phd in law from usa

Doctoral Programs

Graduate Program

Jurisprudence & social policy graduate program, july 30, 2024, july 29, 2024, july 11, 2024, june 20, 2024, may 31, 2024.

Berkeley Law offers a unique interdisciplinary program of graduate study in law and society, leading to the Ph.D. degree in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) . The JSP Program promotes the study of law and legal institutions through the perspectives of several disciplines, including economics, political science, philosophy, sociology, history, psychology, and criminal justice

The Jurisprudence and Social Policy Ph.D. is ideal for students interested in:

The scholarly study of legal ideas and institutions from the standpoint of one or more of the basic disciplines, such as, history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science.

Policy analysis and applied research on law-related issues in such fields as criminal justice, poverty and discrimination, human rights, urban planning, and environmental protection.

Preparation for teaching legal studies in graduate and undergraduate curriculums.

Interdisciplinary preparation for teaching law.

A Note from Associate Dean Dylan Penningroth:

Thanks for visiting our website.  The Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program is a unique doctoral program focused on the interdisciplinary study of law. JSP is housed within the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, but organized under UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division. Established in 1978, JSP was the first law-focused PhD program in the United States and continues to be the leading program of its kind anywhere.

By integrating the study of law with the humanities and social sciences, JSP seeks a broad context for understanding and developing legal policy. While there are many productive ways to link law to the research tools of the disciplines, we are committed to pursuing plural, interdisciplinary scholarship that includes humanistic and social scientific approaches to the study of law. Our students generally specialize in some portion of this spectrum while learning from teachers and peers with diverse research interests. Students take a mix of interdisciplinary courses offered within JSP, as well as classes in the Law School’s traditional JD curriculum. These and other features of our program have become a model for other doctoral programs in interdisciplinary legal studies, many of which have recruited our alumni for their faculties. 

JSP faculty are leading scholars in their field who hail from a variety of disciplines – including political science, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, and psychology. Beginning with the JSP Orientation Seminar and through a range of course offerings in the humanities and social sciences, we offer students training in both empirical and normative analysis of law. Over the past decade, JSP has grown, adding faculty who offer a range of cutting-edge courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods and research design that are specially oriented to the study of law. Our substantive course offerings also have increased in scope, pushing the boundaries of knowledge across multiple fields.

JSP is closely integrated with the Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS), which attracts visiting scholars from all over the world, hosts one of the most dynamic speaker series on campus, and provides an intellectual hub for top-notch research on law and legal institutions. CSLS also offers the Berkeley Empirical Legal Studies (BELS) Graduate Fellowship, which brings together doctoral students studying law and social science from JSP and other programs on the Berkeley campus in a year-long research workshop. Berkeley Law is also home to a vibrant array of other research centers dedicated to issues ranging from law, energy, and the environment to reproductive rights and justice; from law and business to law and social justice; from law, morality, and public affairs to law and technology. 

This is an extraordinary time for scholars and students who have interdisciplinary training in law. The collective challenges confronting us today span diverse legal systems, fields of expertise, cultures, and regions of the world. In this context, the training we provide is not only an advantage for a professional career in academia, public service, or policy advocacy, but also urgently needed kindling for innovative theorizing, creative problem-solving, and breakthrough empirical research.

On this website you can get to know our students and our faculty and learn more about the JSP program by viewing recent course offerings and upcoming conferences. I especially urge you to learn more about our advanced graduate students currently on the academic job market, as well as our alumni. Nothing reflects so well on our program as our graduates, and what they are accomplishing with their training here at Berkeley continues to inspire us. 

If you have any questions about the JSP Program, please feel welcome to contact me, our Graduate Advisor, Sarah Song, or our Graduate Student Advisor, Michael Paz.

Dylan C. Penningroth, Associate Dean Jurisprudence and Social Policy

Graduate Program

Apply to the Graduate Program

Graduate Program Handbook

HLS Course Catalog

Admitted LL.M. Students

Harvard International Office (HIO)

The Graduate Program attracts lawyers of demonstrated intellectual and academic excellence from all over the world. The LL.M. and S.J.D. programs expose students to American modes of legal education (which emphasize critical thinking and self-inquiry) as well as to substantive law, and enhance our students’ ability to do advanced scholarly work. The Graduate Program also hosts the Visiting Scholar/Visiting Researcher program, which accommodates a small number of legal scholars and researchers from around the world who are engaged in major research projects for which the Law School’s outstanding library resources may be of assistance.

Graduate Program Admissions & Financial Aid

Learn about all aspects of the admissions processes for our LL.M., S.J.D., and Visiting Scholar/Visiting Researcher programs, as well as financial aid and billing.

Admissions & Financial Aid

LL.M. Program

S.j.d. program, visiting scholar/visiting researcher program, graduate program alumni, news from the graduate program, make a gift to the graduate program, ll.m. class profile, world class: news and profiles for the graduate program community, modal gallery, gallery block modal gallery.

Academics & Clinical

Student Life

Faculty & Research

Campus Services

• Admissions Policy
• Our Interview Program
• Check Status
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Consumer Information (ABA Required Disclosures)
• Class Profiles
• Recruitment Events
• Experiencing Northwestern Law
• Fast Facts for Prospective Students

• Degree Programs
• Curricular Offerings
• Bluhm Legal Clinic
• Public Interest Center
• Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center
• Global Opportunities
• Continuing Legal Education
• Registration and Records
• Academic Calendar

• Student Services
• Student Organizations
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Career Strategy Center

• Faculty Profiles
• Law Library
• Faculty Publications
• Conferences, Colloquia, and Workshops
• Center on Law, Business, and Economics
• Center for Racial and Disability Justice
• Gender Equity Initiative
• Policies and Recruitment

• Information Technology
• Facilities and AV Support
• Contacts and Directories

• Marketing and Communications
• Visit Campus

• About the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Scholarships and Opportunities
• Reporting Concerns
• News and Events
• Land Acknowledgment
• Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

Northwestern's JD-PhD program is open to students who intend to pursue an academic or research career and whose teaching and research will be enriched by both degrees. The program is designed to allow students to complete both degrees more effectively than they would through consecutive degree programs. Students are able to complete the entire program, including dissertation, in as few as six years.

Northwestern JD-PhD graduates have obtained faculty positions in law and graduate schools as well as prestigious judicial clerkships.

Advantages of Northwestern's JD-PhD Program

The most integrated program of its kind.

The program offers a coherent course of study on a set track that integrates the rigorous terrains of doctoral and law studies. Faculty members from each of the schools jointly supervise students' research and dissertations.

An Accelerated Course of Study

Students can complete the entire program in as few as six years (varies by department). All students can earn both degrees more quickly than they would through consecutive degree programs. JD-PhD students spend the first two years doing graduate-level course work in various disciplines through The Graduate School, the following two years at the Law School, and the final years completing their dissertations.

A Strong Community

Students from various doctoral programs are treated as a cohort, so they have a community of peers in law, in their disciplines, and among those seeking the combined degree. Both law and graduate school faculty are involved at every step to support students' progress in the program and to ensure that each student progresses consistently.

An Important Qualification

There is a growing trend among top law schools to hire faculty who have PhDs as well as law degrees. Northwestern's JD-PhD program presents the most efficient option to obtain these credentials.

Outstanding Faculty

Interdisciplinary study is a hallmark of Northwestern and the Law School has a higher percentage of PhD-trained scholars than any top law school in the country.

The Most Generous Funding in the Country

Northwestern offers the most financially generous JD-PhD program in the country, typically providing full funding—including tuition and living expenses—for seven academic years and six summers.

Related Links

The Graduate School | Law School Course Catalog | JD-PhD Brochure  (pdf)

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

• Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
• Duration:  3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

• Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
• Credits: 44 units
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition : $64,350 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

• Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

• Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
• Duration:  5-6 years
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

• Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $67,720 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

• Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

• Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
• Duration:  3-5 years
• Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

• Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Credits: 75 semester credit hours
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

• Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• Acceptance rate: 90.3%
• Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

• Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
• Credits: 77 quarter credits
• Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Personal essay and/or research proposal
• Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

• Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
• Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
• Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
• Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
• Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
• Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

• General Counsel ($170,183 )
• Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
• Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
• Project Manager ( $76,264 )
• Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Presentation
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]

Top 12 Best Laptops for Graduate Students in 2024

Top 10 best phd in theology programs [2024], related posts.

