Law school in the United States

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Law school in the United States

Type	Professional school
Location	United States

A law school in the United States is an institution where students obtain a professional education in law and prepare for the bar examination. Law schools in the United States are typically part of a university or college and offer a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is required to practice law in the United States.

History

The first law school in the United States was established at The College of William & Mary in 1779. Since then, the number of law schools has grown significantly, with over 200 accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Admission

Admission to law school in the United States is highly competitive. Prospective students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submit their undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Some law schools also consider work experience and extracurricular activities.

Curriculum

The curriculum at U.S. law schools typically includes courses in constitutional law, contracts, torts, property law, criminal law, and civil procedure. In addition to these core subjects, students can take elective courses in specialized areas such as environmental law, intellectual property law, and international law.

Clinical Programs

Many law schools offer clinical programs where students can gain practical experience by working on real cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys. These programs cover various areas of law, including family law, immigration law, and criminal defense.

Bar Examination

After graduating from law school, students must pass the bar examination in the state where they wish to practice. The bar exam tests knowledge of state-specific laws and general legal principles. Passing the bar exam is a requirement for obtaining a license to practice law.

Accreditation

Law schools in the United States are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Accreditation ensures that the law school meets certain standards of quality and that its graduates are eligible to take the bar exam in any state.

Related Pages

• Juris Doctor
• American Bar Association
• Bar examination
• Law School Admission Test
• Legal education in the United States
• Clinical legal education