LL.M. - How to Apply

In order to be eligible for the UC Law SF LL.M. program, you must be an attorney licensed outside of the U.S. or have completed (or expect to complete prior to enrollment at UC Law SF) a first degree in law outside of the U.S. NOTE: J.D. graduates from U.S. law schools are not eligible to apply to the UC Law SF LL.M. program.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting September 1 each year with a March 1 priority application deadline for scholarship consideration. Enrollment is limited to the fall semester, which begins in early August.

The application period for the 2026-27 academic year LL.M. program will open in September 2025.

Check Your Application Status Online (LSAC Login Credentials Required)

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at llm@uclawsf.edu.

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U.S. Bar Eligibility

Most LL.M. students who complete our LL.M. program are eligible to sit for the California, New York, Washington, D.C., and other bar examinations. Enrollment in an LLM degree does not guarantee that you will be eligible to take a U.S. bar exam or practice law in the United States, however. LL.M. applicants should review the requirements set by each state in which they wish to sit for a bar exam. The National Conference of Bar Examiners’ Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements provides additional information.

UC Law SF academic advisers assist students with choosing courses that help prepare them for the bar exam, and the Career Development Office assists students with bar exam application process.

National Conference of Bar Examiners
Black and white photo of a woman smiling and looking at the camera, wearing a black suit jacket

Name:  Vasiliki “Vanessa” Kiou
Class: 2015
Country: Greece

“The LL.M. program prepared me for a career in Business and Intellectual Property law, helped me develop a set of valuable skills, and expanded my professional network.  Living in the heart of the global innovation ecosystem and studying in such a diverse academic environment was one of the most intellectually and socially stimulating experiences I have ever had.”

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Name: Katlyn Anne Carlos Aguilar-Bilgera
Class: 2017
Country: Philippines

“Being an LL.M. student at UC Law SF was a rewarding experience. The school’s intellectually stimulating and enriching learning environment enabled me to go beyond my perceived limitations. Because of the knowledge, skills, and discipline I acquired and developed from the program, I am now able to contribute in preparing and shaping students to become competent and productive members of the legal profession in my home country. It is my hope that I will be able to exhibit the same commitment and competence which I have witnessed from my professors at UC Law SF.”

Woman wearing a brown striped suit jacket, brown top and yellow scarf, smiling and looking at the camera. Backdrop: Bookshelf with books and a framed degree hanging on the wall

Name: Tripti Sharma
Class: 2006
Country: India

“The faculty at UC Law SF are very engaged with their students. Most have an “open door” policy and are extremely reachable. I was interested in Immigration Law at the beginning of my coursework and my professor guided me through the process of getting an externship in that area. It was a valuable experience and helped me improve my writing and researching skills.”