Admission

Admission to the LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies program at St. John’s School of Law 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 the LSAC website.

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
825 Colorado Blvd., Suite 112
Los Angeles, CA 90041
P (323) 255-2771
F (323) 255-1261
ielts@ieltsintl.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.

American Legal English Intensive Program
Students are encouraged to take our Intensive American Legal English Program conducted by Professor Bob Ruescher. Students with TOEFL scores of 85 – 99 may at our discretion be admitted on condition that they enroll in and successfully complete the Advanced Legal English course at St. John’s School of Law. The program begins Monday, July 9, 2012 and ends Tuesday, August 7, 2012 and runs Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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 complete and return our application forms. If you use our application forms, please mail them directly to:

St. John's University
School of Law
Office of Transnational Programs
Belson Hall, Room 2-26-H
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, N.Y. 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 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 are 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.

For additional admission information, please contact us.