International Scholar-in-Residence Program
An Independent Research Program
For decades, William & Mary Law School has been welcoming legal professionals and academics from around the world to visit and conduct independent research at our Williamsburg campus. We invite qualified candidates to apply to this enriching program offering the opportunity to conduct legal research in a renowned academic environment. Our program is open to judges, lawyers, professors, and Ph.D. students (Visiting Scholars).
The benefits of the International Scholar-in-Residence Program include:
- The W&M ID card that will grant access to Law School facilities and the Wolf Law Library and the Swem Library.
- Library privileges at both the Law School and the University, with access to computers, wireless internet, LexisNexis and Westlaw databases, among others.
- Free admission to lectures that are open to the public and other Law School events.
- Audit of one law course per semester, subject to availability and approval. Students who have not arrived on campus for the first day of classes will not be able to audit a course that semester.
- Renewal for an additional term, subject to approval.
How to apply
Candidates interested in participating should submit the following documents:
- The completed application form (PDF);
- A current resume;
- A 1-2 page research proposal; and
- A copy of language proficiency test results: TOEFL, IELTS, or DUOLINGO. A remote interview may be conducted if a score or other objective measure of English language proficiency is not submitted.
[[llmadm,Send Your Application]] |
Key dates and deadlines
| Program Start | Application opens | Application closes | Program orientation (tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | December 1 | March 1 | August 5 (Fall Semester) |
| Spring 2026 | May 1 | August 1 | January 13 (Spring Semester) |
Length of the program and fees
| Length of the program | Fees* |
|---|---|
| One Semester (6 months) | $3,850 |
| One Academic Year (12 months) | $6,600 |
*Fees are due prior to or upon arrival.
What happens when you are accepted?
If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an admission letter with instructions for the visa process. Visiting scholars come to William & Mary on a J-1 visa, which requires applicants to provide proof of medical insurance for themselves and any family members, in addition to proof of funds. There are costs associated with the J-1 visa (SEVIS) process. For more information, please visit the website of the Reves Center for International Studies.
Prior to your arrival in Williamsburg, you will be contacted with regard to a required orientation at the Law School. The orientation will consist of a tour of the Law School and Law Library, a brief meeting with one of the law librarians and a meeting with the Director of the LL.M. Programs (who will also check in with all scholars bi-monthly during your visit). You will also visit the International Students Office at the Reves Center for immigration processing, and the William & Mary Campus Center to obtain your W&M ID card.
Important facts
The date stated in your admission letter is your official start. It is not possible to extend either the start or the end date to accommodate any personal or other requirements. Please plan your arrival to coincide with your official start date.
To comply with the requirements of the visa, Visiting Scholars must reside in the Williamsburg or the immediate surrounding area. During your stay, you must live within a 25-mile radius of William & Mary Law School. Exceptions are not permitted.
[[llmadm,Send Your Application]] |