Hi everyone,
I am currently a full time student at the University of La Sorbonne in France from which I graduate next spring 2017. I have a double major in law and philosophy. I have an average of 12/20 which is considered satisfying. To paint you the picture, a 15/20 is considered to be an A student in the American grading system.
Right after that, I would like to be an international student in an American law school so I have a couple questions.
Would pursing a Master of Science in Philosophy will ease my admission into a law school?
&
If so, is there a particular university that you could recommend me?
Thanks !
Why do you want to attend law school in the US? Is it to practice law for an American company based in France? For a legal specialty nor offered in France?
Why the Us and not Canada?
Because law is not ‘portable’ it’s an odd choice. It’s very costly and may not have a good ROI.
In addition, law studies in the US are very different from law studies in France : rather than memorizing the civil code and applying it to cases, you’ll use common law. Some of the skills learned in France will be applicable but you’ll start as a L1/ first year law student nevertheless.
Having the double competencies would certainly be a big plus and having a philosophy degree is great, but what’s your end game?
Nevertheless, addressing your question:
Your undergraduate average will drag you down. Most top law schools will expect a 14-15 average - and they’d prefer your having an undergraduate GPA. You’ll also need to prepare for the LSat and score in the top percentiles (top 10% or better). Internships, professional experience, and responsibilities held will also matter, and in this French students are at a disadvantage since there aren’t many positions open to them where they can be leaders or have responsibilities.
The fact you’re attending the Sorbonne will help as will your choice of a philosophy double major but your path is fraught with obstacles.
The universities you have a shot at will depend on your LSAT score.
Beware of universities outside the top 14 or, pushing it, outside the top 25.
It may make sense to try and get a Master’s in philosophy from the US so that you have an American GPA to present, assulrit’d be better than your current 12.
Law schools in the US produce way too many lawyers. As in, WAY too many. Unless you get into a truly excellent one, your job prospects simply will not be enhanced by the degree. A law degree from a mediocre university is about as good as a degree from a FAC. Your current grades will get you into one in the middle, it’s that simple.
If you are coming to the US to specialize (e.g. international law), then you would not be applying to the regular law program. For that sort of thing, you would not need another MA in philosophy, just your French law degree.
Thanks for your help !
Actually I want practice in the US. So the only way is to passed by an american law school. I’m not interested by a LLM but only by a JD. I know that I will start again the law, but it’s in a different country and I’m only 20.
The expensive fees aren’t a problem.
The philosophy master is for having an american GPA and not only the transcript of my french grades. I have some friends in US who was with worst result and now they have a 4.0 GPA in a undergrad management/business majors. I think my grades may increase. During my two years master I probably have time for works the LAST.
I think my C.V is quiet good because I have more than 3 professional experiences (lawyer, administration, and with a commercial)
I a president of a philosophy association in my university so it should be help.
Thanks for your answers !
Actually I want to practice in the US. So the only way is to passed by an american law school. I’m not interested by a LLM but only by a JD. I know that I will start to the ground up but I dont mind because I’m only 19.
The philosophy master in the US will give me the opportunity to have a GPA and not only the transcript of my french grades. I think my grades will increase. During my two years in master I will be working on my LAST.
Do you have a way to work legally in the US? (eg, are you a dual national?)