Stanford University
Stanford, CA, United States
QS =2Full need-based aid
Computer Science · Management Science & Engineering · Economics
- Tuition
- Est. above $60,000 per year before aid
- Deadline
- Typically 1 November
What this career is
Lawyers interpret the law for clients — companies, governments or individuals — draft contracts, resolve disputes and argue cases. International and commercial law are common paths.
What professionals do
- Research legal questions
- Draft contracts and opinions
- Negotiate on behalf of clients
- Represent clients in disputes
Outlook: Qualification rules are country-specific; English-language commercial law is internationally mobile.
Official occupation data
Tasks, skills, US pay and job growth from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key skills
Writing & argument
communicationEssays, research reports, policy memos and scholarship applications all depend on strong writing.
Start with
- · Write a one-page memo each week
- · Enter an essay competition
Negotiation
communicationUseful for consulting, sales, entrepreneurship and diplomacy.
Start with
- · Learn interests vs. positions
- · Practise in Model UN or case competitions
Public speaking
communicationInterviews, pitches, Model UN and leadership roles all reward clear spoken communication.
Start with
- · Join a debate or Model UN club
- · Present a project in under five minutes
Research methods
analyticalNeeded for academic research, policy analysis and evidence-driven roles in any sector.
Start with
- · Learn qualitative and quantitative designs
- · Replicate a published study with open data
Structured problem solving
analyticalConsulting case interviews and analyst roles test this directly.
Start with
- · Practise issue trees on everyday problems
- · Do two case interviews per week with a partner
Education paths
- 1Law degree (LLB) or bachelor's + law school depending on country
- 2Professional qualification and bar exams
- 3LLM for international specialisation
Universities strong in Law
University College London
London, United Kingdom
QS =2Limited aid
Economics · Architecture (The Bartlett) · Computer Science
- Tuition
- Est. £28,000–£45,000 per year for international students
- Deadline
- Typically late January
University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom
QS #4Limited aid
Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) · Economics & Management · Law
- Tuition
- Est. £30,000–£55,000 per year for international students, by course
- Deadline
- Typically mid-October for entry the following autumn
Typical entry-level roles
Trainee LawyerParalegalLegal Assistant
Build your profile
Recommended extracurriculars
- · Moot court
- · Debate
- · Model UN
- · Legal clinic volunteering
Recommended competitions
PrizesOnline
- Location
- Online submission
- Deadline
- Typically late June
Recommended internships & programmes
PaidIn person
- Location
- Brussels / Luxembourg
- Deadline
- Usually January and August
Scholarships & fellowships
Funding variesIn person
- Location
- Boston, United States
- Deadline
- Registration typically in autumn for a February conference