5 Best Law Schools in Russia

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It is common knowledge that Russia is the biggest country in the world. Aside from gaining educational experience, students also increase their cultural knowledge in this vast country of rich heritage. Obtaining a law degree in Russia is based on European standards, starting with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law. It is completed in four to five years, depending on the chosen university.

Upon obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, students may further their education with a Master’s Degree in Law for two years. Lastly, students can pursue a Ph.D. in Law, a three-year, full-time degree. Below are some of the top law schools in Russia according to board ranking and employment standing.

Top Law Schools in Russia

1. Lomonosov Moscow State University

  • Law School Link
  • Degrees offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D.
  • Language of Instruction: Russian

Lomonosov Moscow State University is one of the oldest institutions established in 1755, named after leading scientist Mikhail Lomonosov. A law school in Moscow, Russia, it is one of the most prestigious law schools in Russia and given a special status by Federal Law No. 259-FZ, which allows the university to develop its educational standards. The Law School is situated in the university’s fourth academic building, the first time it had its separate building in 2013. For a quality learning experience, it houses cutting-edge facilities such as modern lecture halls, laboratories, a museum, and one of the largest libraries in Russia, housing 9,000,000 books.

The Law School offers three areas of specialization: state law, civil law, and criminal law. The bachelor’s degree is a four-year course in Bachelor of Jurisprudence. The master’s degree is for two years with the degree of Master of Jurisprudence, with over 20 master’s programs to choose from. Afterward, Ph.D. courses are offered with a duration of two to three years, which requires students to publish at least two articles and defend a thesis. The Law School also extends an internship of exchange studies for five to ten months for international students.

2. Saint Petersburg State University

  • Law School Link
  • Degrees offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D.
  • Language of Instruction: Russian, English

Existing since 1724, the Faculty of Law at Saint Petersburg State University is one of the most prestigious law schools in Russia. There are about 1,500 students in their undergraduate and graduate programs. Students benefit from its quality education through internships in public and private institutions such as the Constitutional Court, the Ministry of Justice, LLC Pepeliaev Group, OJSC Sberbank, and many more. The university also invites guest lecturers from international universities, representatives, and chairmen from public administrations.

The bachelor’s program is a full-time course for four years intended for training law professionals in Russian and international law, with the possibility to work in public service and the corporate world. The program is taught in Russian, and three courses (Public International Law; Judicial Review of Government Actions; International Commercial Arbitration) taught in English. The master’s degree is a full-time, two-year course taught in Russian and English. To obtain a master’s degree, it is recommended to complete a Russian language training course.

3. Novosibirsk State University

  • Law School Link
  • Degrees offered: LL.B., LL.M.
  • Language of Instruction: Russian

Novosibirsk State University was established in 1958 in the heart of Siberia and later acquired the National Research University status in 2009. Most students enjoy its serene environment for it is placed in the forest, over one-quarter of its surroundings are pine and birch trees. The university has graduated more than 45,000 students, two of which are on Russia’s 2020 Forbes list of 200 richest businessmen. In terms of economics and management, the university is 5th among the highest-paid professionals in Russia.

The bachelor’s degree is a four-year course taught in Russian either in Legal Studies (Economics Russian and Law) or Law at the Institute for Philosophy and Law. The Legal Studies course is intended for lawyers and economists specializing in commercial law to work in businesses and economic issues. The master’s degree offers seven specialized courses with a duration of two years taught in Russian. The courses can be from family law, international public law, and financial regulation to name a few.

4. MGIMO University

  • Law School Link
  • Degrees offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D.
  • Language of Instruction: Russian, English, French

Next on our list of top law schools in Russia is the MGIMO University. It was established in 1944, which then opened the International Law School in 1949. Since the 1950s, the law school has been one of the most prominent institutions educating professionals in international law. Demonstrating its excellence in education, their graduates received positions in top law firms and international companies such as White & Case, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, and others.

The Bachelor’s Degree in International Law and Comparative Legal Studies is taught in Russian, French, and partially in English. It is a joint double degree with the Swiss School for International Relations in Switzerland. Students will be able to have internships in international companies and organizations in Europe, mainly in Switzerland and Russia. The Master’s in Law has nine disciplines that are taught entirely in Russian. Moreover, the university has a Ph.D. in Legal Studies focusing on standard subjects in EU law, financial law, constitutional law, civil law, and international law.

5. National Research University Higher School of Economics

  • Law School Link
  • Degrees offered: LL.B., LL.M.
  • Language of Instruction: Russian, English

The Higher School of Economics is a research university established in 1992 in Moscow, along with their three other campuses in Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and Perm. It became the first Russian university to incorporate the Bologna education system, a European high-education standard qualification. The Faculty of Law is among the first departments built in the university and is one of the best law schools in Russia. In 2019, the Faculty of Law started a collaboration with the University of London, wherein students can receive a degree in Common Law from them.

In conjunction with the Russian School of Private Law, Jurisprudence and Jurisprudence in Private Law are the two bachelor’s programs offered in the university, both of which are completed full-time in five years and taught in Russian and English. The university also offers 11 master’s programs such as Master’s in Theory, History and Philosophy of Law, International Private Law, Law in International Trade, and Finance and Economic Integration.

 

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