The 12th oldest law school in the United States, Tulane University Law School also is ranked among the top 50 in the nation. From its founding in 1847, Tulane has offered students the opportunity to study both of the world's great legal systems: the common law system upon which English and U.S. law are based, and the civil law system governing most of the rest of the world. Tulane has unique international connections through its maritime law program, partnerships with universities in countries such as China and Azerbaijan and summer abroad offerings. But the law school also is grounded in and committed to its Louisiana roots and the New Orleans community. Tulane was the first U.S. law school to require pro bono service as an essential part of its educational program, and students devote hundreds of hours of service to residents through volunteer work and a network of law clinics.