The Best Law Schools for Contract Law
Contract law covers the principles of contract formation, negotiation of contracts, enforceability of contracts, contract breaches and related topics in business law. Most law schools require at least one course in contract law as a part of the first-year legal curriculum for Juris Doctor students. Prospective students seeking the best law schools for contract law may consider the availability of certificate programs, dual-degree programs or specialized research opportunities.
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Research Opportunities
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Individuals who would like to engage in advanced study or research in contract law might consider law schools with specialized research programs. For example, Columbia Law School supports the Center for Contract and Economic Organization, a research center focusing on the theoretical study of contracts. The center also considers the overlap between contract theories and the study of economics, commercial law and business law. The center encourages participation in its workshop events and the development of working papers on contract law topics. Law students can also participate in several contract theory conferences each year.
Practical Skills
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Law students who wish to gain practical skills related to contract law should consider law schools offering a variety of elective courses that emphasize both theoretical knowledge and professional skills. Many law schools, including Duke University School of Law, allow students to take skill development courses, such as contracts drafting. Contracts drafting classes allow students to practice negotiating, writing and editing legal contracts. Lawyers often utilize contracts drafting skills in their law practices after graduation, and many benefit from solid practical training before they enter the work force.
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Contract Law Specialization
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Prospective law students may decide to specialize in contract law, business law or another related area, often through a certificate program or a dual-degree program. Students interested in contract law might look for law schools with a business law certificate program, such as the University of Southern California, as this type of certificate often includes advanced study of contracts, along with topics in deal-making, negotiation, business organizations, commercial transactions and corporate law topics. Students earn certificates along with their law degrees by choosing elective classes around a specific area of study, such as contract law. Prospective students who wish to study contract law due to an interest in practicing business law or taking on a business management role might look for law schools allowing a dual-degree program in law and business. Schools such as the University of Colorado give students an opportunity to earn a J.D. and M.B.A. concurrently.
Study Abroad Opportunities
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Prospective students with interests beyond only studying American contract law should consider law schools with strong study abroad programs. Columbia Law School, for example, offers a certificate in global business law that allows students to study international business law and compare American contract law with European countries' contract laws. This type of program can prepare aspiring lawyers for international careers or work with global law firms.
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