International Law - Top Law Schools

In 2009, the U.S. News & World Report conducted a ranking of law schools across various specialties, and the field of International Law emerged as one of the most competitive and prestigious. As international legal issues became increasingly vital in the globalized world, law schools began to offer a wide variety of programs aimed at preparing students for careers that address complex challenges in global governance, human rights, trade, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. The universities ranked at the top of this list in 2009 for international law were renowned for their academic rigor, esteemed faculty, and extensive resources designed to support students in becoming leaders in the field of international law.

At the top of the list was New York University (NYU), which was widely regarded as the premier institution for the study of international law. The university’s School of Law had established itself as a world leader in global legal education, largely due to its distinguished faculty, which includes internationally recognized scholars and practitioners in fields like international trade law, human rights law, and public international law. NYU’s location in New York City, one of the world’s largest and most important legal and financial hubs, gave students unparalleled access to international organizations, law firms, and multinational corporations, offering numerous opportunities for internships, externships, and career placement. The law school also encouraged students to engage in hands-on experiences through its various international law clinics, where they could work on real-world cases involving global legal issues.

Following closely behind NYU was Columbia University, another institution with a robust international law program. Columbia’s Law School is renowned for its breadth and depth in global legal education. Its specialized programs in areas like international business transactions, international arbitration, and human rights law offered students a well-rounded perspective on the international legal landscape. Columbia’s International Law Program is particularly notable for its focus on interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to incorporate economics, political science, and international relations into their legal education. The university also benefits from its prime location in New York City, providing access to influential international law firms, UN bodies, and governmental organizations. Columbia students are frequently involved in global policy-making and international advocacy, and they often benefit from the school’s extensive alumni network, which spans the globe.

Harvard University, a longstanding leader in legal education, ranked third for international law in 2009. The Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious in the world and offers an extensive program in international law. The school provides students with opportunities to explore a wide variety of topics within the field, such as international human rights, international environmental law, international trade, and dispute resolution. Harvard’s Human Rights Program, which is one of the most influential of its kind, has had a lasting impact on global legal norms. Harvard’s location in Cambridge, Massachusetts, allows students to engage with global institutions, governmental agencies, and NGOs based in Boston and Washington, D.C. Moreover, Harvard’s vast resources, such as its Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, further enhance its international law curriculum by offering students the chance to explore the intersection of technology, law, and global governance.

In fourth place, Georgetown University provided students with one of the most comprehensive international law programs in the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s Law Center has a strong focus on international relations, diplomacy, and policy, giving students a deep understanding of how international law intersects with politics and global governance. Georgetown is home to a number of internationally recognized programs and research centers, such as the Institute for International Economic Law and the Human Rights Institute. These resources help students connect theory with practice, as many of them engage in externships at international organizations like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), or work with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of State. Georgetown’s robust global network of alumni also ensures that graduates are well-positioned to enter international law careers in both the private and public sectors.

American University (Washington, D.C.) ranked fifth in the 2009 survey, alongside Yale University. American University’s Washington College of Law is widely respected for its deep connections to U.S. governmental institutions and its special focus on international development law, international human rights law, and trade law. Given its location in the heart of Washington, D.C., students at American University benefit from unique access to major international institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund, as well as to key U.S. government agencies. The school’s International Law Programs prepare students to navigate the complexities of global legal practices, and its emphasis on real-world experience through internships and externships ensures that graduates are highly employable in international law firms and governmental agencies.

Yale University, tied with American University, ranked fifth, although its approach to international law education differs slightly from that of its peers. Yale’s Law School is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary learning and its emphasis on the theoretical and philosophical foundations of international law. While Yale’s program offers a comprehensive range of international law courses, it is particularly attractive to students interested in exploring the broader ethical, social, and political questions that shape global legal systems. Yale offers students a flexible curriculum that encourages them to blend their international law studies with other fields such as political science, economics, and philosophy. Yale’s renowned faculty and smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, which is highly valued by students who want to deeply engage with complex international legal topics.

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor ranked seventh, offering a highly regarded International Law Program that spans a variety of global legal issues, from international trade and economic law to environmental law and human rights. Michigan’s program is characterized by its focus on both international theory and practical legal skills, providing students with the tools they need to work in an increasingly globalized world. The school has a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with opportunities for students to participate in international moot court competitions, research projects, and internships abroad. The International Institute at Michigan also provides resources for students to engage with legal issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, further enhancing the value of a Michigan law degree.

George Washington University came in at eighth, offering students a prestigious International Law Program that allows them to specialize in fields such as international arbitration, trade law, and human rights law. GWU’s central location in Washington, D.C., allows students to engage directly with key international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies, providing unparalleled opportunities for internships and externships. The university is particularly strong in international business law and dispute resolution, and its faculty members are leading scholars in areas like international law and policy.

The University of California–Berkeley ranked ninth, offering a top-tier International Law Program with a strong focus on international trade, environmental law, and human rights law. UC Berkeley’s reputation for innovative thinking and interdisciplinary education is reflected in its international law curriculum, which allows students to engage with global issues from multiple perspectives. Berkeley students have access to a wide variety of clinics and externships that allow them to gain practical experience in international law, and the university’s faculty members are leading experts in fields such as public international law, international criminal law, and global governance.

Finally, The University of Virginia ranked tenth. UVA’s International Law Program is known for its emphasis on global governance, international economic law, and human rights. UVA’s Virginia Journal of International Law and its international law clinics provide students with the chance to work on real-world international legal issues, while the faculty’s expertise in international litigation and human rights law allows students to engage with cutting-edge topics in global legal practice.

In conclusion, the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 ranking of law schools for international law demonstrated the increasing importance of global legal education. Schools such as NYU, Columbia, Harvard, and Georgetown provided students with rigorous academic training, a wealth of practical experiences, and access to some of the most influential international organizations and legal institutions in the world. The rankings reflect the growing need for legal professionals equipped with the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world and address the complexities of international law in a variety of fields, from human rights to trade, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.