• How New Grads Research Companies to Find Jobs

Experience Paradox: Entry-Level Jobs Demand Years in Field

Grad Trends: Interest in Artificial Intelligence Surges

Applying to Big Tech This Year? Here’s How to Ace It.

73% of job seekers believe a degree is needed for a well-paying role–but is it?

Tech Talent Crunch: Cities with More Jobs Than Workers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• When to Apply for Grad School: Easy Monthly Timeline [2026-2027]
• 30+ Best Dorm Room Essentials for Guys in 2024
• Best Laptop for Programming Students in 2024
• The Sassy Digital Assistant Revolutionizing Student Budgeting

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

The Juris Doctor (J.D.) is a three-year program that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study, and then gives them the opportunity to focus their studies on areas of particular interest through advanced classes, clinics, and writing projects.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a one-year advanced degree program for students who have already received their first law degrees. It attracts intellectually curious candidates of diverse backgrounds from 65+ countries, including lawyers working at firms or NGOs, government officials, law teachers, judges, activists, doctoral students, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and others.

Harvard Law School’s most advanced law degree, the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is modeled on the very best Ph.D. programs in other disciplines, and is designed for aspiring legal academics who, through sustained independent study, research and writing, work to produce a dissertation that constitutes a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship.

Students interested in combining legal education with advanced training in a field not covered by one of the Law School’s formal joint degree programs can consider completing the J.D. program concurrently with another graduate degree program at Harvard University or another institution. In the past, students have arranged concurrent degree programs with the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Divinity School, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

• School of Law

Ph.D. in Law PhD in Law

A Ph.D. requires a minimum of three years' study, at least two years of which comprises work done while in residence at the University of Washington. Students enter the Ph.D. program having already identified a dissertation supervisory chair and additional committee members (referred to as the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee), who will support and shepherd them through the Ph.D. curriculum and dissertation writing process.

Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits, at least 60 of which must be taken at the University of Washington, in order to receive a doctoral degree.

I. Requirements

Overall course requirements.

Ph.D. students must successfully complete a minimum of 90 credits including at least 60 course credits and 27 dissertation credits (LAW 800—minimum two credit hours per quarter). With the approval of the Ph.D. Program Director and Steering Committee, an appropriate master’s degree from an accredited institution may substitute for up to a maximum of 30 of the course credits.   This determination of substituting master’s credits takes place at the time when the presumptive chair agrees that the Ph.D. student’s prospectus is ready to defend at a General Examination.   The 60 course credits also include courses required by the School of Law as described immediately below.

Required Competencies:

The primary requirement is the production of a dissertation that, in the opinion of the Ph.D. Doctoral Supervisory Committee, represents a novel and significant contribution to the discipline of law. In addition, Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate competencies in four areas: 

• Understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world.
• An understanding of a research methodology area relevant to the topic of their dissertation research.
• Subject matter expertise in the area of their dissertation research.
• The ability to present and discuss the results of their dissertation research.

An understanding of common law legal systems and differences between major legal systems around the world

This requirement will be satisfied by 8 credits of coursework as follows:

• Required course: B550 American Legal Systems and Methods (4 credits) or equivalent
• Additionally, students will have to complete B557 Graduate Writing Seminar (4 credits) or the equivalent to demonstrate understanding of the American legal system.

Research Methodology

Broadly speaking, modern academic legal research is supported by one or more of the following:  jurisprudential approaches, qualitative approaches, quantitative approaches. Competency will be satisfied by at least 3-4 credits of coursework as follows, chosen in consultation with the supervisory chair:

• PPM 502 Research Design (4)
• EDPSY 586 Qualitative Methods of Educational Research I (4 credits)
• ARCH 567 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• CS&SS 536 Analysis of Categorical and Count Data (3)
• LAWA 595 Jurisprudence and Moral Philosophy (4)

Elective courses: Law A599 Legal Research Methods (3 credits), Law   A 549 Advanced Legal Research   (4 Credits) 

Subject Matter Expertise (10-12 credits of subject discipline required courses)

The remaining courses to fulfill the credit requirement are to be chosen based on the Ph.D. student’s dissertation research topic. For instance, students with a focus on intellectual property must complete that discipline’s required courses. The same is true for sustainable international development, health law, etc.

Presentation/Discussion Competency

The presentation/discussion competency will be satisfied by successful completion of the general and final examination process described below.

Other Requirements

Law 600 tutorial with supervisory chair (1-2 credits per quarter).

In addition to the above requirements, students are expected to take 1-2 Law 600 credits with their supervisory chair per quarter to facilitate regular communication during the time leading up to their general exam. The chair will monitor the student’s academic progress and advise on appropriate courses to be taken (at the law school and in other departments on campus) related to the Ph.D. student’s research.

First- and Second-Year Elective Courses

All Ph.D. students are expected and encouraged to take subject-matter courses relevant to their dissertation research topic as part of their 60 credits of coursework. There is a rich variety of courses available in the School of Law and in other schools and departments across the University of Washington campus. For example, the   Graduate School has a variety of graduate certificate programs   that not only may be pertinent to student’s research interests but may provide an additional credential to enhance a student’s academic portfolio.

II. General Examination

Completion of 60 course credits (up to 30 credits from an accredited LL.M. or other pertinent master's degree may be counted toward the 90-credit total) and a Dissertation Prospectus approved by the Doctoral Supervisory Committee are required prior to this exam.

Students must pass an oral   General Examination   designed around individualized readings determined in consultation with the student’s Doctoral Supervisory Committee, and a Dissertation Prospectus that contains the student’s detailed dissertation study plans, including research questions and the chosen methodology and study plan to answer them.

To be eligible for the General Exam, the student must have completed a minimum of 60 course credits (including credits being taken the quarter of the exam) of which at least 18 credits must be at the 500 level and above. Numerical grades must be received in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the University of Washington. The Graduate School accepts numerical grades in department approved 400-level courses accepted as part of the major and in 500-level courses (this excludes 499 credits). 

Students are required to write and successfully defend a Dissertation Prospectus that outlines a detailed plan for the Ph.D. dissertation. The General Examination tests the student’s understanding of, and facility with, the scholarly literature that relates to the proposed dissertation topic, along with the strength of the proposed research proposal and its design.

III. Final Examination (Doctoral Defense)

In addition to a successful General Examination, the Ph.D. candidate must complete at least 27 dissertation credits over a period of at least three quarters. Candidates total credit count must reach 90 and they must have completed their doctoral dissertation.

To complete the degree, the candidate must complete a   Dissertation Defense   (also known as the   Final Examination ) administered by the Supervisory Doctoral Committee and devoted to the presentation and defense of the dissertation. It should be noted that the Graduate School requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA to obtain a graduate degree. For the final Dissertation Defense, students must get their committee members’ signatures on the UW Graduate School Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee Approval form and submit that before the end of the quarter (the form will be provided at or prior to the student’s defense and submission instructions are on the form). More detailed information is on the Ph.D. Program’s Canvas page.

Students must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the General and Final Examinations are taken.

IV. Official Submission

After a successful Final Examination, the dissertation must be submitted in the required format to the University of Washington Graduate School by 11:59 p.m. PST on the  last day of the quarter . The PhD Candidate must be registered and may not be on leave during the quarter that the dissertation is submitted.

For details of degree requirements please see Graduate School Policies-Doctoral Degree .

Ph.D. in Law

• Current Ph.D.s in Law
• PhD Admissions

Graduate Programs, UW School of Law William H. Gates Hall Box 353020 4293 Memorial Way Seattle, WA 98195-3020, USA gradlaw@ uw .edu

• Study Abroad Get upto 50% discount on Visa Fees
• Top Universities & Colleges
• Abroad Exams
• Top Courses
• Read College Reviews
• Admission Alerts 2024
• Education Loan
• Institute (Counselling, Coaching and More)
• Ask a Question
• College Predictor
• Test Series
• Practice Questions
• Course Finder
• Scholarship
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Study Guide

PhD in Law in USA: Deadlines, Eligibility, Fees, Job Opportunities, ROI

Veda Burman

| Updated On - May 27, 2024

• Degree Types: Ph.D. in Law in USA is also available as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program.
• Upcoming Deadlines: Admission deadlines for Ph.D. in Law in majority of the US universities are within December 2024 and July 2025. The early application deadlines are in November 2024.
• Employment Growth: In USA, employment of Lawyers is projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032. About 39,100 annual job openings for lawyers are projected by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• High Paying Jobs: The median annual salary for Lawyers in USA was 145,760 USD (1.21 crore INR), according to the latest report by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ph.D. in Law in USA is a full-time doctoral level program, offered in 3–5 years. The program is structured to prepare legal scholars and teachers producing substantial academic research. For admission to PhD in Law in USA, international students require an L.L.M degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%). International students should also be prepared with supporting documents like:

• Competitive GRE or LSAT score
• TOEFL iBT: 79
• Writing samples
• Dissertation proposal (8-10 pages)
• Proof of finance availability
• US student visa

Top Universities for PhD in Law in USA

USA is home to 3 of the top 10 universities for PhD in Law program in the world, according to QS WUR by Subject, 2024: Law and Legal Studies. Some top universities offering PhD in Law in USA for Indian students and their corresponding details are as follows:

Why Study PhD in Law in USA?

