LL.M. Frequently Asked Questions

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

What are the requirements to apply?

To qualify for admission to this program, students submitting an application must have earned a basic law degree outside the U.S. - a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree or the foreign equivalent. Admissions are highly selective and those admitted will have excellent law school records, strong academic and/or professional recommendations and will have demonstrated proficiency in English. Some work experience following completion of the first professional degree is preferred. The committee reads all files thoroughly and considers each application on an individual basis. All committee decisions are final.

How do I apply to the LL.M. Program?

There are two options to submit your application. You may either APPLY ONLINE (through our LSAC e-application), or you may download and fill-in the PDF application form, print and mail directly to USC Gould School of Law with each of your required application documents. We will provide priority review of all applications utilizing our LSAC e-application and the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.

What items do I need to submit to complete my application?

A complete application file includes the following items:

Signed Application & Fee*
The application fee is $75 and is non-refundable. You may either elect to pay by credit card and submit your payment with your application, or you may print and sign the Certification Letter (if you are applying online) and send it along with your fee directly to USC Gould School of Law. If you choose to send your application fee to USC, payments may be made with a check or money order in U.S. currency (please do not send cash), payable to "USC Law School".
TOEFL Report*
(Official scores must be forwarded to USC by the testing agency, but please also submit a copy of your TOEFL score.)
Transcript(s) and Degree Verification*
(Official transcripts and degree verification documents must be sent to USC)
Please submit official documents in your native language, verifying the award of all diplomas and/or academic certificates with the title and date conferred, accompanied by an exact translation into English. Please visit the following link for USC’s requirements by country: http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/requirements/
Financial Support Documentation*
(See SECTION 6 - Financial Support Instructions. Original financial support documents must be sent to USC.)
Personal Statement
Please include your personal, academic and professional background and your reasons for seeking an advanced degree. Limit to no more than three pages.
Writing Sample
Include a sample of your writing that demonstrates your English writing ability on any topic. Limit to no more than three pages. Written excerpts from documents that you wrote in school or for work in the past are acceptable.
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation*
Please have two people: one law professor and one employer OR two law professors, write a letter of recommendation in English on their letterhead.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Passport Copy of Applicant
Please make a copy of the page with your passport photo, passport number and expiration date. You must also include passport copies of your dependents traveling with you, if applicable.
Passport Size Photo
In addition, please include a small photo of yourself- 2"x2" passport size.

What is the LSAC Credential Assembly Service?

To save you time and money, we highly recommend that applicants use the Law School Admission Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service to collect, authenticate and distribute your university records to each of the participating law schools to which you apply. We will provide priority review of all applications utilizing LSAC's service. You must register online at www.llm.lsac.org, pay the registration fee of $185 and submit your transcripts and TOEFL scores one time to be distributed to law schools of your choice. Registration for this service is valid for a period of five years and includes five free law school reports. If you have registered for LSAC's Credential Assembly Service please write your LSAC account number in the space provided on the top of your application form. If you decide to use this service we strongly suggest you register before you send us your LL.M. application.

*Please note, submitting your LSAC e-application will NOT register you with the LLM Credential Assembly Service. You can convert your existing LLM electronic application-only account to an LLM Credential Assembly Service account by completing the full registration process at www.LLM.LSAC.org. Be sure to enter as an existing user.

Can I send my application by postal mail?

Yes, you may download and fill-in the PDF application form, print and mail directly to USC Gould School of Law with each of your required application documents. However, we will provide priority review of all applications utilizing our LSAC e-application and the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.

What is the application deadline for the 2009-2010 Program?

Applications and all supporting documents must be postmarked by February 1 of the year in which you would like to enroll. Applications received after February 1 will be considered upon space availability. Enrollment is limited to the fall semester, which begins in August.

How can I pay the $75.00 application fee?

The application fee is non-refundable. If you are applying online, you may either elect to pay by credit card and submit your payment with your application, or you may print and sign the Certification Letter and send it along with your fee directly to USC Gould School of Law. If you choose to send your application fee to USC, payments may be made with a check or money order in U.S. currency (please do not send cash), payable to "USC Law School".

Does USC grant application fee waivers?

USC Law does not grant any application fee waivers.

Does USC require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?

Yes, EVERY applicant is required to submit a TOEFL score. Test scores are valid for two years. If you took the TOEFL more than 2 years ago, you will need to retake the TOEFL exam.

May I request a TOEFL waiver?

You may only submit a TOEFL waiver request if your native language is English, or if you possess an undergraduate law degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction. You must ensure that the academic transcripts you submit verify that your degree was obtained from an English-speaking institution. TOEFL waiver requests will be granted on a case by case basis.

Do I need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)?

