The University of Chicago's School of Law is well-known for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of law. Students at Chicago study law in conjunction with course work in the humanities and the sciences. It is this approach that has gained the school international acclaim and a spot among the top programs in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranked the program No. 6 among all programs nationwide in 2009. In addition to offering the traditional J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree, the university also offers the LL.M. (Master of Laws) and the S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science). Joint degrees are offered with other colleges and schools within the university. Students can pursue additional studies in business, international relations and public policy.
University of Chicago
Law School
1111 E. 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-702-9484
www.law.uchicago.edu
Northwestern University is also a top-10 law program, according to the U.S. News rankings. U.S. News ranked the program No. 10 in the nation. Northwestern also offers both the J.D. and the LL.M. degrees. Joint degrees are offered in conjunction with Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, one of the nation's top business schools. Northwestern also offers a number of executive and professional education programs. The J.D. program is designed to prepare students for practice in nearly every area of law. Required course work includes studies in civil procedure, legal ethics, property, constitutional law and criminal law, among others.
Northwestern University
357 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-503-8465
www.law.northwestern.edu
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also was highly ranked in the U.S. News rankings for 2009. U.S. News ranked the Illinois program at No. 23 in the nation. It too offers a variety of degree options in addition to the traditional J.D. program. Students can pursue both the LL.M. and the S.J.D. at Illinois. Joint degrees offered by the university are numerous. Additional fields of study include business administration, chemistry, veterinary medicine, urban planning, education, computer science, human resources and industrial relations, political science, journalism, medicine, philosophy and natural resources.
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
504 E. Pennsylvania Ave
Champaign, IL 61820
217-244-6415
www.law.illinois.edu