USA is one of the best places to study doctoral programs in Law and Juridical Science. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing PhD in Law in USA:

• Variety of Programs: In USA, you get the opportunity to pursue various PhD programs in Law. PhD in International Law in USA is available across a few institutes like Liberty University , and Florida State University. You can earn a JD certificate in Intellectual Property Law in USA at The University of Utah.
• Fellowships: Although fellowships for PhD in Law in USA are rare, but students can get up to 28,000 USD (23.32 lakhs INR) per year through fellowships. This can reduce a good part of the financial burden.
• Growing Employment Opportunities: According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Lawyers in USA is projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032. This will lead to the opening of 39,100 jobs per year for lawyers, reflecting abundant employment opportunities.

Admission to PhD in Law in USA

The admission requirements for PhD in Law depends on the universities in USA. The eligibility criteria for PhD in law in USA for international students are as follows:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or L.L.M
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (85%)
• GRE/LSAT scores
• TOEFL iBT - 79 minimum
• IELTS - 6.5 to 7

Additional Requirements: The supporting documents required for admission to Law PhD programs in USA or related programs are as follows:

• Official transcripts
• Statement of purpose ( SOP )
• Dissertation proposal (8-10 pages on research plan)
• 2-3 Strong LORs
• Proof of financial support

US Student Visa Application

Securing a US student visa for studying Law is very tough, due to the clear immigrant intent. To apply for a US student visa for PhD in Law in USA, you require the following documents:

• Academic transcripts and mark sheets in English
• Confirmation page of form DS-160
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Standardized test scores
• Your recent photo
• Valid passport
• Proof of genuine intent to leave USA after education
• Proof of availability of sufficient finances to stay and study in USA
• Form I-20 , signed by the candidate and an official of the SEVP-approved school

PhD in Law in USA Cost

The cost of pursuing PhD in Law in USA includes tuition fee, and living expenses. The international tuition fees range up to 78,444 USD (65.32 lakhs INR) in institutes like Columbia University. This is why, you should consider your budget as a factor while choosing universities for PhD in Law in USA . Details of the tuition fees and living expenses are as follows:

Tuition Fees for PhD in Law in USA

The tuition fees for PhD in Law in USA can range anywhere between 15,863 and 78,444 USD (13.20 and 65.32 lakhs INR). The affordable universities offering PhD in Law in USA are, University of South Florida, Tampa; Kansas State University, and University of Iowa, among others. A comparison of the tuition fees for PhD in Law in USA across some renowned universities is provided below:

Cost of Living in USA

The cost of living in USA for international students range between 15,700 and 22,200 USD (13.07 and 18.48 lakhs INR). A breakdown of the estimated annual cost of living in USA for international students is provided in the following table:

Scholarships for PhD in Law in USA

Universities in USA for PhD in Law offer up to 28,000 USD (23.32 lakhs INR) per year as fellowships. Fully funded PhD programs in Law in USA for international students are rare, but available. Besides, there are various scholarships in USA that can assist you financially to complete your PhD in Law in USA. Some popular scholarships are provided below:

PhD in Law in USA Job Opportunities

The average salary after PhD in Law is reportedly 80,000 USD per year (66.61 lakhs INR). According to the latest report by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lawyers in USA earn 145,760 USD (1.21 crore INR) per annum as median salary. Some professions pursued by students after PhD in Law in USA and their corresponding salaries are as follows:

PhD in Law in USA Return on Investment

A comparison between the tuition fees for PhD in Law in USA across some top universities and the average tuition fees is provided below:

A graphical representation of the return on investment is provided below:

The Legal Department of USA is very strong with an increasing demand for law and legal professionals. With a plethora of top universities delivering doctoral level education in Law, USA gives you an abundance of higher educational opportunities in this field. The high paying professions with an average salary of 80,000 USD per year (66.61 lakhs INR), demonstrates the exceptional return on investment for PhD in Law in USA. Getting a US study visa for Law programs is very tough due to immigrant intent. If you can secure a F1 visa , USA is a highly recommended destination for Law and Legal Studies in doctoral level.

Ques. What are the best universities for PhD in Law in USA?

Ans . Some of the top universities offering PhD in Law in USA and their rankings according to QS WUR by Subject 2024: Law and Legal Studies are as follows:

Ques. How much is the tuition fee for PhD in Law in USA?

Ans . Tuition fees across some of the best US universities for PhD in Law in USA are as follows:

Ques: How many years is a Ph.D. in Law in USA?

Ans . PhD in Law in USA is a 3 to 5 years long program. The program often includes 3 academic years and 2 summers in residence.

Ques. Is it hard to get into PhD in Law in USA?

Ans . Yes, as an international student, securing a US student visa for PhD in Law in USA is the most difficult task. As there is clear intention of immigration after pursuing this program, hence, chances of US student visa rejection are quite high. Besides, you need a strong background with a GPA of 3.0/4 (85%) or above in previous academic years to secure admission to the program.

Ques. Do law PhD students in USA get paid?

Ans . Although some universities in USA offer fellowships of up to 28,000 USD (23.32 lakhs INR) per year, it is hard to gain financial support for PhD in USA. Part time jobs in USA are an option to earn some pocket money, but it will not be enough to fund your tuition fees and living expenses. Besides, the hard work and determination required for PhD in Law in USA will not provide much room to you for work-study opportunities.

Ques. Is PhD in Law in USA worth it?

Ans . PhD in Law is the highest degree available in the Law field. Availing such a degree from the most academically advanced country like USA is an added advantage. The program will open doors of a range of professional opportunities to you. You can perform in-depth research on a specific topic in Law and prepare for careers as legal scholars and teachers.

Ques. How much can I earn after PhD in Law in USA?

Ans . According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of lawyers in USA is 145,760 USD (1.21 crore INR) per year. Furthermore, the average salary after PhD in Law in USA is reportedly 80,000 USD per year (66.61 lakhs INR), demonstrating a high return on investment. The average salary across some commonly pursued professions after PhD in Law in USA are as follows:

More Articles in this Category

Dentistry in USA: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Sala...

Dentistry in USA is a 4-5 year long program available as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). DDS and DMD have similar...

MS in Business Analytics in USA: Top Colleges, Eligibility, ...

MS in Business Analytics in USA is a 8-12 months graduate degree program for international students. Prospective students must demonstrate a 3-4 year ...

MBA in USA Without Work Experience: Universities and Require...

Are you interested in pursuing an MBA from USA, but do not have enough work experience? You can get an MBA in USA without work experience at universit...

MS in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in USA

MS in Artificial Intelligence in USA is a 1.5 to 2 years master's program in the field of Computer Science & Technology. To get admission to the MS in...

MS in Data Analytics in USA: Top Universities, Fees & Job Pr...

Masters in Data Analytics in USA: Data Analytics is a growing field with promising career opportunities for aspirants. The job market for data analyst...

Masters in Cyber Security in USA: Top Universities, Fees & J...

Masters in Cyber Security in USA is a 1 to 2-year post-graduate program that prepares professionals for leadership roles in cybersecurity and informat...

MS in Construction Management in USA: Universities, Fees, an...

Aspirants willing to advance the skills required to take on all the on-site tasks of a construction project, show interest in studying MS in Construct...

Masters in Architecture in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Dead...

Masters in Architecture in USA is a 2 to 3 years course depending on your chosen mode of study. It focuses on sustainable architecture, heritage conse...

