Published November 26, 2018 This content is archived.
Working with prospective LLM students, I come across many unique questions and situations. The reasons for wanting to obtain a LLM are many, but of course there are still some questions that many people share. Here are five of the most popular questions that come across my desk.
The application for the LLM is online through LSAC, just as it is for incoming JD students. Applicants are able to submit all of their required documents in one spot, and you can monitor your application status. This also allows students to submit their documents once, and apply to more than one school if they wish.
LLM applicants will need to submit all of their academic transcripts, and show that they have earned a first degree in law. In addition, students will submit a personal statement, resume and two letters of reference. If English is not your first language, we will also need proof of English proficiency, often through an exam such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
We can submit an English proficiency waiver after a student applies. In order to do so, we would need sufficient evidence of English language abilities. This often comes from educational experiences, professional work experience, or research work done and written in English.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. After a student submits all of their required documents, the Admissions Committee will review everything, and have a decision in two to three weeks. The committee also considers all applicants for merit based scholarships at this time, to help with the cost of attendance!
No, we have many domestic students who choose to do one of our LLM programs as well! Some of our current domestic students are enrolled in a specialty LLM, such as Criminal Law or Environmental Law, in order to gain a more in depth understanding of that subject area to enhance their professional careers. Others may wish to pursue a career in legal education, and use the flexible LLM curriculum to study particular topics in more depth.