WSL Desk
The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law has announced the launch of advanced degree programs tailored for Indian students and legal professionals seeking expertise in U.S. and international law. Ranked 57 among U.S. law schools in the U.S. News and World Report 2025 rankings, USD School of Law is known for its experiential learning model and focus on developing future legal leaders.
USD School of Law Expands Academic Offerings
Located in San Diego, near the U.S.–Mexico border and surrounded by diverse global industries, the School offers students exposure to complex international legal and policy issues. USD School of Law says its expansion into India reflects its commitment to widening access to world-class legal education.
USD School of Law’s nationally recognized Clinical Program enables students to deliver supervised pro bono legal services through 13 clinics, earning acclaim for both scale and impact. Its seven specialty programs, including LL.M. degrees in Tax, Intellectual Property, and International Law, rank within the top 30 percent in the U.S., underscoring the School’s emphasis on academic excellence.
Meeting the Rising Demand for Cross-Border Legal Expertise
The launch aligns with growing India–U.S. economic ties, with bilateral trade projected to reach $500 billion by 2030. As more U.S. companies expand operations in India, demand is rising for legal professionals skilled in cross-border M&A, venture capital structuring, international arbitration, and transfer pricing. USD School of Law aims to equip Indian lawyers with the global expertise required for these emerging practice areas.
USD School of Law is led by Dean Robert A. Schapiro, a Yale Law School and Stanford alumnus, recipient of the 2023 Witkin Award for Excellence in Legal Education, and former Dean of Emory University School of Law.
“These programs reflect our strong commitment to engaging with India’s vibrant legal and business community,” Dean Schapiro said. “We are eager to foster educational partnerships that prepare students to think critically, act ethically and lead effectively in a rapidly changing global legal environment.”
Indian Industry Leaders Highlight Need for International Legal Training
Indian legal and corporate leaders have emphasized the urgent need for internationally aligned legal training. Anand Kumar, Founder and Managing Partner at Pier Counsel, noted that modern legal practice increasingly demands expertise in international finance, cross-border taxation, and mergers and acquisitions. “These are domains where international exposure is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. Lawyers now need a global understanding of how technology and cross-border commerce intersect. This is exactly the kind of future-ready training Indian lawyers must access,” he said.
Vasundhara Garg, Senior Legal Counsel at a leading global ride-hailing company, highlighted the value of U.S. legal expertise in India-based operations. “As our company is headquartered in the U.S., many of our matters include provisions governed by U.S. legal frameworks like data privacy, platform liability and emerging tech regulation. Having lawyers who truly understand U.S. legal reasoning strengthens our ability to make faster, more informed decisions in India,” she said.
Strategic Academic Partnerships with Leading Indian Law Schools
As part of its India-focused strategy, USD School of Law has entered into academic partnerships with leading Indian institutions. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) has signed a memorandum of understanding with USD to explore semester-abroad opportunities, faculty exchanges, and joint academic initiatives. The School is also in advanced discussions with Vinayaka Mission’s Law School in Chennai to expand access to innovative legal education, particularly for students from low-resource backgrounds.
The programs being offered to Indian students include an LL.M. in U.S. Law (available on campus and online), an on-campus M.S. in Legal Studies for non-lawyers, and short-term executive certificate programs developed in collaboration with Indian universities and corporates. These offerings are designed to address emerging needs in international corporate law, regulatory affairs, governance, and ethics.
GradRight Appointed Official India Education Partner
GradRight has been appointed as the official education partner for USD School of Law in India, overseeing institutional partnerships, brand outreach, and student recruitment across both on-campus and online pathways. “India is witnessing a transformative moment in legal education, where global exposure and practical industry alignment are becoming essential,” said Aman Singh, Co-Founder of GradRight.
Future Collaborations, Scholarships, and Dual-Degree Pathways
Looking ahead, USD School of Law is exploring further collaborations with Indian universities to offer exclusive scholarships, joint and dual-degree pathways, semester-abroad opportunities, and customized executive programs for senior professionals seeking to upskill in international regulation, corporate law, and compliance.
Founded in 1954, the University of San Diego School of Law educates approximately 800 Juris Doctor and graduate law students annually from around the world. The Law School forms part of the University of San Diego, a private Roman Catholic university established in 1949.
