FAQs

JD

LLM

 

 

 

LLM

1. How can I obtain an application for admission?
2. Is the LLM program only for International students?
3. When may the application fee be waived?
4. Is the LSAT required for the LLM application process?
5. Is the TOEFL required for admission? If so, what are the TOEFL codes for ETS?
6. What is the minimum recommended score for the TOEFL examination?
7. When may the TOEFL exam requirement be waived?
8. What materials must be submitted for re-application?
9. Are deferrals granted?
10. Is Financial Aid available to LLM students?
11. Are there academic support programs for LLM students?
12. What is the general statistical profile for the LLM and LLM/Kellogg classes?
13. Does the completion of the LLM program enable the graduate to sit for the bar exam?
14. Tell me about the Two-Year JD Program? Is there a minimum LSAT score needed?

1. How can I obtain an application for admission?

You may download our online application form (pdf), apply via the web, or request an application to be sent to you via postal mail.

2. Is the LLM program only for International students?

The mission of the LLM program is to provide international attorneys with exposure to the American model. Apart from this general, one-year program, the School of Law is now offering an LLM in Taxation and an LLM in International Human Rights, which affords domestic attorneys the opportunity to specialize within that discipline. 

3. When may the application fee be waived?

Candidates experiencing significant financial hardship may request a fee waiver. The prospective student should submit a letter outlining his/her financial situation along with their application materials. The Committee will then consider the request.

4. Is the LSAT required for the LLM application process?

No. The only standardized test that is required for the LLM application is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

5. Is the TOEFL required for admission? If so, what are the TOEFL codes for ETS?

Yes, the TOEFL is required for admission into the LLM, LLM/Kellogg, and LLM IHR programs.

The Institution Code is 1565. The Department Code is 03.

6. What is the minimum recommended score for the TOEFL examination?

The minimum for the computer-based exam is 250 and for the internet-based exam the score is 100.  We do not accept the paper-based TOEFL.

7. When may the TOEFL exam requirement be waived?

If you have completed a first degree/undergraduate degree in law at an institution where the language of instruction is in English, you can notify the Admissions Committee by requesting a waiver of the TOEFL requirement.  Please submit a brief letter, electronic attachment, or e-mail to the committee indicating the institution’s name, location, and length of the degree program completed.  Waivers are granted on a case by case basis.  If you are granted a TOEFL waiver you will be required to participate in an evaluative interview which can be done on campus or via phone. 

8. What materials must be submitted for re-application?

All materials must be re-submitted for re-application.  We do not keep any materials from previous application cycles.

9. Are deferrals granted?

No. Deferrals generally are not available for the LLM, LLM IHR, and LLM/Kellogg programs unless the deferral request is due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as inability to secure a visa. Such deferrals are granted on a case by case basis.

10. Is Financial Aid available to LLM students?

A limited number of fellowships are awarded to LLM and LLM IHR students each spring. This fellowship funding can be applied for after you have been admitted to either the LLM or LLM IHR programs. Each year, approximately 5–7 students are awarded a fellowship. International students may opt to finance a portion of their education at Northwestern Law with the Graduate Professional Alternative Loan (GPAL). Students may borrow up to the total cost of attendance, minus personal contributions. The primary requirement for the loan is the security of a credit worthy co-signer who is either a permanent resident or citizen of the United States.

11. Are there academic support programs for LLM students?

The School of Law has a Director of International Programs who serves as the primary academic advisor for every member of the LLM population. Moreover, through the School's Center for Career Strategy and Advancement, there is an associate director dedicated to career counseling for LLM students.

12. Does the completion of the LLM program enable the graduate to sit for the bar exam?

The LLM, LLM IHR, and LLM/Kellogg programs are not intended to qualify foreign lawyers to take the bar examination or to practice law in the United States; in many states, including Illinois, these degrees are not sufficient to take the exam.  Eligibility, however, has been extended in the states of New York and California dependent on meeting some specific criteria.  Please refer to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements at www.abanet.org.

13. Tell me about the Two-Year JD Program. Is there a minimum LSAT score needed?

Further information about the Two-Year JD Program can be found here. We do not have a minimum LSAT score for acceptance. Applicants for the Two-Year program will be compared against each other.