“Law is nothing else but the best reason of wise men applied for ages to the transactions and business of mankind.” – Abraham Lincoln

The opportunity to study law abroad opens up the potential for a deeply meaningful career. Because it’s not just about earning a degree; it’san opportunity to ignite change, to challenge the status quo, and to carve a path towards a more equitable world. As you contemplate your journey to study abroad, consider this: your law degree can be more than just a credential—it can be your catalyst for transformation.

But how do you transform a law degree into a force for good? How do you ensure that your passion for justice, human rights, the environment, or pro bono work doesn’t end at graduation, but extends into a lifelong commitment to making a difference? Let’s explore four compelling avenues that empower you to use your law degree as a tool for change.

Social Justice

Social justice is the idea that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities in society. It is the foundation of a fair and equitable society. It involves working to protect and promote the rights of people who face discrimination, oppression, or injustice because of their race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, or other factors. Social justice lawyers play a pivotal role in protecting and advancing these fundamental rights.

If you’re keen on social justice, numerous pathways await you. Social justice lawyers can work with non-governmental organizations, legal aid clinics, human rights commissions, or public interest law firms. Here, you can become actively engaged in issues such as:

Fighting racism and hate crimes
Challenging police brutality and mass incarceration
Advocating for women’s rights and gender equality
Supporting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion
Defending the rights of refugees and immigrants
Promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples and minorities
Addressing poverty and homelessness

Human Rights

Human rights are defined as the basic freedoms and dignity that every person is entitled to, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. Rooted in universal values of equality, justice, and respect, human rights form the bedrock of a fair society. Human rights lawyers work to protect and enforce these rights on local, national, and international levels.

Advocating for human rights demands empathy, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues. If this sounds like you, a range of pathways beckons, from governmental agencies to international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private law firms. Your role will encompass protecting civil and political rights, advancing economic and social rights, promoting cultural rights, and ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups. This may involve:

Protecting civil and political rights, such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association
Advancing economic and social rights, such as the right to education, health, and work
Promoting cultural rights, such as the right to participate in cultural life and enjoy one’s own culture
Ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups, such as children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and minorities
Responding to human rights violations, such as torture, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity

Environmental Law

Environmental law is the branch of law that deals with the protection and regulation of the natural environment. Its mission is to prevent or reduce environmental harm caused by human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, climate change, or biodiversity loss. Environmental lawyers play an important role in upholding and improving environmental laws.

Advocating for environmental causes requires a deep commitment to preserving our planet’s future. For those who aspire to make a lasting impact on the environment, there are various options to work within governmental agencies, environmental organizations, corporations, and private law firms. You could be undertaking roles such as:

Implementing and monitoring environmental standards and policies
Developing and promoting renewable energy sources and green technologies
Litigating environmental disputes and claims
Advising clients on environmental compliance and liability
Participating in environmental negotiations and agreements

Pro Bono Work

Pro bono work embodies the spirit of volunteerism, where legal professionals willingly provide their services to individuals or organizations who cannot afford or access legal aid. This altruistic effort not only benefits the recipients and providers of legal assistance but also contributes to the broader betterment of society. Pro bono lawyers are dedicated to bridging the justice gap that persists in many countries and regions, ensuring that millions of individuals gain access to affordable and quality legal services.

Pro bono work is a profound way to leverage your law degree to enact positive change in the lives of those who need it most. Pro bono lawyers can be found lending their expertise to various causes, working with legal aid organizations, community groups, or advocacy campaigns focused on social justice, environmental concerns, or humanitarian issues. The avenues for pro bono work are diverse and include:

Providing free legal advice or representation to individuals or groups who are facing legal issues related to poverty, discrimination, human rights, immigration, or other matters of public interest
Conducting legal research or drafting documents for non-profit organizations, community groups, or advocacy campaigns that work on social justice, environmental, or humanitarian causes
Participating in public legal education or awareness programs that inform the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law, or that promote access to justice and the rule of law
Supporting the development or reform of laws, policies, or institutions that affect the public interest, such as constitutional law, international law, or human rights law

Law Degrees to Study Abroad

The University of Oxford, UK offers some highly-regarded programs in Law.

Here are some renowned law programs around the world to consider.

There are many more law programs listed on our platform which you can apply to. Use the search filters to narrow down your options.

Take Your First Step Towards a Legal Career

As you embark on your journey to study law abroad, remember that your law degree is not merely a piece of paper. It’s a potent instrument, and you are the virtuoso who can play the most impactful tune. From championing social justice to safeguarding human rights, protecting the environment, and embracing pro bono work, your path is yours to shape.

Take the first step by applying to your dream program through Global Admissions, and together, let’s turn your passion into action.