Apply for Admission to the LL.M. Program

Our LL.M. Program is designed for individuals who received their legal training outside the United States and would like to expand their knowledge of American and international legal systems. The LL.M. Program in the American Legal System begins in mid-August each year.  The fall semester ends in mid-December and the spring semester begins in early January, culminating with graduation in mid-May. A series of classes on the American legal system is required of all LL.M. degree candidates and is held the week prior to the beginning of fall semester classes. LL.M. candidates usually complete the program in one academic year of full-time study.

Degree Requirements:

1. Applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  if the applicant's native language is not English or the applicant did not obtain a law degree from a school in which the language of instruction is English. The minimum TOEFL scores acceptable for admission are 100 (Internet-based total), 250 (computer-based total), or 600 (paper-based total). William & Mary may accept a student with a slightly lower TOEFL score in certain cases. However, an applicant with such a score should retake the TOEFL to attempt to improve his or her score. The LL.M. degree program requires oral participation and a research paper. Your success in the Program depends upon your ability to participate fully in academic life. Only those students who are confident of their command of English should apply.
2. International students must satisfy the U.S. government's requirements for admission into the United States. Admitted international students typically apply for the F-1 student visa or the J-1 exchange visitor visa and must complete the proper financial forms to be submitted with their tuition deposit.  You will be sent documents to present at a U.S. embassy or consulate for use in applying for your visa. For additional information, visit the College’s International Student Service website.
3. To graduate, a degree candidate must be in residence as a full-time student for two semesters while earning a minimum of 24 credit hours with a minimum cumulative quality point average of 2.0. At least 15 credit hours must be earned in law school courses and, if approved by the director of the program and the course instructor, nine credit hours may be taken in other schools and departments. Three to six credit hours can be earned for graduate legal research and writing projects supervised by a member of the law faculty.
4. LL.M. candidates must successfully complete Law 705 Independent Legal Writing or complete a major research paper in a seminar or class that requires one. We also recommend that LL.M. students take Methodologies of the U.S. Legal System.

Deadlines:

We will accept LL.M. applications for August 2010 enrollment between September 1, 2009, and February 1, 2010. Most decision letters will be sent by March 15, 2010.

Steps for Applying:

(1) Complete the Application
Applicants may use one of the following methods to submit their application:
• LSDAS Electronic Application or single school e-application; or
• Download the application (PDF) from our website.

(2) Submit the Application Fee
Submit a nonrefundable $50 (U.S. dollars) application fee with the application by February 1, 2010. If applying by mail, include a check or money order payable to the College of William & Mary. If applying electronically, make a credit or debit card payment through LSAC.

(3) Send Academic Records
Submit original or certified (notarized) copies of all official transcripts or academic records in their original language from all post-secondary institutions attended. If the official documents are issued in a language other than English, certified English translations must also be submitted.

(4) Submit Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to submit at least two letters of recommendation. We prefer letters from law professors, employers or other significant people who are knowledgeable about your academic or professional career. Letters may be submitted using the following methods: You may obtain letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes and submit them with your application; or recommenders may send their letters directly to the Admission Office. If using this method, please provide your recommenders with a stamped envelope addressed to: William & Mary Law School, Admission Office, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, USA.

(5) Send TOEFL Score
When you register to take the TOEFL, or on the day of the test, you can designate institutions to receive your official TOEFL Score Report. The William & Mary institution code is 5115 and the department code is 03. After the test, for a fee, you may request that reports be sent to additional institutions. An applicant's confirmation record or photocopy does not replace the official TOEFL Score Report. William & Mary will not accept other examinations of English proficiency in place of the TOEFL. Scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Checklist:

1. Submit your application with all questions answered, essays and a $50 (U.S. dollars) nonrefundable application fee payable to the College of William & Mary or pay online by credit or debit card through LSAC;
2. Submit original or certified (notarized) copies of all official transcripts or academic records;
3. Submit two letters of recommendation; and
4. Submit an official TOEFL Score Report.

Law School Addresses:

U.S. or International Mail:
William & Mary Law School
Admission Office
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187
USA

Express Delivery:
William & Mary Law School
Admission Office
613 South Henry Street
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
USA