Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LL.M. Program in American Legal Studies?
This innovative LL.M. program is designed for foreign-educated law graduates and attorneys who wish to increase their familiarity with the American legal system through advanced coursework and professional skills training.
Who should apply?
The LL.M. program is ideal for international attorneys, judges, government officials, corporate legal counsel, and recent law school graduates.
How do I apply to the William & Mary Law School LL.M. program?
1) Apply directly to William & Mary Law School using W&M LL.M. Application Portal. There are no fees to apply directly to William & Mary Law School using the portal. Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts during the application process. If admitted, students will be required to provide an official evaluated transcript from a NACES-approved provider and the NACES-approved providers will charge a fee for this service.
OR
2) Apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). While William & Mary Law School does not charge an application fee, there will be LSAC fees associated with this method of application, so be sure to review LSAC's website prior to applying. Applicants will use the LSAC transcript request form (TRF) embedded in the LSAC application to order official, sealed transcripts to be sent directly to LSAC from their institution(s).
What are the key dates?
| Application opens | Application closes | Deposit due | Program starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 | November 1, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | Spring semester (January 2025) |
| September 1, 2024 | April 15, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | Fall semester (August 2025) |
When will I receive a decision after submitting my application?
Applications are reviewed as they become complete and applicants will receive admissions decisions on a rolling basis. To receive a decision as soon as possible, applicants are encouraged to submit their application once all materials are complete. For applicants who apply at the deadline, we aim to provide decisions for programs starting in the fall semester no later than early May and decisions about programs starting in the spring semester no later than early December.
What are the requirements to be considered for admission?
- Please review the Admission Requirements page.
- Remember that admitted students will need to provide an official evaluated transcript from a NACES-approved provider before they are able to register for classes and matriculate.
What factors are considered for admission to the LL.M. Program?
In an attempt to create a qualified and diverse entering class, William & Mary Law School considers a variety of factors including general academic ability (using factors such as academic performance, strength of school and course work), extracurricular activities and work experience, capacity for legal study, and other relevant personal qualities and characteristics.
Does William & Mary Law School require seat deposits for the LL.M. Program?
Yes, William & Mary requires a $250 non-refundable seat deposit that will be credited to the first semester tuition bill.
If admitted to the program, how do I get a visa?
Instructions for obtaining a certificate of eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) from William & Mary will be included with the admission materials.
What are the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or DUOLINGO scores that you will accept for admission?
- TOEFL: a minimum of 90 (Internet-based total)
- IELTS: a minimum of 6
- Duolingo English Test: a minimum of 105
Is there a word limit for answers to the essay questions on the application for the LL.M. Program?
No. Please feel free to submit a statement that is long enough to express whatever you believe we should know.
How much does it cost? Are scholarships available to LL.M. students?
Visit the Cost of the LL.M. Degree page for detailed information about costs and scholarships.
What additional aid is available to international students?
Most of our students use individual or family savings and resources to fund their LL.M. Program expenses. Some international students have been funded by their current employers for career enhancement.
Students may browse additional scholarship information here (pdf). Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or who have exhausted all options for federal loans or aid, may also want to explore private loan options here.
May I concentrate my studies in a particular field?
With only two required credits (Legal Writing & Research), William & Mary's LL.M. Program offers maximum flexibility to select a curriculum that meets each student's academic and professional goals. Most students pursue a mix of core courses along with specialized coursework in support of their career goals. William & Mary offers many courses each semester within the fields of business and corporate law, constitutional law, criminal law, international law, intellectual property, and methods of dispute resolution. Each admitted LL.M. student will receive one-on-one guidance on course selection.
Are students allowed to apply for the J.D. Program after completion of the LL.M. Program?
Students who maintain excellent grades throughout the LL.M. Program are permitted to apply to the J.D. Program with advanced standing. In most cases, students allowed to enter the J.D. Program with advanced standing are in the top 10% of the LL.M. class.
Will the credits I earned during the LL.M. Program be transferred to the J.D. Program?
No. The credit hours earned for the LL.M. Program are for that degree only. Credit hours accepted toward your J.D. will be from courses taken during your undergraduate law program. Any undergraduate law courses accepted for transfer credit cannot be duplicated during your J.D. program.
What about my GPA? Will you use my GPA from my undergraduate courses for my first J.D. year?
No. The course credit hours accepted from your undergraduate law degree are applied to the J.D. degree at "pass" credit hours. Your J.D. GPA is created only from William & Mary graded law courses.
If I am permitted to transfer to the J.D. Program, what classes will I have to take?
To complete their J.D. degree, transfer students must take all required first year J.D. courses, including Legal Practice. Many LL.M. students take several or all of the required first year courses during their program. If so, these students will only take those courses not already completed, along with Legal Practice. Once all the first year courses have been completed, students may choose from any of the many courses being offered.
Will I have to take the LSAT if I apply to transfer to the J.D. Program?
No, that admission requirement is waived for students who have completed the William & Mary LL.M. Program in American Legal Studies.