The LL.M. Program does not require applicants to take the LSAT.

If I submit my application online, which documents must be sent to USC Gould School of Law?

In addition to submitting your application online, you MUST print and mail your application to USC Gould School of Law with your TOEFL report, official sealed transcripts and degree verification documents (with notarized official English translations), original financial support documentation, and 2 sealed letters of recommendation.

Will my application file be reviewed if all of my supporting documentation has not been received?

We will NOT review your application until all of your materials have been received and your application is complete; therefore we highly recommend that you mail the above documents in one complete package in order to expedite the review by the Admissions Committee. Please visit our APPLY NOW page for specific application instructions.

Where should I send the required application materials?

Please mail your application and supporting documents to the following address by February 1:

USC Gould School of Law
Graduate & International Programs
699 Exposition Boulevard, Room 105
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0071 USA

What type of writing sample should I submit?

Please include a sample of your writing that demonstrates your English writing ability on any topic. Limit to no more than three pages. Written excerpts from documents that you wrote in school or for work in the past are acceptable. If you are submitting your application online, please attach your writing sample to your electronic application.

Whom should I ask to write my recommendation letters?

Please have two people: one law professor and one employer OR two law professors, write a letter of recommendation in English on their letterhead. You may print the Recommendation Form from your LSAC e-application for your recommenders to submit along with their letters.

How should I submit my transcripts?

We require that you submit official transcripts (sealed) in your native language, verifying the award of all diplomas and/or academic certificates with the title and date conferred, accompanied by an exact translation into English. You must utilize a translation service if your university is unable to translate your transcripts into English.

Does USC have transcript requirements varying by country?

Yes, please visit the following link for USC's requirements by country: http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/requirements/.

If I am admitted, will I need to bring my official transcripts to USC?

Yes, if you are admitted to our program, you must be prepared to bring at least 2 sealed (unopened) copies of your official documents: transcripts from all degrees awarded, (in their original language and English translations), original diploma, graduation certificate, etc.

ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

When will I be notified of an admissions decision?

The Admissions Committee will review applications as quickly as possible. Once an admissions decision is made, the applicant will be notified immediately via email and postal mail. The Admissions Committee normally begins to mail admissions decisions in March and will continue through May. Applications that are completed prior to the February 1 deadline and those applicants who utilize the Law School Credential Assembly Service will receive priority review.

Does the LL.M. Program require interviews?

Interviews will be conducted at our discretion. We will contact the applicant if the Admissions Committee feels that an interview is necessary.

Does USC Gould School of Law require a deposit to reserve my seat in the program?

Yes, if you are offered admission to our LL.M. or M.C.L. program, in order to reserve your seat you will be required to submit a $500 deposit. The deposit payment instructions and deposit deadline will be provided with your offer of admissions letter.

May I defer my admissions offer to 2010-2011?

Yes, if you are offered admission to our LL.M. or M.C.L. program, in order to grant your request for deferral, we will need you to provide us with a written letter stating your intent to enroll in USC's LL.M. Program for fall, 2010. You will also be required to pay a deposit of $500 which will reserve your seat in our program. Please be advised that your deposit will be non-refundable, but we will credit this payment against your fall tuition.

If I am not granted admission this year, may I re-apply next year?

Yes, if you are denied admission to the LL.M. Program, you may re-apply the following year by submitting a new application form and updated financial support documentation. You will not need to re-submit your personal statement, writing sample, or letters of recommendation.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

What courses are required to earn the LL.M. degree?

LL.M. students are required to take two courses - Introduction to the U.S. Legal System (2 units of credit) and Legal Research (1 unit of credit), among others, in their first semester. Students will satisfy their remaining course requirements over the two semesters by enrolling in courses and seminars from among those offered in the J.D. and LL.M. program.

How many units are required to complete the LL.M. degree?

To earn an LL.M. degree, students are required to successfully complete 21 units of credit (two semesters' study).

Which courses will I be able to take in the LL.M. Program?

The Law School course schedule will not be posted until July or August prior to the start of fall classes. However, the list of course descriptions is available at the following link: http://lawgip.usc.edu/llm/upper.cfm for your review. Please note that course offerings vary each semester depending on professor availability and student interest.

Can I enroll in the Law School's first year or clinical courses?

We strongly discourage students from enrolling in first year law classes. If a student wants to petition to take a first year law class, however, they may do so. It should be noted that these petitions are often denied.

Students may enroll in clinical courses. These classes are in high demand and registration often close quickly thus students may be unsuccessful in enrolling in such courses.

Do you offer specializations in particular areas of law?

We do not offer specializations per se but many students tailor their courses around specialty areas.

What is a typical course schedule for an LL.M. student?

