Is Studying Law in the U.S. Worth It?

For students of law who are thinking about studying abroad, the United States is arguably one of the most popular destinations. Whatever direction you want to pursue, studying in the U.S. is often a strong choice.

Today, let’s talk about the advantages of studying law in the United States.

From an employment perspective, if you want to become a lawyer, especially one involved in cross-border legal work, the U.S. is an excellent choice. The earlier you go, the better. If you only have an undergraduate degree from China, then even if you manage to overcome many obstacles and get into a foreign law firm, you will usually only be able to work as a paralegal or legal assistant. After all, without U.S. legal qualifications, you cannot directly practice U.S. law.

To obtain those qualifications, you need accreditation from the American Bar Association, which generally requires earning an LLM or JD. Only after completing the required coursework are you eligible to sit for the exam and obtain the relevant professional credentials. For anyone hoping to work in the U.S. or at an international law firm, studying in the U.S. is therefore a very good option.

If you want to work at a top law firm and earn a substantial income, then you must go on to study at a top law school. At present, many leading U.S. law firms require recommendation letters from well-known American universities, especially top-tier schools such as Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. At the very least, you should be looking at schools on the level of the University of Pennsylvania, Duke, or the University of California system. Although rankings change over time, these universities are generally regarded as having reached a level that is recognized by law firms in the industry.

If your goal is not rapid career advancement but quiet academic research, studying in the U.S. is also a good option. After all, many law schools in China welcome graduates of prestigious foreign law schools. Even in China, one year or more of overseas research and study experience is often required for title evaluations and other selection processes.

In general, if you want to follow an academic path, you would first complete your undergraduate law degree in China, then pursue an LLM in the United States, and then continue on to a JSD/SJD, the Doctor of Juridical Science. Once you have completed all of that and returned to China to do academic work, your prospects will usually be very strong.

Overall, whether you choose a career path or an academic path, studying in the United States is a solid choice and can provide valuable industry recognition. Whether you should go, however, still depends on your individual situation.