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWS LETTER

Fully Funded JD and PhD Programs In Law

Last updated February 28, 2022

Next in my series on  How To Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list below of universities that offer full funding to all students admitted to their doctoral programs and joint PHD-JD programs in law and justice studies.

When seeking funding for the 4-6 years of your doctoral studies, it is ideal to be accepted to programs offering full funding to all admitted students. When a university indicates that they provide full funding to their PhD students, in most cases this means they provide each admitted doctoral student full tuition and a stipend for living expenses for the four to six year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, so be sure to research the financial aid offerings of all the potential PhD programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.  

In the  ProFellow database , we also list several competitive fellowships for graduate and doctoral study.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines? Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

University of Arizona, Duel PhD-JD in Philosophy and Law  (Tucson, Arizona): Most students in the doctoral program receive financial assistance in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and/or research assistantships. 

Arizona State University, PhD in Justice Studies (Tempe, AZ): Each year we aim to admit the number of doctoral students who can be fully funded with graduate fellowships and teaching and research assistantships. These awards cover your tuition, health insurance, and also carry a stipend.

University of California, Joint PhD-JD in Philosophy and Law (Los Angeles, CA): All admitted students receive two years of fellowship support. Fellowships cover living expenses, university fees, health insurance, and out-of-state tuition if needed. The university awards some multi-year fellowships to highly qualified students. In years when students do not receive fellowship support, they are awarded teaching assistantships that provide a salary and cover university fees and health insurance. Summer teaching may also be available.

University of Chicago Booth, Joint PhD-JD in Business and Law (Chicago, IL): All admitted Ph.D. students at Chicago Booth enjoy generous financial assistance consisting of a tuition grant, a stipend, student health insurance, a computer or computer subsidy, and access to research and travel funding. Ph.D. stipend is $43,500 per year. During your third and fourth years in the Ph.D. program, you are guaranteed the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant.

Columbia University JD-PhD Program (New York, NY): During the GSAS portion of the JD/PhD program, students will receive funding as a GSAS doctoral student, multi-year support consists of a combination of fellowships and teaching or research assistantships.

Northwestern University, PhD-JD in Law (Chicago, IL): Northwestern offers the most financially generous JD-PhD program in the country, typically providing full funding—including tuition and living expenses—for six academic years and three summers, for up to five students per year.

University of Miami School of Law, Joint J.D./Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy (Coral Gables, FL): Students will receive 4 years’ worth of stipends and tuition waivers from the ECS program for their Ph.D. work, with the obligation to serve as a Teaching Assistant for 1 year out of the 4. The Law School will provide a $25,000 tuition scholarship for the first year in Law School.

University of North Carolina Center for Media Law and Policy, Duel JD-PhD in Law, Media and Communication (Chapel Hill, NC): Both the UNC School of Law and School of Media and Journalism provide scholarships and other funding including writing competitions, employment assistance, and summer grants to students who have an interest in media law and policy. Scholarships at the School of Media and Journalism are available to all students.

Vanderbilt University, PhD in Law and Economics (Nashville, TN): Law and economics students are fully funded by a competitive package of fellowship support covering both tuition and stipend.

Yale University, PhD in Law (New Haven, CT): Law Ph.D. students will receive a full-tuition fellowship, and a stipend at an amount set by the Graduate School (for the 2019-1920 academic year, this will be $43,300), Yale Basic Health coverage, and a Health Award covering the cost of hospitalization and specialty coverage.

To view over 1,500 professional and academic fellowships, including fellowships for graduate and doctoral study and pre and post-doctoral research, sign up to view ProFellow’s fellowship database.

© Victoria Johnson 2020-2021, all rights reserved.

Related Posts:

• Fully Funded PhD Programs in Psychology
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in English
• Fully Funded PhD and MFA Programs in Creative Arts, Writing and Film
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in History
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in Mathematics

Doctoral Fellowships , Fully Funded JD Programs , Fully Funded PhD Programs , Graduate Fellowships , PhD in Law

A Summer In Singapore: Jillian Reilly’s Cultural Vistas Fellowsh...

The edf climate corps summer fellowship experience, find and win paid, competitive fellowships.

Be alerted about new fellowship calls for applications, get insider application tips, and learn about fully funded PhD and graduate programs

Fellowship Resources

• Calls for Applications
• Upcoming Fellowship Deadlines
• Fellowships Database
• Interviews with Fellows
• International Fellows Network
• Graduate Funding Directory

Fellowship Tips

• What is a Fellowship?
• Fully Funded Course
• Graduate School Funding
• Fellowship Application Tips
• Fulbright Application Tips
• Fellowship Application Guide
• Our Mission, History & Values
• ProFellow Winner Testimonials
• Fully Funded Course Testimonials
• Fellowship Industry Report
• Advertise With Us
• Terms & Privacy

ProFellow is the go-to source for information on professional and academic fellowships, created by fellows for aspiring fellows.

©2011-2024 ProFellow, LLC. All rights reserved.

• Skip to main content

• Scholarships
• Scholarships in USA

Doctoral Degree

20 Doctoral Degree Law Scholarships available in the USA

Find postgraduate scholarship opportunities for international students abroad.

Discover Doctoral Degree Law scholarships available in the USA. You can find more details about scholarship values and courses that you can apply for below.

Refine your search

By destination, by study level, by scholarship type.

• Academic excellence
• Mature students

FellowshipBard

Fully funded phd programs in law 2024.

Are you holding Master’s degree in Law and looking for fully funded PhD positions in Law? Multiple Universities invite online application for multiple fully funded PhD Programs / fully funded PhD positions in various Law research areas.

Candidates interested in fully funded PhD positions can check the details and may apply as soon as possible. Interested and eligible applicants may submit their online application for PhD programs via the University’s Online Application Portal. 

1. Fully Funded PhD Program in Law & Economics at Vanderbilt University

Summary of phd program:.

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a PhD program in Law and Economics that is fully funded. The program integrates legal studies with analytical training in economic theory and technique. Students who complete the program obtain a PhD in Law and Economics as well as a J.D. Law and economics, risk and environmental regulation, labor markets and human resources, and behavioral law and economics are the main areas of research. Although extensive knowledge of mathematics and economic principles is helpful, a major or master’s degree in economics is not required.

All students enrolled to the Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics get full tuition support as well as a stipend for living expenses during their studies.

Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2024

2. fully funded jd-phd program in philosophy and law at university of arizona.

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, provides a fully funded dual JD-PhD program in Philosophy and Law. Earn your doctorate in philosophy while also studying law. This curriculum entails concurrent enrollment in the College of Law’s Juris Doctor (J.D.) program and the Department of Philosophy’s Ph.D. program (in the Graduate College). You must be admitted to each program independently and authorized for inclusion in the concurrent degree program.

The majority of PhD students receive financial support in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and/or research assistantships.

Follow FellowshipBard for daily updates!

3. Fully Funded PhD in Justice Studies at Arizona State University  

A fully funded PhD in Justice Studies is available at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The varied community of academics brings students and faculty together across academic boundaries to strategically generate democratic, inclusive, and just social change. The PhD/JD option enables qualified students to obtain a Juris Doctor from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law while also pursuing a transdisciplinary doctorate in justice studies.

Each year, they admit a number of doctorate students who are completely sponsored by graduate scholarships, teaching and research assistantships, and other means. These prizes pay for your tuition, health insurance, and a stipend.

4. Fully Funded JD-PhD in Philosophy and Law at University of California

The University of California, Los Angeles, has a fully funded JD-PhD program in Philosophy and Law. JD-PhD program for highly brilliant and devoted individuals interested in pursuing careers in law and philosophy research and teaching.

All admitted students are provided with a two-year fellowship that covers living expenses, university fees, and health insurance. Highly qualified students are given multi-year fellowships by the university. In years when students do not obtain fellowship assistance, they are offered teaching assistantships, which include a salary and other benefits and can last up to five years if they perform well.

10 Best Platforms To Create And Sell Online Courses

5. fully funded jd-phd in business and law at university of chicago booth.

In Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago Booth provides a fully funded JD-PhD in Business and Law. The Joint JD-PhD Program prepares you for a career in law or business. You’ll graduate with two advanced degrees. As a PhD student in this joint-degree program, you will have the freedom to follow your research interests wherever they may take you.

