Frequently Asked Questions: LL.M. in Comparative Law for International Lawyers
ADMISSIONS
What does LL.M. stand for?
Master of Laws. It is a Latin translation of Legum Magister.
What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must have an equivalent of a U.S. law degree from an accredited institution outside the United States.
Can I study Business and Corporate Law?
Attorneys who received their legal education outside of the United States are rarely admitted to LL.M. programs other than the Comparative Law program. Except for the two required courses, Introduction to U.S. Law and Lawyering Skills for Comparative Law Students, candidates in the program choose their courses from the same curriculum as J.D. students and other LL.M. students do. The minimum grade point average required for LL.M. in Comparative Law is C, while the minimum for all other LL.M. programs is B. Comparative Law candidates whose native language is not English are eligible to receive extra time on examinations and the use of a translating dictionary. They are also given additional training and support in the study of U.S. Law.
What is rolling admissions? Is there a deadline?
USD uses a “rolling admissions” process. The Admissions Committee reads completed files and makes decisions on a continual basis. The priority deadlines for admission are:
- Fall – July 1
- Spring – December 1
Do you have Spring Admission?
Yes. We admit students for the fall and spring. Spring admission is very limited, if available, and is usually offered to students with a substantial common law background.
How do I obtain an application fee waiver?
A request for waiver of the US$50 application fee must be in writing and specifically state the reasons behind the request.
What is the maximum number of credits a student can take per semester?
Twelve units, unless granted special approval.
May applicants defer their admission?
Yes, deferrals may be granted for up to one year. Applicants must provide a written request to defer and submit a $200 non-refundable tuition deposit.
When were USD’s Graduate Law Programs established?
The Taxation, General and Comparative Law Programs were established in the fall of 1978. The LL.M. in International Law was established in the fall of 1995. The LL.M. in Business and Corporate Law was established in 2000.
Do applicants need to submit a TOEFL score?
An applicant whose native language is not English must establish competency in English through successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 600 points on the paper-based test, 250 points on the computer-based test, or 100 points on the internet-based test is required for admission. Applicants with lower scores may be considered for admission provided that they successfully complete a legal English preparatory program.
How are degree honors determined?
Graduating LL.M. in Comparative Law candidates shall be eligible to receive academic honors in accordance with the Academic Rules. Summa cum laude shall be granted to the LL.M. in Comparative Law graduate with the highest grade point average if his or her average equals or exceeds that of the J.D. valedictorian of the same academic year. For more information, please consult the Academic Rules in the Student Handbook.
What are the requirements for graduation?
To receive an LL.M. in Comparative Law, candidates must successfully complete 25 credits with a minimum grade point average of C. There are two required courses for the degree: Introduction to U.S. Law and Lawyering Skills for Comparative Law Students. Students must also successfully complete a written work requirement. For more information on specific degree requirements, please consult the Student Handbook.
CAREER SERVICES
What career development programs and services are available for LL.M. students?
USD School of Law Career Services offers LL.M. students information on temporary positions during the school year, summer positions and permanent positions after graduation. Students are provided the opportunity to participate in on- and off-campus interview programs, including cosponsored programs with law schools nationwide. These programs include the USD’s fall and spring on-campus recruiting programs, International Student Interview Program and several other law practice specialty job fairs throughout the academic year. Video mock interviewing, resume and cover letter editing, employer panels and presentations, brown bag lunch and dinner job search discussions are also offered to assist LL.M. students in their job search.
When should LL.M. students contact Career Services?
LL.M. students should contact Career Services during fall or spring registration week, or no later than the first week of classes. By scheduling an initial 30 minute appointment with a career advisor, LL.M. students will be provided with an overview of the job search time line and be registered with the Career Services e-mail and online recruiting and job listings programs. Throughout their LL.M. program, students are encouraged to regularly meet with an advisor for assistance with their job search.
FINANCIAL AID
What is the cost of attending the University of San Diego Graduate Law Programs?
Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $1,235.00 per credit unit.
What is the minimum enrollment to qualify for a Merit Scholarship?
You must be enrolled in at least 9 units for a Merit Scholarship.
How do I apply for scholarships?
The Graduate Programs Office offers Merit Scholarships based on the merits of the applicant’s scholastic and work experience. If accepted to an LL.M. program, full-time applicants are automatically considered for Merit Scholarship funding. This partial tuition scholarship can be awarded to students entering in either the spring or the fall semester, and no additional scholarship application is necessary.
Do international students qualify for financial aid?
Federal financial aid is not available to international students. However, the law school does offer private student loans to foreign students through the Law Access Private Loan Program. You may apply online at http://www.accessgroup.org/apply/ or by phoning 1-800-282-1550.
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