Application Process: LLM to JD Joint Program “Transfer” Option

foreign lawyers at UM Law

Why Get Your LLM and JD Degree?

Foreign-trained lawyers currently enrolled in one of our LLM Programs often inquire about applying the JD Program. Unlike other LLM programs, the number of foreign lawyers who stay on to graduate with a JD at Miami Law is very high for a few reasons: 

  • The LSAT is not required.
  • Every year there is a significant number of foreign-trained JD/LLM students, which creates a supportive group of international classmates.
  • International students are integrated in the Miami Law community.
  • There are unique job opportunities in South Florida for foreign-trained lawyers who understand different cultures and legal systems.
  • Earn 2 Degrees - Students will be awarded both the JD degree and the LLM degree upon completion of all graduation requirements.

If a current Miami Law foreign-trained LLM student has the long-term goal to practice law in the US, they should consider doing a joint LLM+JD program.

Indira Argenot(Pictured: Indira Argenot in the story, "Driven Foreign Lawyer Studies Legal English + LLM + JD = Bar Exam & Practice in USA" which tell how Argenot did not want to be limited to practicing federal law in Florida, Indira Agrenot decided after starting her LLM to transfer to Miami Law’s JD program, enabling her to take the Florida Bar Exam and “choose what area of law I want to specialize in.”)

Timing and Application Deadlines

Students should discuss their intention to apply to the JD program with their LLM program director early on in their LLM studies to make sure their course selection enables them to complete all graduation requirements effectively.

Fall start LLM Students

Deadline to apply to JD: May 1
Spring start LLM Students

Deadline to apply to JD: December 1

Summer start LLM Students
 Deadline to apply to JD: April 15

Applications received after the deadline may not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.  

Eligibility

The application process for the JD program is highly competitive and successful students will ordinarily have an exceptional record of achievement in the LLM program. This includes not only a very high GPA but also other factors such as difficulty of coursework.

Applications are considered case by case and there are no grade ranges within which LLM students are guaranteed admission into the JD program.

For more information, please connect with your LLM director or Associate Dean Katrin Schroll.

Application Process

Miami Law LLM students and graduates can apply to the JDProgram without taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). LLM to JD students must submit the following materials for consideration by the admissions committee:

  • Completed Joint JD/LLM Application Form
  • Statement of purpose
  • US style resume
  • Original LLM application file
    • LLM application
    • Transcripts
    • Photocopies of degrees received
    • Certification
    • Letters of Recommendation
    • TOEFL (if applicable)
    • LLM transcripts (if available)
    • LLM I-20/visa documentation (if applicable)
    • UM LLM transcript (request from Law Registrar’s Office)

A separate admissions committee will review applications and determine eligibility to enter the JD program. The admissions committee takes into consideration the nature of, and grade point average in, classes taken by the applicant while enrolled in the LLM program. 

Possibility to Transfer Credits

Miami Law may award up to 29 Advanced Standing Credits towards the JD to students for their foreign law studies. The specific number of such credits will be determined at the time of admission to the JD based on a review of the applicant’s JD application file.

Questions?

Before applying to the JD program – Contact your LLM director.

After submitting your application to the JD program – Contact Associate Dean Katrin Schroll.

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