PhD in Law | Legal Theory, Policy & Comparative Studies

PhD in Law in the USA

Why Study for a PhD in Law in the USA?

A PhD in Law in the USA deepens your theoretical and practical knowledge in your chosen area of legal specialization. You can also conduct independent research leading to groundbreaking discoveries and publications. While pursuing a Ph.D. in law in the USA, you can also pursue a career in academia. This degree qualifies you to pursue your career in professorship positions at Universities and Law schools.

Ph.D. in law satisfies intellectual curiosity, enhances professional development, and allows graduates to make meaningful impacts on legal practice, policy, and societal challenges.

Fully funded Ph.D. programs in Law are available based on the specific provisions offered by the university of application.

Research areas related to PhD in Law

  • Judicial Science
  • Cyber Law
  • Civil Law
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Law & Economics
  • Legal history
  • International Law
  • Comparative Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law and Justice
  • Environmental Law
  • Health Law
  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Interdisciplinary Law
  • Intellectual Property Law

Application Requirements for a PhD

Master’s Degree in Law (LLM)

Note: Students applying for a Ph.D. in Law in the USA typically need a Master’s degree in the law.

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.): Applicants are generally expected to have completed a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school as the primary prerequisite for admission to a Ph.D. program in law. Prospective applicants need to review the specific requirements of each Ph.D. program they are interested in to determine whether the J.D. and LSAT or any other standardized test is required.
  • Letters of Recommendations: Candidates are required to provide two to three letters of recommendation from their professors with whom they have studied. The quantity of recommendation letters varies among different universities. These letters are crucial in assessing your research abilities and areas of interest.
  • Research Proposal: Candidates must provide a research proposal that outlines their reasons for studying the chosen topic and anticipate possible arguments supporting the proposal.
  • English Proficiency Test: TOEFL or IELTS exams are typically the English proficiency tests requested by universities in the USA for international students. The specific minimum score required is usually stated on the university’s application requirements page. In some cases, although there might not be a specified minimum score, universities still expect applicants to submit their test scores.
  • Statement of Purpose: When applying for a Ph.D. in Law in the USA, universities seek a strong indication of your motivation for choosing this field. Your Statement of Purpose serves as the ideal platform to showcase your passion for the subject and your interest in the university. You can also incorporate interesting aspects about yourself, your hobbies, as well as your short-term and long-term objectives. Occasionally, universities may provide specific prompts or guidelines for your Statement of Purpose, focusing on aspects like your interests, motivations, goals, or extracurricular activities. In such instances, it’s crucial to adhere to the provided topic and address the requested points. Additionally, universities might impose a word limit for your Statement of Purpose. It’s important to follow this limit as specified by the institution.
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Certain universities may require you to provide a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, which should be submitted either directly to the university or to the professor with whom you want to do a Ph.D.
  • Academic Transcripts: Each university mandates the submission of official or unofficial transcripts from your previous academic institutions. Ensure you have these prepared in advance when applying. The transcripts must comprehensively list all the subjects and coursework completed during your time at these institutions.

US Universities offering PhD in law

  1. Arizona State University
  2. Yale Law School
  3. University of Wisconsin
  4. Vanderbilt University
  5. University of Kansas
  6. University of Utah

Careers after PhD in Law

  • Legal Advisor
  • Judiciary
  • Legal Analyst
  • Legal Journalist
  • Advocate
  • Research Associate
  • Litigation
  • Lawyers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ph.D. in the USA generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete and two summers in the residence.

Yes, you can study phd in law in the USA. Many US Universities welcome International Students from different countries, including India.

The lawyers who get paid highly in the USA are Corporate Law, Business Law, and International Business Law.

There are many field internships offered by US Universities, like

  1. The Scientific Responsibility Human Rights and Law Program: This program focuses on the intersection of scientific advancements, human rights, and legal frameworks. Interns engage in research and advocacy work addressing ethical dilemmas in science and technology, as well as legal challenges related to human rights violations stemming from scientific developments.
  2. Demos Internship Program: The Demos Internship Program offers hands-on experience in policy research and advocacy within a nonpartisan think tank. Interns work on projects aimed at promoting democratic ideals, economic equity, and social justice, gaining valuable skills in research, analysis, and communication while contributing to meaningful policy initiatives.
  3. Federal Judicial Clerkship: A Federal Judicial Clerkship entails working closely with federal judges, assisting in legal matters like research, opinion drafting, and brief review. It offers a unique chance to understand judiciary operations, develop analytical skills, and build professional networks, opening doors to various career paths.
  4. Think Tank Internship: Think Tank Internships involve substantive research and analysis on policy issues, collaborating closely with experts to develop recommendations. They offer hands-on experience in policy research, advocacy, and communication, fostering critical thinking skills and facilitating networking opportunities in diverse career fields.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA): These positions typically involve assisting faculty members with teaching undergraduate courses, grading assignments, and sometimes conducting tutorials. GTAs often receive a stipend or salary and may also receive tuition waivers or reductions.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA): GRA positions involve working closely with faculty members on research projects. Responsibilities may include literature reviews, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and other research-related tasks. GRA positions usually come with a stipend or salary and may also include tuition waivers or reductions.

Graduate Fellowships: Some universities offer fellowship programs specifically for graduate students, including those pursuing PhDs in Law. These fellowships may be based on academic merit, research potential, or financial need. They typically provide financial support in the form of stipends, tuition waivers, or both.

Graduate School Scholarships: Many graduate schools offer scholarships and awards to support outstanding students pursuing advanced degrees. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, research potential, leadership qualities, or other criteria determined by the university or department.

External Scholarships and Grants: International students may also be eligible for scholarships and grants offered by external organizations, foundations, or government agencies. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, field of study, country of origin, or other factors.

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