Interested in an LL.M.? Make sure that you meet all the requirements when applying.
Bear in mind that requirements vary widely by school, so check with your law school to see exactly what you need. That being said, here’s a list of obvious requirements, but also less obvious.
1. A law degree
Yes, it is obvious, you need a law degree. Every law schools require that you have a law degree, whether a J.D. or an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in law. If the law school you are interested in does not ask for a law degree as a prerequisite for admission, that is quite suspicious.
Of course, some schools might accept another degree along with professional experience in the legal field. Other university might require you to take an entrance exam.
Especially: if you want to sit for an U.S. Bar Exam, not only you need a law degree, but you also need to meet the requirements to take the Bar Exam at home, which usually means having an advanced degree for some countries.
2. Language proficiency
Makes sense, but it is essential to prove your English-speaking skills. Most school require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The score needed on these tests vary by school, but reputable universities require in average an 100. For instance, New York University requires a score of 100 to qualify for admission.
Pay attention to the score needed for admission: a low score requirement could translate in a poor-quality program.
3. Law school transcripts
Your law school transcript are always needed, and most schools place a heavy emphasis on your performance when considering your admission. While many U.S. schools don’t have specific requirements, some law school will consider your grades as the most significant parts of the LL.M. application.
Additionally, make sure to have an English translation of your transcripts: not only it will be needed for your law school, but it will be required to qualify for the Bar Exam.
4. Letter(s) of recommendation
A recommendation letter is written by a previous employer, colleague, client, teacher, or by someone else who can recommend an individual’s work or academic performance. Some law schools will require two or three letters for your application.
Overall, it is always a good idea to ask a letter of recommendation from your teacher or from your internship supervisor, you might need it at some point!
4. Writing and oral skills
While some law schools might require a written sample, or a personal statement describing your skills, this might not be a requirement for an LL.M. admission, however it is quite helpful to have writing and oral skills in legal English.
Think about it: your classes will be taught in English and you will be required to read hundred of pages prior to your class. So think about taking a few class in legal English if you consider applying for an LL.M., especially if you intend to take an U.S. Bar Exam.
In conclusion, we recommend to anticipate what might be needed for an LL.M. Especially, be vigilant when thinking about the Bar Exam: every year people fail to qualify for the exam, or get delayed due to additional requirement. For more, visit our NY Bar Exam Page.
