Transfer Students

Join Our Community of Dedicated Citizen Lawyers

Our mission has always been to provide an exceptional education for today's Citizen Lawyers. Our institution sets the bar high with a commitment to excellence for every student. Enjoy an intimate learning atmosphere with direct access to some of the top legal minds in the country, join a vast network of accomplished legal professionals eager to make a difference, and immerse yourself in a course of study that focuses on practical applications. Consider making your move to William & Mary Law School.

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Requirements for Admission

Our team is ready to make your transition as seamless as possible. Here are the current requirements for admission to William & Mary Law School.

Current Institution

Your current law school must be approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools.* (Click to read note)
Current Standing

You must be in good standing and have successfully completed 26 credit hours at your current law school.

Generally, students should rank in the upper third of their class to be considered for transfer admission.
The number of credits transferred from your previous law school to William & Mary may vary. Transcripts are individually evaluated and compared to the William & Mary curriculum: 28 credit hours are the maximum that will be accepted, and only those credits where the grade earned is a "C" or better will transfer.
Scholarships funded by the Law School are generally not available to transfer students. Transfer students are urged to explore scholarships from other sources as well as loans if they need financial assistance.
*Note: Pursuant to ABA Standards 502(b) and 502(c), current W&M LL.M. students may request a waiver of the requirement that your previous law school be approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools. If you are a current W&M LL.M. student interested in applying for admission to the J.D. program, contact the LL.M. Program Director.

By the Numbers

William & Mary Law School stands proudly among the nation's top institutions. These critical figures and data reflect our institution's prestigious legacy and ongoing commitment to excellence in legal education.

^# 36

Best Law Schools
^# 28

Best School to Attend for Big Law
^# 12

First-Time Bar Passage Rates
^# 14

Students Securing Federal Clerkships (Class of 2020)
^# 16

Professors (Teaching)
^# 17

Academic Impact

Steps for Applying

Application Deadlines:

We accept applications between May 1 and June 15 for enrollment in August. All applications must be submitted by June 15 to be reviewed for admission. Download the transfer application checklist.

Complete the Application

Applicants should complete and submit the LSAC Electronic Application.

Complete Application

Submit the Application Fee

Submit a nonrefundable $50 (U.S. dollars) application fee through a credit or debit card payment through LSAC.

Submit a Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement including your reason(s) for seeking transfer to William & Mary Law School.

Submit Letters of Recommendation or Evaluations

Submit at least two letters of recommendation or evaluations. One should be from a faculty member of your current law school. The letters should be sent directly to LSAC to be included in your CAS report.

Submit Letter of Good Standing

Submit a letter of good standing from the dean of your law school, written after grades for the last semester have been posted, stating that you are in good academic standing and unconditionally eligible to return.

Send LSAT Report and Academic Transcripts

Arrange to have a copy of your LSAT score and all undergraduate, graduate and law school transcripts sent to William & Mary Law School. The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) subscription fee is valid for five years and individuals can update their file and request a new CAS report without re-registering for the CAS service. Transfer applicants must request updated transcripts with spring semester grades and, if available, class rank. Official transcripts will be required for matriculation. The undergraduate transcript must show degree conferred.

Apply for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges

Applicants claiming entitlement to in-state educational privileges must complete the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges, save, and add it as an attachment to the electronic application. If the admission application has already been electronically submitted, applicants applying for Virginia in-state tuition privileges must complete the form found on the University Registrar's website and return to the Registrar by email, mail, or fax.

Applicants who are active duty military personnel or honorably discharged veterans are eligible for in-state tuition privileges once they have moved to Virginia. Upon moving here, applicants should submit the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges and their military orders showing permanent duty station (active duty) or their discharge papers (veterans) to the Domicile Office at domicile@wm.edu.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

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