All admitted Ph.D. students at Chicago Booth get a tuition grant, a stipend, student health insurance, a computer or computer subsidy, and access to research and travel support. The stipend for a Ph.D. is $43,500 per year. Teaching assistantships are guaranteed in the third and fourth years.

6. Fully Funded JD-PhD Program at Columbia University

Columbia University in New York, New York, provides a fully funded JD-PhD program. Biological Sciences, Economics, English and Comparative Literature, History, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology are among the GSAS departments that have chosen to participate in the JD-PhD program. Students with any major or concentration are encouraged to apply.

Students will receive financing as GSAS doctoral students for the GSAS phase of the JD/PhD program, which requires a multi-year commitment as mentioned in the official letter of admission from the Dean. This multi-year funding is made up of fellowships and teaching or research assistantships.

Looking For More Funded PhD Programs? Click Here

7. fully funded jd-phd in law at northwestern university.

Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, provides a fully funded JD-PhD in Law program. The JD-PhD program at Northwestern is open to candidates who want to pursue an academic or research career and whose teaching and research will be enhanced by both degrees. Students can finish the entire program, including the dissertation, in as little as six years.

Northwestern University has the most generous JD-PhD program in the US, typically giving full support (including tuition and living expenses) for up to five students each year for six academic years and three summers.

8. Fully Funded JD-PhD in Environmental Science and Policy at University of Miami

The University of Miami School of Law, located in Coral Gables, Florida, provides a JD-PhD program in Environmental Science and Policy that is fully funded. Students with significant interests in both environmental policy and law can prepare for employment in either the private or public sectors in less time than if they pursued both degrees separately.

For their Ph.D. studies, students will receive stipends and tuition waivers from the ECS program for four years, with the commitment to serve as a Teaching Assistant for one of those four years. The Law School will award a tuition scholarship of $25,000 for the first year of law school.

Get Professional Job Ready & In-demand Career Certificates

9. fully funded jd-phd in law, media and communication at university of north carolina.

The University of North Carolina Center for Media Law and Policy at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers a fully funded JD-PhD program in Law, Media, and Communication. The dual degree program in JD-PhD in Media and Communication is primarily designed for individuals interested in academic careers in media law and policy.

Scholarships and other support, such as writing competitions, job aid, and summer fellowships, are available to students interested in media law and policy at both the UNC School of Law and the UNC School of Media and Journalism. Scholarships are offered to all students in the School of Media and Journalism.

Top 10 Free Statistical Analysis Software

10. fully funded jd-phd in law and economics at vanderbilt university.

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, provides a fully funded JD-PhD program in Law and Economics. In a completely integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methods with the study of law, dual-degree students pursue a law degree and a Ph.D. concurrently. The curriculum is designed to allow students to obtain both degrees in as little as six years. The Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is one of a kind.

A competitive package of fellowship support comprising both tuition and stipend is provided to law and economics students.

Looking For Funded Scholarships Programs? Click Here

11. fully funded phd in law at yale university.

Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, provides a fully funded PhD in Law program. The Ph.D. in Law program provides an excellent avenue to a career in legal scholarship and law teaching, in addition to providing an opportunity to study and contribute to the evolution of law as an academic field of study.

Candidates for the Ph.D. in Law will receive a full-tuition fellowship and a living stipend provided by the Graduate School, as well as Yale Basic Health coverage and a Health Award covering the cost of hospitalization and speciality coverage.

12. Fully Funded PhD in Justice, Law and Criminology at American University

American University in Washington, DC, offers a fully funded PhD program in Justice, Law, and Criminology. The Ph.D. program is grounded in current criminology, criminal justice, terrorism and homeland security studies, and legal studies theory, principles, practices, and research methodologies. Students plan their programs on one of two areas of study.

Students chosen for AU financing are awarded a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on sustaining good progress each year, with opportunities for additional funding possible.

10 Best Plagiarism Checkers Software

13. fully funded phd in criminology, law and society at university of california-irvine.

The University of California-Irvine in Irvine, California, offers a fully funded PhD program in Criminology, Law, and Society. The Ph.D. program aims to improve students’ theoretical and methodological sophistication in order to prepare them for professor positions at major universities and colleges, as well as research, training, and administrative work in the justice system.

CLS Ph.D. students are entitled for 12 quarters of support as a Teaching Assistant (TA), making this the most popular source of funding. Departmental and university scholarships provide additional funding.

1 thought on “Fully Funded PhD Programs in Law 2024”

Interested in a PhD in Law and Politics

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Professors Not Responding? Your CV May Be the Reason.

Try Our Ready-to-Use CV Templates Land You in Harvard, MIT, Oxford, and Beyond!

M.L.S. Specialization: Criminal Law

Available online and/or on-campus for Part-Time Students. On-campus classes required for Full-Time Students.

Successfully Navigate the Criminal Justice System

UCLA Law’s Master of Legal Studies in Criminal Law is the newest specialization in the program. It is designed for professionals working in criminal justice at the local, state, and federal courts or agencies.

Sharpen your Understanding of the Criminal Justice System

Gain a sophisticated understanding of how the criminal justice system is crafted, implemented, and enforced through laws, regulations, court decisions, and law enforcement agencies. This specialization empowers you to navigate the complexities of the government landscape, preparing you to make a significant impact.

I am in an office mixed with investigators and attorneys, and I wanted to better understand how the attorneys think when preparing for trial. I highly recommend this program to anyone that would like to be challenged, learn how the law applies to your career, develop analytical skills, and understand how lawyers think. Eduardo Miranda (MLS '23) , District Attorney Investigator at County of Ventura

Sample Curriculum

This list is offered as an example, with over 200 courses available. The exact list of courses that will satisfy each specialization will vary from year to year.

How will the Master of Legal Studies help you?

I want to grow professionally...to learn from all the professors and meet other students with similar interests. This is the perfect program for me. Lucy Ortiz (MLS '24) , Industrial Security Analyst at Northrop Grumman

Programs and Centers

Connect with UCLA Law’s leading centers and programs to gain real-world experience and expand your professional network.

Criminal Justice Program

CJP is designed to help students build a foundation in criminal law while gaining meaningful experience.

Transnational Program on Criminal Justice

Performing scholarship on international and transnational criminal justice systems.

Prison Law and Policy Program

Taking an expansive view of the criminal legal system and aiming to deepen our understanding of the role the law plays in shaping all aspects of the carceral experience.

Schrader Pro Bono Program welcomes Erin Han as its director

Michael dorff joins the lowell milken institute as executive director, aaron littman earns hellman fellowship for talented assistant professors.

Unlock your potential in HR Management! Join us on August 15 at 12:00pm PT via Zoom Webinar to learn more.

This webinar presents results from the survey and features a discussion on the meaning and implications of these findings to China’s LGBTQ population today.

Ph.D. Common Questions

1. How do you look upon practice experience in applicants?

Practice experience can be a useful qualification for admission, but it is not required. Applicants must complete their J.D. degree before enrolling in the Ph.D. in Law program. This means that students may apply during their third year of law school, but most applicants will have had at least one year of post-law school experience of some kind. Often that experience will be a clerkship, but it may also include law practice, a public interest fellowship, government work, or even experience in a pursuit largely unrelated to law. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee also welcomes applications from candidates with a number of years of post-law school experience. Applicants who have spent more than a couple of years after law school in practice should relate their practice experience to their scholarly agenda or use their personal statements to explain their change in direction.

2. I have a clerkship, or I intend to apply for clerkships, following graduation. Can I take a leave from the Ph.D. program to take a clerkship?

While we are pleased to welcome applications from students in their third year of law school, many applicants will have spent at least one year after law school in a clerkship. We recognize that the continuing disarray in the clerkship market has affected the post-graduate planning for many students, and we will offer the possibility of a leave of absence during the program to take up a clerkship opportunity. Applicants to the Ph.D. program should be candid about their clerkship plans in their applications and should keep the Law School's Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs informed of any developments that occur after they submit their applications.

3. What should I submit as my writing sample? Can I submit a brief or other piece of practical legal writing?

Your writing sample should be the piece of writing that is the strongest evidence that you will complete an excellent dissertation on the subject you have proposed. This might be a paper you wrote in law school, a student note, or even a law review article you have already published. Your writing sample need not be on the same subject as your research proposal, but it may be helpful if it is. Except in unusual circumstances, co-authored works will not be accepted.

