Top International Law Schools

New York University (NYU) School of Law is one of the most prestigious and highly regarded law schools in the United States. It consistently ranks at the top of national and international law school rankings, including being widely recognized for having the best international law program in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1835, NYU Law is the first law school founded in New York City, and its historic and intellectual reputation has remained unmatched over the years. The law school is widely admired for its academic rigor, distinguished faculty, and diverse student body, as well as for its excellent and globally recognized international law programs.

NYU's reputation as a leader in international law stems from its exceptional faculty, which is made up of leading scholars and practitioners in the field. The law school offers a broad range of international law courses that cover everything from human rights to trade law, international environmental law, and dispute resolution. These courses are taught by faculty members who are not only experts in their fields but also actively engaged in shaping international law policy through their research, teaching, and work with international organizations.

One of the most attractive features of NYU's international law program is its global reach. The school is part of a vast network of law firms, corporations, and international organizations, making it an ideal place for students to pursue careers that have a global impact. The program is enhanced by the Law School’s access to New York City, the world’s financial capital, and a hub for international diplomacy, which makes it an ideal location for students interested in both international business law and global human rights law. Students at NYU also have access to a wide array of global internship and externship opportunities, providing them with hands-on experience and the chance to build professional connections in the international legal community.

As part of its commitment to providing a comprehensive education, NYU also offers a number of dual-degree programs in international law, including joint degrees with the School of Public Policy, the Stern School of Business, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, among others. These programs allow students to tailor their education to fit their professional goals and interests while acquiring expertise in complementary disciplines such as economics, political science, or public policy. This integrated approach enables NYU Law graduates to excel in the increasingly globalized and complex legal world.

In addition to its global approach, NYU Law is known for being one of the most selective law schools in the country, admitting only a small percentage of applicants each year. The law school’s faculty and students are committed to advancing the field of international law through both research and practice, and the curriculum is designed to give students the legal foundation they need to be leaders in their chosen fields. For example, the law school’s global study programs, which include opportunities to study abroad in locations such as London, Paris, and Buenos Aires, provide students with firsthand exposure to international legal systems and the challenges and opportunities that come with practicing law in an interconnected world.

In addition to NYU, the University of Virginia (UVA) also offers one of the strongest international law programs in the United States, consistently ranked among the top 10 law schools for this field. UVA’s international law program attracts some of the most renowned scholars and practitioners in the field, including diplomats, former judges, and representatives of international organizations. This provides students with invaluable opportunities to engage with influential figures in global legal affairs and learn from their real-world experiences.

Virginia’s law school is particularly well-regarded for its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to international law. UVA offers a variety of international law courses across a range of areas, from public international law and human rights law to international trade and investment law. The law school’s faculty members are widely respected for their expertise in international law, and many of them are actively involved in shaping international legal standards through their work with global institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Court of Justice.

One of the unique features of UVA’s international law program is its commitment to providing students with practical experiences that complement their academic coursework. The law school offers several opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in international law through clinics, externships, and internships with international organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). UVA is also home to the International Human Rights Law Clinic, which offers students the chance to work on real-world human rights issues under the guidance of experienced faculty and practitioners. Through these programs, UVA students gain not only academic knowledge but also the practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of international law.

In addition to its academic programs, UVA’s international law program is known for hosting a wide range of events, conferences, and symposia that bring together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. These events provide students with a unique opportunity to interact with leading figures in the international legal community and gain insight into the most pressing issues facing global law today.

Furthermore, UVA offers a range of dual-degree programs that allow students to pursue both a J.D. and advanced degrees in fields such as business, public policy, and international relations. These programs are designed to equip students with a broad set of skills and a deep understanding of the intersection of law and other disciplines, preparing them for leadership roles in a wide range of international legal careers. UVA’s dual-degree programs are especially attractive to students who want to combine their legal education with expertise in fields such as business, economics, or public policy, as they allow for greater flexibility and specialization in a globalized world.

Similarly, Duke Law School offers one of the most comprehensive and well-regarded international law programs in the nation. Duke is fully integrated into Duke University, a highly-ranked research institution known for its academic excellence and interdisciplinary approach to legal education. Duke Law’s international law program is unique in that it offers select JD candidates the opportunity to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in international and comparative law simultaneously with their study for the JD degree. This unique offering allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of both the U.S. legal system and international law, providing them with the tools to practice law effectively in a global context.

Duke’s LL.M. program is specifically designed for foreign-trained lawyers who wish to deepen their understanding of U.S. law, as well as for U.S. law students who are interested in international law. The program offers courses in specialized areas such as international business law, international environmental law, and comparative constitutional law. Duke’s international law faculty members are widely respected for their expertise and contributions to the field, and the law school is home to several research centers and institutes focused on international law, including the Center for International & Comparative Law.

Duke Law also offers students opportunities to engage in practical international law experiences through externships, internships, and study-abroad programs. With its emphasis on global legal education and its strong ties to both the academic and professional international legal communities, Duke Law provides students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

Best Law Schools Specialty Rankings: International Law (Top 10 list)
1 New York University
2 Columbia University
3 Georgetown University
4 Harvard University
5 Yale University
6 George Washington University
   University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
8 American University (Washington)
9 University of Virginia
10 Duke University
Source: US News & World Report 2011