See attached Word Document

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Do you offer scholarships?

The Graduate & International Programs Office offers a limited number of merit based scholarships each year. A small amount of scholarship assistance based on merit is awarded to outstanding applicants. Very qualified applicants should submit a brief letter requesting scholarship consideration when applying to the LL.M. Program. Please contact the Graduate & International Programs Office if you have any scholarship questions.

Will I be able to obtain financial aid?

Applicants requiring financial aid should make every effort to obtain assistance from their governments or other outside sources. USC offers very limited financial aid resources to foreign LL.M. students.

If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted political asylum and are interested in securing student loans through USC, please contact Mary Bingham in our Law School Financial Aid Office at: lawfao@law.usc.edu.

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have questions about financial aid, please contact the Graduate & International Programs Office at: llm@law.usc.edu.

Will I be eligible to take the bar exam after completing the LL.M. Program?

Please visit the American Bar Association's website to determine the bar requirements for foreign law school graduates: http://www.abanet.org/legaled/postjdprograms/postjdc.html#2foreign

Please also visit the Bar Examination Information section of our website for more information: http://lawgip.usc.edu/llm/bar.cfm.

Is USC's LL.M. Program offered on a part-time basis?

No, you must be enrolled full-time during your two semesters at USC (minimum of 9 units per semester).

Can LL.M. students transfer into the J.D. Program?

Law students who are enrolled in USC Law’s LL.M. Program may apply to our J.D. Program as Transfer LL.M. students during the transfer application period. Applicants must be in good standing.

The admissions process is very selective. The applicant’s LL.M. and LL.B. grades, LL.M. class standing and the difficulty of coursework taken in the LL.M. Program will be considered. Applicants will be required to provide two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a USC Law faculty member. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required.

Transfer applications may be obtained by contacting the J.D. Admissions office. All J.D. application documents will be submitted directly to the J.D. Admissions office and will not be submitted through LSAC and JD-CAS. Application materials may be submitted no earlier than May 1st and no later than the postmark deadline of July 1st for fall matriculation. Admitted students may not defer their enrollment.

Interested USC Law students should visit the G&IP Student portal where our comprehensive “USC Transfer LL.M. Students to the J.D. Program: Policies, Guidelines & Graduation Requirements” can be located.

Only students currently enrolled in USC Law’s LL.M. Program may apply in this manner. Those who have already been awarded an LL.M. at another U.S. law school may apply as International J.D. applicants to our three-year program.

http://law.usc.edu/admissions/applications/international.cfm

http://law.usc.edu/admissions/applynow.cfm

All International J.D. application documents must be submitted through LSAC and JD-CAS. This will require the submission of a valid LSAT score.

Those who are admitted to the J.D. Program will be required to successfully complete all of the requirements of the USC Law J.D. Program. No credit will be given toward the J.D. degree for classes taken during a student’s LL.M. outside of USC Law. Advanced standing will not be granted. Admitted students may not defer their enrollment. With roughly 200 spaces to fill in each year’s entering class, admission is very highly selective.

Do you offer other master's degree programs?

In addition to our LL.M. Program, we also offer a Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.) Program for foreign lawyers. The M.C.L. Program is a two-semester course of advanced study focused on comparative law. The program is designed for outstanding foreign law graduates interested in a graduate law degree at our law school who have already earned their LL.M. degree. It provides students with the opportunity to study the differences, similarities, and interrelationships of different systems of law around the world. For more information please visit: http://lawgip.usc.edu/mcl.cfm.

Do you offer an S.J.D. Program?

No, currently we do not offer an S.J.D. program.

Do you offer a Visiting Scholar's Program?

No, we do not offer a visiting scholars program typical of other law schools. However, we do offer the Visiting International Program for Lawyers (VIP) designed to provide international legal and business professionals with an opportunity to build a foundation in American law over two semesters of study at USC Law, on a non-credit, non-degree basis. Enrollment is limited to the fall, which begins in August. Please visit the following link for more information: http://lawgip.usc.edu/vip.cfm

Do you offer a summer law course?

The Summer Law & English Program is a 4 week program (July - August), designed for international lawyers, corporate legal counsel, business professionals and law students who would like to learn about the American legal system while improving their English ability. Whether you are preparing for an LL.M., M.C.L. or other law degree program, our summer law program offers the perfect combination of both basic American Law classes and Legal English classes. The Summer Law & English Program requires a separate online application (from our LL.M. and M.C.L. application) and is available on our website. For more information, please visit: http://lawgip.usc.edu/summer.cfm.

How can I contact the LL.M. Program?

For general inquiries, please email llm@law.usc.edu. You may also contact us by phone at (213) 821-5916.

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