If you wish, you may submit a piece of practical legal writing as an additional writing sample, but you should also submit a piece of legal scholarship. The Ph.D. in Law program is designed to prepare candidates for careers in legal scholarship, and your prior legal scholarship is the best evidence of your future potential.

Please note that your writing sample should be no longer than the equivalent of 30 published pages (or roughly 15,000 words)—you may need to select an excerpt from a longer article or paper.

4. I do not have a J.D. degree from a U.S. law school, but I have a first law degree from a university outside the United States. Can I apply for the Ph.D. in Law program?

The Ph.D. in Law program at Yale Law School is designed specifically for candidates with J.D. degrees from U.S. law schools. You may, however, consider applying for admission to Yale Law School's LL.M. degree program. For more information, please consult the LL.M. program's website .

5. How is the Ph.D. in Law degree related to the J.S.D. degree?

Both are doctoral degrees, which are the highest academic degrees in law awarded by Yale University, but the programs have different structures and are designed for different purposes. The more structured Ph.D. program is designed specifically for students whose first degree in law is a J.D. from a U.S. law school, and the Ph.D. is formally awarded by Yale University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . The J.S.D. degree is designed principally for students who received their first degree in law from a non-U.S. institution and subsequently received their LL.M. at Yale Law School. Unlike the Ph.D., the J.S.D. is awarded by Yale Law School, not the Graduate School.

6. What if I have more questions? Whom should I contact?

If your question is not answered on this website or on the Graduate School’s website, you may e-mail questions to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Section Menu

Joao Velloso named Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies

By Common Law

Communication, Faculty of Law

Professor Velloso has the experience and expertise to enrich graduate studies at the Faculty of Law. Holding a master’s in sociolegal studies from Universidade Federal Fluminense (Brazil), he received a PhD in criminology from the University of Ottawa and completed postdoctoral studies in law at the Université de Montréal’s Centre de recherche en droit public.

The new vice-dean discussed his ambitious vision for raising the Faculty’s profile as a global hub for graduate studies in law. “Our strategy is to increase the synergy between graduate studies and research structures in the Faculty of Law,” he said. “By improving integration between visiting student researchers and our professors, we’ll further enrich our graduate students and form relationships and networks that will be there for them throughout their careers.”

“We have everything we need to make our faculty the focal point for graduate students and researchers in law in Canada, as well as a key hub worldwide.”

Joao Velloso

— Associate Professor and Vice-Dean for Graduate Studies

In addition to his commitment to academic excellence, Velloso is known for his research on governance of social problems through sophisticated legal means. His work deals with regulation and social control via various legal systems, studying, for example, cannabis governance, immigration control and management of protests. His article « La gouvernance plurinormative des manifestants : reconfigurations pénales, exceptionnalité et dégradation des droits pendant le G20 à Toronto »  recently received the Canadian Law and Society Association prize for best French article.

Velloso is also involved in many international research projects, including on profiling, prison transparency and democracy in Latin America.

Velloso highlighted the importance of valuing the diverse academic and personal experiences that graduate students bring to the Faculty of Law. “We have a lot to learn from our graduate students, Canadian and international,” he said. “Our role as a graduate studies program is to guide them towards a more in-depth legal analysis and help them shape the law and legal practice of the future, thus contributing to a better world.”

Learn more about Joao Velloso’s teaching and research .

Congratulations, Professor Velloso, on your appointment!

Faculty of Law

• The Dean's Team
• Faculty Office Team
• UCT Law Values & Goals
• Practising Law in South Africa
• Historical Note
• International Exchange
• The Oliver Tambo Moot Court
• Sculpture at Kramer - Dialogue at the Dogwatch
• Staff Directory
• General Faculty Contacts
• UCT Law Faculty
• Faculty Vision 2030
• Departments
• Law Faculty Handbook
• The Dean of Law
• Faculty Directors & Department Heads
• Opening of the Moot Court
• Moot Court Venue
• Moot Court Story - Design and Materials
• Moot Court Sponsors
• Moot Court Patron
• Ethics in Research
• Collaboration & Exchange
• Student Exchange
• Law Courses
• Law Courses for other Faculties
• Key info for Law students
• Orientation and Registration
• Support for Law students
• Student Timetables
• Student Advisors
• ICTS in the Faculty
• Law Students' Council
• Altum Sonatur - the UCT Law Student Magazine
• UCT Moot Society
• Tips for Law student success
• Privacy for Students
• Applying to UCT Law
• Why study Law?
• Why study Law at UCT?
• Basic legal educational programme
• Student Funding Support
• Academic Exceptions
• Credits and Exemptions
• Postgraduate Law Studies - Overview
• Doctoral and Research Master’s Applications
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Postgraduate Scholarships
• Current News
• Faculty News Roundup
• Law Annuals
• Artificial Intelligence and Law
• Alchemical tales - a conference in honour of Albie Sachs
• Mediation Goes Mainstream - SJCon2024
• Insolvency Law - Conference
• Rabinowitz Lecture 2024
• Annual Rabinowitz Visitorship
• Ben Beinart Memorial Lecture 2024 | Professor Mindy Chen-Wishart
• Kate O'Regan Annual Intervarsity Moot Competition
• Law@work Events
• Graduation July 2021
• Graduate Gallery Dec 2020
• Honorary Doctorates in Law
• Medals and Awards for 2021
• Medals and Awards for 2020
• Faculty Blogs and Articles
• Law Alumni Reunion Weekend 2017 - Report
• Newsletters
• Advocate Fumisa Ngqele
• Dr Zolani Buba
• Jesse Prinsloo
• Vuyile Mcontsi
• The Law Technology Fund
• The Law Student Crisis Fund
• Faculty Funding Reports

Another Air Law PhD at UCT Law

The aviation field generally attracts more investors than  African scholars, particularly scholars of the Law. While few have sought to pursue this field of Law, even fewer have taken the tough decision to embark on a doctoral thesis. William Kiema not only did this, he has now completed his PhD in Air Law at UCT - and will be graduating on 3 September 2024. 

William Kiema is a 30-year old Kenyan who will be only the second PhD graduate to come out of the Faculty's newly-established Air and Aviation Law Programme . The programme is led by Distinguished Professor Philippe-Joseph Salazar, who also supervised William's doctoral research and his thesis titled Open Skies for Africa: A Principled Approach to the Implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market.  

William achieved his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Nairobi (Kenya) in 2018, and then completed his Master's in Law at UCT as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar  (a merit-based scholarship granted to promising African students). William’s passion for and commitment to the creation of a stable and properly regulated African airspace alerted him to the gaps in the African Civil Aviation industry and so, as a legal scholar, he sought to understand better the Aviation industry from a legal perspective. This brought him back to UCT Law, and in January 2021 he was admitted to the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Law to pursue his PhD.

William's interest in aviation stems from his childhood, and he remembers that growing up in his home town in Kenya, he would see planes fly overhead as he stood in awe and wonder at " the kind of magic that kept the big birds from falling off the sky ". Like any other child with a vibrant and curious mind, though, William’s professional preferences swung between being a medical doctor, a lawyer, a pilot and an engineer. “ Well," says Kiema, " I became a doctor - not a medical doctor but a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, guiding pilots and other aviators in the legal intricacies in what is arguably one of the most regulated industries in the world ."

Armed with the desire to undertake research and also to share his knowledge of Air Law, William has pioneered UCT Law's new professional short course on Fundamentals of Aviation Law,  which has attracted aviation law practitioners, non-lawyers, and senior executives and managers from the aviation industry (including civil aviation authorities, airports, air navigation service providers, airlines, international and regional aviation bodies, government officials responsible for civil aviation and the general consumers of aviation services). Chief among the objectives of this short professional development course, offered by the Faculty's Law@work  unit, is to provide an overview of air service agreements, open skies agreements, traffic rights, the legal and institutional framework of international aviation, and the roles and functions of principal organisations involved in the regulation of the aviation industry. The course also aims to equip participants with a contextualised operational perspective of Aviation Law.

* information about this short course on Fundamentals of Aviation Law can be found on the Law@work  website.

In addition to pursuing his PhD and sharing knowledge about Aviation Law, William has consulted for leading law firms in Kenya on aviation law-related matters and has trained civil aviation representatives from Kenya and Nigeria on aviation and air law. William is also a Partner at PMAK Africa Law, a boutique law firm in Nairobi, Kenya, and heads up the PMAK Aviation Law Department. 

