LL.M. - How to Apply
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.
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.
Application Deadlines
- Students who require an F-1 student visa to attend UC Law SF: All application materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by the UC Law SF Admissions Office by May 31. Applications received or missing supplemental materials after May 31 will not be considered.
- U.S. Citizens, U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, and students who have a valid status in the U.S. that allows them to engage in a full-time course of study: Students who do not need a visa to attend our program, but still meet eligibility requirements, must have their complete application and all supplemental materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, reach UC Law SF by June 30 to be considered for admission. Applications received or missing supplemental materials after June 30 will not be considered.
We encourage applicants to submit their applications early in order to receive an enrollment decision in a timely manner.
To apply to 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. Learn more about minimum degree requirements by country.
NOTE: J.D. graduates from U.S. law schools are not eligible to apply to the UC Law SF LL.M. program.
- Completed Application submitted via Law School Admission Council (LSAC)*
- $75 Non-Refundable Application Fee paid though LSAC
- Proof of English proficiency (see below)
- Official Transcripts
Please follow official transcript instructions to submit your official transcripts to LSAC. UC Law SF strongly recommends (but does not require) that applicants register for the LSAC CAS LL.M. International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation service, which requires an additional fee of $135. This includes the authentication and evaluation of transcripts/mark sheets, copies of degrees/diplomas, degree and graduation certificates, and rank statements so that US law schools better understand your academic credentials. - Two Letters of Recommendation
Please follow letter of recommendation instructions to submit letters of recommendation to LSAC. If you have graduated from your law degree program within the past two years, at least one of your recommendation letters must be from a former or present law teacher. - Current Résumé or CV
You will electronically attach your most recent resume or CV outlining your academic and professional achievements to your LSAC application. - Personal Statement (optional)
Please tell us more about your experiences, your reasons for seeking an LL.M. degree, and the course of study you wish to pursue. Your personal statement should be typed and is limited to 3 – 5 pages. Your statement must be electronically attached to your LSAC application. - Need-Based Scholarship Application Form (optional – see below)
*The LSAC requirement will be waived and we will accept paper applications if you are a current student or a graduate of one of our exchange partner universities or a nominee of an international partner institution. Please contact us at llmadmissions@uclawsf.edu if you have any questions about the application process.
If English is not your native language, UC Law SF requires that applicants submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score through LSAC. TOEFL and/or IELTS scores should be less than two years old.
We prefer a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (iBT) or 600 (PBT). Applicants should register for the TOEFL in time to ensure that your scores will be received by LSAC in advance of the UC Law SF application deadline. To have your TOEFL score report sent to LSAC, place an order to LSAC institution code 8395. Please visit http://www.toefl.com/ for more information on the test and exam dates.
Applicants may also choose to submit scores through LSAC from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We prefer a minimum IELTS score of 7. To have your IELTS score report sent to LSAC, you MUST indicate before or at the time of your exam that LSAC should receive a score report. Please visit http://ielts.org for more information on the test and exam dates.
TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Request
TOEFL/IELTS waiver requests will be considered if you have successfully completed and received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction. To request a TOEFL/IELTS waiver, please submit an attachment to your LSAC application explaining why you are eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver.
UC Law SF offers a limited number of scholarships to LL.M. students based on both merit and need. If you wish to apply for a need-based scholarship, you will need to answer the scholarship questions on your application. View the detailed information about the Cost of Attendance and Scholarships.
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.
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
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.”
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.”
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.”