Admission is selective and based upon excellence in prior legal
studies. Evidence of academic scholarship as well as professional
achievements will be considered. The LL.M. Program is designed to
have a limited enrollment in order to enrich the quality of the
experience for each LL.M. candidate.
Eligibility
Any foreign law school graduate holding a law degree (J.D., LL.B.
or equivalent) from a non-U.S. law school recognized in the country
where founded and located.
Tests (english proficiency)
Because of the nature of the LL.M. Program in U.S. Legal Studies,
it is essential that all students have a high level of
comprehension and oral and written expression in the English
language. Foreign graduates (other than students from Australia,
English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United
Kingdom) are required to have taken the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) Test prior to applying.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign
Language) Requirements
- Minimum score required
600 paper-based score
250 computer-based score
100 Internet-Based - In addition, the following minimum scores are required
5 TWE (Test of Written English) component
26 Reading and listening subsections
22 Writing subsection of the IBT (internet-based test)
The TOEFL score report codes for St. John’s Law School are 2799
for the institution and 03 for the department. Applicants
should contact:
TOEFL
P.O. Box 6155
Princeton, NJ 08541-6155
Telephone: (609) 921-9000
www.ets.org
or
CITO/SYLVAN Learning Systems
P.O. Box 1109,
6801 BC Arnhem,
The Netherlands, 31263521577
All TOEFL scores are to be sent to the Law School Admission
Council (LSAC) as indicated on its website www.lsac.org.
IELTS (International English Language
Testing System) Requirements
Foreign law school graduates may alternatively decide to
take the IELTS test. There is no preference for one over the
other.
The minimum score required is 7.0
For additional information applicants should contact:
IELTS International
100 E. Corson St., Suite 200
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: 626 564 2954
Fax: 626 564 2981
Email: ielts@ieltsintl.org
Website: www.ielts.org
The TOEFL or the IELTS must be taken before submitting the
application. Please note that we are unable to accept scores that
are 2 or more years old.
Intensive English Program
Students who are interested in improving their legal English
reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills may be
interested in the St. John's Intensive English Program.
This course is offered during the summer, just before the LL.M. in
U.S. Legal Studies begins.
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
Application
The LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies is designed for Foreign
Graduates who demonstrate academic achievement comparable to that
of U.S. law school graduates. In order to complete the application
process, all foreign students must register through LL.M. Credentials
Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council
(LSAC).
Prospective LL.M. students may apply online through the
LSAC or fill out the
applications on this site.
Please mail directly to:
St. John's University
School of Law
Office of Transnational Programs
Belson Hall, Room 2-26-H
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, New York, 11439
We strongly encourage applicants to apply
online. While completing the application, read and follow the
instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will not be
considered.
Application Fee
There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 (USD). This fee
is not credited toward the payment of the tuition should the
applicant be accepted.
Methods of Payment
You may pay by check (please make checks payable to St. John's
University) or by Credit Card (see form attached) or with an
international money order or check drawn on a U.S. bank, payable to
St. John’s University in U.S. dollars. Please do not send cash.
Re-Applying
Any applicant who has applied within the previous two years may
submit a letter requesting that his or her application be
re-activated. You need not submit a second application
fee.
Additional Requirements
Resume
With your documentation please provide an updated resume.
Two (2) Recommendation
Letters
These letters should be provided by someone who knows your
professional skills and legal abilities. A law professor, a law
firm partner or a work supervisor can be excellent references.
Writing sample
Please provide a writing sample of not less than 250
words.
Personal Statement
Please provide a personal statement (of any length) explaining the
following:
- How did you obtain information about St. John’s School of Law
and about the LL.M. Program in U.S. Legal Studies for Foreign Law
School Graduates
- Why you are interested in this LL.M. program
- What will be your professional goals
- How do you intend to pursue your goals
- How would you like to develop your career after graduation
Personal Interview
Please note that a personal or telephone interview during the
admission procedure is required and will be scheduled by The Office
of Transnational Programs. Be sure to submit accurate contact
information.