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• The Attorney General
• Organizational Chart
• Budget & Performance
• Privacy Program
• Press Releases
• Photo Galleries
• Guidance Documents
• Publications
• Information for Victims in Large Cases
• Justice Manual
• Business and Contracts
• Why Justice ?
• DOJ Vacancies
• Legal Careers at DOJ

Ex-Law Enforcement and Former Military Officers Charged in Alleged Sham Raid to Extort O.C. Man at Behest of Chinese National

LOS ANGELES – Four ex-law enforcement and military officers are scheduled to be arraigned today on a four-count superseding indictment that alleges they acted as a sham law enforcement team that entered an Irvine man’s home and threatened him and his family with violence and deportation unless he turned over nearly $37 million and signed away his rights in a business – worth tens of millions of dollars – that he shared with a wealthy Chinese national who secretly financed the bogus raid.

The superseding indictment filed on August 1, charges the following defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, one count of attempted extortion, one count of conspiracy against rights, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law:

• Steven Arthur Lankford, 68, of Canyon Country, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy who stopped working for LASD in 2020 and owns a Santa Clarita-based process service company;
• Glen Louis Cozart, 63, of Upland, a former LASD deputy who owns and operates a San Bernardino County-based private investigation and security services company;
• Max Samuel Bennett Turbett, 39, of Australia, a United Kingdom citizen and former member of the British military who owns an Australia-based private investigation and asset recovery business; and
• Matthew Phillip Hart, 41, of Australia, an Australian citizen and former member of the Australian military who owns an Australia-based risk management services business.

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

“It is critical that we hold public officials, including law enforcement officers, to the same standards as the rest of us,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “It is unacceptable and a serious civil rights violation for a sworn police officer to take the law into his own hands and abuse the authority of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”

“The defendants in this case allegedly believed they could carry out vigilante justice by using official police powers to enter the home of vulnerable victims and extorting them out of millions of dollars,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will not tolerate civil rights violations by anyone who takes the law into their own hands for personal gain or otherwise.”

According to the superseding indictment, the Irvine businessman – identified as “Victim 1” – had an ongoing business dispute with an unindicted co-conspirator – the wealthy Chinese national – regarding their respective ownership interests in Jiangsu Sinorgchem Technology Co. Ltd., a China-based rubber chemical manufacturer. Their dispute led to at least three lawsuits in China and one in Atlanta. In October 2013, the Chinese national alleged in a civil court filing that China had issued a “red notice” for Victim 1, which Victim 1 understood was linked to his business dispute with the unindicted co-conspirator.

In December 2018, the unindicted co-conspirator allegedly contacted Turbett to help locate and recover assets from Victim 1. She said that the long and costly litigation had not been “the smart way” to handle her dispute with Victim 1 and asked Turbett to find a different “solution to finish the problem.” She promised Turbett that if he helped her, “we can both retire.”

In June 2019, Turbett and the unindicted co-conspirator drafted purported settlement agreements calling for Victim 1 to transfer assets – including approximately $36,972,386 in cash as well as lucrative shares in Jiangsu Sinorgchem – to the unindicted co-conspirator.

Turbett allegedly hired Cozart to locate Victim 1 and assemble a team to obtain Victim 1’s signature on the settlement agreements. Cozart, in turn, hired Lankford, then an LASD deputy, who searched Victim 1’s name and date of birth in the National Crime Information Center database using his Justice Data Interface Controller terminal at LASD, in violation of LASD policy that law enforcement databases only be used for law enforcement purposes and not for personal use.

Turbett and Hart flew from Australia to Los Angeles, where they met with Cozart and Lankford to discuss plans for the sham raid. 

On June 17, 2019, Lankford – in violation of LASD policy – drove an unmarked LASD vehicle to Victim 1’s home with Cozart, Hart and Turbett, the superseding indictment alleges. Lankford and Cozart then approached Victim 1 outside his home. Lankford allegedly identified himself as a police officer and showed his badge, while Cozart falsely identified himself as an “Immigration” officer.

Under the guise of a legitimate law enforcement operation, the defendants allegedly entered the home, where they forced Victim 1, his wife, and their two children into one room, took their phones, and prevented them from leaving for hours. Victim 1 was slammed against a wall and choked, the superseding indictment states. Defendants allegedly also threatened to deport Victim 1 and his wife and permanently separate them from their 4-year-old son unless Victim 1 complied with their demands. 

Fearing for his and his family’s safety, the superseding indictment alleges that Victim 1 ultimately signed the documents, thereby relinquishing his multimillion-dollar interest in Jiangsu Sinorgchem.

Although Lankford told Victim 1 that he would be arrested and deported if he reported the incident to police, Victim 1 immediately contacted the Irvine Police Department (IPD) after defendants left his home. Lankford thereafter spoke with an IPD officer and falsely claimed that he had been at Victim 1’s home for a legitimate law enforcement purpose, that Victim 1 consented to all parties being in his home, and that no force was used.

By November 2019, all the defendants had been paid for their efforts. The unindicted co-conspirator paid Turbett’s company approximately $419,813 for services rendered and emailed Turbett to thank him for a “very good job,” the superseding indictment alleges.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each extortion-related count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each deprivation of rights-related count.  

The FBI is investigating this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Irvine Police Department provided substantial assistance.

Assistant United States Attorney Cassie D. Palmer of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section is prosecuting this case.

Ciaran McEvoy Public Information Officer [email protected] (213) 894-4465

Related Content

Two South American nationals, allegedly part of a "crime tourism" group, were charged today in a federal complaint for the armed robbery of a $1 million watch. During a search...

Two Ventura County men were sentenced today to federal prison terms for their roles in a crime spree late last year in which a taco truck vendor was extorted, two...

Federal and local law enforcement officials today announced the unsealing of federal grand jury indictments charging a total of 37 members and associates of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13...

Trump rally shooter Thomas Crooks: Neighbors, classmates, employer speak

A 20-year-old man from Pennsylvania fired multiple shots at former President Donald Trump at a rally on Saturday evening.

A bullet grazed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's upper right ear , leaving him bloodied but not seriously injured. One rally attendee was killed in the gunfire and two others were "critically injured," authorities later said.

Here's what we know:

Who is the shooter at the rally?

The FBI identified Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the person behind the assassination attempt. Agency officials released little additional information, saying its investigation remains active and ongoing. They did not indicate what Crooks' motive might have been.

Crooks worked at a nearby nursing home. An administrator there told USA TODAY that the company was shocked to learn of the shooting and that Crooks had passed a background check for his job.

What did Thomas Crooks do at the crime scene?

During the shooting Saturday, Trump's right ear was injured, seconds before he was whisked off stage by Secret Service personnel.  One man attending the rally was killed  and two others were injured; Crooks was then killed by Secret Service agents , authorities said.

FBI special agent Kevin Rojek said on a call with media Sunday afternoon that authorities found "a suspicious device" when they searched the shooter's vehicle. Bomb technicians inspected the device and rendered it safe. 

"I'm not in a position to provide any expertise on the specific components of any potential bombs or suspicious packages," Rojek added. 

Rojek said law enforcement is sending the rifle and Crooks' cell phone, along with other evidence, to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia "for processing and exploitation."

"We're in the process of searching his phone," Rojek said.

Maps and graphics: What happened in the Trump assassination attempt

What is Crooks' background?

Crooks is registered to vote as a Republican in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, according to county voter records. His voter registration status has been active since 2021.

Federal Election Commission records show that in January 2021, Crooks made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a group working to increase voter turnout for Democrats.

Born Sept. 20, 2003, Crooks does not have a criminal record in Pennsylvania, nor has he been sued there, according to state court records. There is no record of him in federal court databases, either.

Where did Thomas Crooks work?

Crooks worked as a dietary aid, a job that generally involves food preparation, at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, less than a mile from his home. In a statement provided to USA TODAY on Sunday, Marcie Grimm, the facility's administrator, said she was "shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement."

"Thomas Matthew Crooks performed his job without concern and his background check was clean," Grimm said. "We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials at this time. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on any specifics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Former President Trump and the victims impacted by this terrible tragedy. We condemn all acts of violence."

