How to Apply to the LL.M. Program

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law offers several LL.M. programs for students who have already completed a law degree within the United States or abroad. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall or spring entry.

In order to be admitted to the LL.M. program, an applicant must have completed a J.D. degree or a law degree at a foreign institution that would qualify the applicant to practice law or pursue a license to practice in that country and have submitted a complete application to the program. Selection will be based on academic background, diversity of experience and background, career experience and ambitions, strength of experience related to the program sought, space and resource limitations in the law school, and other factors.

  

The Application Process

Application for the LL.M. Programs
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Electronic Application - Please call LSAC help desk at (215) 968-1001 if you encounter any problems.

All LL.M. Applicants are required to use the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) LL.M. Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which includes the ASU Law Electronic Application, the Document Assembly Service, and the International Transcript and Authentication Service (if applicable.)  To register, please visit the LSAC website.

Statement of Interest
Academic background and academic record, though important, are not the only criteria evaluated in the application process. Your experience and the value of this LL.M. program to your professional goals are important considerations. For this reason, a statement, written by you and no longer than 1250 words on double-spaced, typed pages, is a required part of the application. In this statement we seek information about you, including your interest in pursuing the LL.M. The statement should also provide information about your distinctive qualities, talents, successes, achievements, and life experiences.

Resume
Attach a descriptive resume of no more than 3 typed pages. Please include details about your educational background, honor societies, scholarships, work history, military service, extracurricular activities, public/community service, honors and awards, publications, and any other significant achievements and involvements. As to work, include a complete and chronological list of positions (including organization, dates of employment, and hours worked).

Letters of Recommendation
The College of Law requires two letters of recommendation.  The letters may be from any two people of your choosing; however, the most helpful recommendations usually are those that address the candidate's strength of character, academic background, analytical abilities, and communication skills. They must be submitted to LSAC.

Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions of higher education that you attended must be submitted to LSAC. Applicants with foreign credentials must  purchase both the Document Assembly Service and the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service. 

Written Sample
A sample of your legal writing must be submitted.
 
  

Priority Deadline for Submission of LL.M. Application

Fall Application deadline: June 15    

-International Applicants Who Require a Visa: June 1

Spring Application deadline: November 30

-International Applicants Who Require a Visa: October 30

  

More Information

For an application to be considered complete, it must include the following:
  • A $65 application fee (credit card / check / money order);
  • A personal statement that is no longer than 1250 words on double-spaced, typed pages;
  • A resume that does not exceed three typed pages;
  • A writing sample;
  • Explanations to affirmative answers to any Character & Fitness questions;
  • Two letters of recommendation;
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing that the bachelor's degree and law degree were conferred; and
  • The complete LL.M. application 

Applicants with foreign education credentials please refer to the special instructions for Foreign Educated Applicants on our website.