |
Judicial Clerk | $110,000 – $180,000+ |
Litigation Attorney | $65,000 – $90,000 |
Legal Consultant (Big 4 / MNC) | $90,000 – $150,00 |
If you're thinking about pursuing an LLB degree in USA, you're in for an exciting journey. Not only will you gain top-tier legal education, but you'll also have the chance to immerse yourself in a global legal landscape that opens up endless career opportunities.
But after getting into the right school, the next big question is where to live. Whether you're after a shared apartment, a cozy private studio, or student accommodation close to campus, amber can make finding your new home easy.
We’ve got a global network of verified student accommodations, so you don’t have to stress about where to stay—just focus on your studies and make the most of your time in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Indian LLB accepted in the USA?
Yes, an LLB from India is valid in the USA. However, to practise the law in the States, one needs to have either an LLM or a JD Degree.
Are lawyers in demand in the USA?
Yes, the demand for skilled and talented lawyers is on the rise in the USA. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there are an estimated 35,600 job opportunities for lawyers annually.
Is the law difficult to study in the USA?
Grit and perseverance are the two hallmarks to study law in USA. As per the American Bar Association, the average attrition rate among students has been 20%. But through hard work, students do make it to the bar.
What type of law pays the best?
Lawyers practising corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law are usually the best-paid ones.
Which country pays lawyers the most?
The USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland are the top countries with the highest average salaries of a lawyer.