The facility is owned by Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Genesis Healthcare. A job posting from the company for a dietary aid in the Pittsburgh area puts the pay at $16 an hour.

Thomas Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania

Crooks' home address is listed in Bethel Park, a suburb in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, voter records show. That three-bedroom brick house has been owned since 1998 by Matthew and Mary Crooks, who appear to be his parents. Telephone calls to the couple were not returned overnight.

Near the Crooks home, Dean Sierka, 52, said he had known Crooks and his parents for years, as neighbors separated by only a few houses. Sierka’s daughter attended school with Crooks from elementary school through Bethel Park High School, and said she remembers him as quiet and shy.

Dean and his daughter said they would see Crooks at least once a week, often when Crooks was walking to work.

“You wouldn’t have expected this,” Dean Sierka said. “The parents and the family are all really nice people.”

At Bethel Park High School

Thomas Crooks graduated two years ago from Bethel Park High School, the Bethel Park School District confirmed. He was included in a 2022 local news article about recipients of a National Math & Science Initiative Star Award at the public high school, which enrolls about 1,300 students.

Jason Kohler attended Bethel Park High School with Crooks and said he remembers the 20-year-old sat alone at lunch and was “bullied almost every day.” Kids picked on Crooks for wearing camouflage to class and his quiet demeanor, Kohler, 21, said.

Since hearing Crooks has been named as the shooter, Kohler has been speaking with classmates who knew him, most of whom are stunned by the news.“It’s really hard to comprehend,” he said.

Sean Eckert said he went to school with Crooks from 5th through 12th grade. He said Crooks always went by “Tom.“

They shared classes together in elementary and middle school. Eckert said Crooks, though "fairly smart," was quiet and rarely spoke up.

Eckert said Crooks did not seem to have many friends. He didn't recall Crooks being playing any sports, being involved in any clubs or student groups or going to popular campus events. He often wore hunting clothes, so Eckert assumed he hunted.

No one in Eckert's group text from high school seemed to know Crooks very well, he said. They were shocked that someone from their town had done this. They were even more surprised that it was Tom Crooks.

Nursing aide turned sniper: Thomas Crooks' mysterious plot to kill Trump

The gaming-oriented online site Discord said Sunday that it had found an account that appeared to be linked to the shooting suspect. The site removed the account, which “was rarely utilized, has not been used in months, and we have found no evidence that it was used to plan this incident, promote violence, or discuss his political views,“ according to a statement from a Discord spokesperson, adding that the company will coordinate closely with law enforcement.

Crooks was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, a shooting club about 8 miles from his home. It is a sprawling complex of 180 acres with rifle, pistol and archery ranges, an area for dog training and a clubhouse, according to the club website.An attorney for the club, Robert Bootay III, confirmed Crooks' membership in an email to USA TODAY, but would not offer additional details.

Where is Bethel Park, Pennsylvania?

Bethel Park is a suburb of Pittsburgh and home to more than 32,000 people – about one thousand fewer than four years ago, according to the latest Census estimates. 

The majority-white, mostly college-educated community has a median household income of $102,177. 

Described as a charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city to its north, Bethel Park boasts tree-line streets, friendly neighborhoods and a low crime rate.

Bethel Park is about 42 miles south of Butler, where the Trump rally was held. The leafy suburban street was alive with law enforcement overnight amid a multi-agency response to the shooting. A member of the Allegheny County bomb squad told reporters his team was headed into the house around midnight, but did not say why.

For hours afterward, the scene remained quiet, with deer passing under the police tape and an occasional neighbor stepping out of their house to see what was happening.

John Wolf, a local construction superintendent who lives down the road, said he’d talked with several worried neighbors.

“People are scared,” Wolf said.

How did Crooks shoot at Trump?

Crooks had been positioned on a rooftop more than 100 yards from the rally site, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said. Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle from the scene.

Joseph Price, special agent in charge of the ATF in Pittsburgh, said the weapon used by the shooter was a rifle.“It was nothing special,” he said in an interview in the parking lot of the Butler Township Municipal Building.

Law enforcement is following up on a “number of suspicious occurrences,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens of the Pennsylvania State Police, including accounts from witnesses who said they tried to flag police about the activity of a person outside the rally moments before the shooting.

The FBI said in a news release that the situation “remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to submit photos or videos online at  FBI.gov/butler  or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

Contributing: Stephanie Warsmith, Tim Evans, Aysha Bagchi, Jessica Guynn, Bryce Buyakie

Thieving China law graduate swipes US$4,200 in temple donations by switching QR codes

• Surveillance cameras reveal full extent of crimes carried out by law graduate who went to top university

A top university law graduate in China has been arrested for stealing donation money from Buddhist temples in a number of provinces by changing their receipt QR codes to his own.

The man, whose identity was not released, confessed to the police that he had stolen more than 30,000 yuan (US$4,200) from temples in the southwestern provinces of Sichuan and Chongqing, and the northwestern Shaanxi province this year, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

He is believed to have a master’s degree in law from one of the country’s most prestigious universities.

The case came to light after police in Shaanxi released video footage of him at Famen Temple of Baoji city this month.

A clip from the temple’s surveillance camera shows the man kneeling in front of a statue of Buddha that was next to the donation box, along with other visitors.

He then places a piece of paper with his personal QR code over that of the temple’s code on the box.

The man then bows towards the Buddha three times with his hands clasped together in prayer.

Before leaving the temple, he put a banknote in the box, the value of which is not clear.

After the police caught him, he confessed he had applied the same technique to steal from other Buddhist institutions in other provinces.

All the money he took was returned, police said.

The story has attracted widespread interest online, with 6.1 million views on Douyin alone.

“A Chinese saying goes that there is a deity above us, so we should not do bad things. Now this should be changed into that there is a surveillance camera above us,” one online observer said.

“He studies law, but still breaks the law,” said another.

Stealing donations from Buddhist temples is not a rare occurrence in China.

In July, a man in southeastern Jiangxi province was arrested for sneaking into a temple and breaking into the donation box several times.

Also, a man in Shanghai was arrested last year for stealing money from the box in a Buddhist nunnery.

He defended himself by saying he had just borrowed the cash after receiving approval from Buddha whose hand gesture signified that “it is OK to do that”.

Advertisement

Supported by

As Opioid Deaths Plague Baltimore, the City’s Strategy Is Silence

The city has declined to divulge its plans or hold hearings on one of the worst public health crises in the United States, saying it does not want to jeopardize its lawsuit against drugmakers.

• Share full article

By Adam Willis and Alissa Zhu

Adam Willis and Alissa Zhu are reporters for The Baltimore Banner. They have examined the city’s response to its overdose crisis as part of The Times’s Local Investigations Fellowship.

For years, Baltimore’s leaders gave overdoses little public attention, even as the death rate swelled to unprecedented levels. But for a few weeks this summer, it seemed that the city would respond to its drug epidemic with new urgency.

The City Council was about to hold four hearings — planned after The New York Times and The Baltimore Banner reported that the overdose rate here was far higher than in any other major American city. And Mayor Brandon Scott had just announced a $45 million legal settlement with a drug manufacturer, raising the possibility of well-funded new public health efforts to combat the epidemic, which had claimed nearly 6,000 lives here in the past six years.

But hours before the first hearing, as demonstrators prepared to rally outside City Hall, the council president abruptly canceled the session, at the request of Mr. Scott’s administration.

The administration said that holding any of the public meetings would jeopardize a lawsuit the city had filed accusing numerous opioid makers and distributors of causing the crisis by flooding Baltimore with pills. City leaders believe the case could result in a transformative amount of money for its overdose response — far more than the $45 million it collected in a settlement with a single company that shipped relatively few drugs to Baltimore.

The decision to cancel the hearings was in keeping with the city’s reluctance in recent months to divulge nearly any details of its overdose prevention efforts, citing the lawsuit, which is scheduled for trial in September. Almost every council member was unwilling to comment on the hearings or on overdoses in the city, including several who had discussed overdoses earlier in the year.

It is not uncommon for governments to limit public statements during litigation, and some lawyers and public health experts said it was understandable to avoid hearings on the eve of a trial. But others said the decision raised questions about Baltimore’s response plan — and how it was addressing shortcomings in the city and state’s efforts to curb the epidemic. Residents have been mostly left in the dark.

Got a confidential news tip?

The New York Times would like to hear from readers who want to share messages and materials with our journalists.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .