Application Process: LLM to JD Joint Degree Program

foreign lawyers at UM Law

Benefits of the Joint 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 into 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 completing all graduation requirements.

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 pursue 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 admission - May 1 application deadline
  • Spring admission - December 2 application deadline
  • Summer admission - April 15 application deadline

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

Eligibility

The application process for the LLM/JD Program is highly competitive. Students should have an exceptional record of achievement in the LLM Program. This includes a very high GPA and other factors such as difficulty of coursework.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. There are no grade ranges that guarantees 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 can apply to the JD Program without taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). LLM/JD applicants must submit the following materials.

  • Completed Joint LLM/JD Application Form
  • Statement of purpose
  • U.S. 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 Committee takes into consideration the nature of and grade point average in classes taken by the applicant while enrolled in the LLM Program. 

Advanced Standing Credits

Miami Law may award up to 29 Advanced Standing Credits (ASC) towards the JD degree for prior law study in a foreign country. The specific number of such credits will be determined at the time of admission to the LLM/JD Program.

Graduation Requirements and Bar Exam Advice

Click here to review the requirements and sample schedule for students who start in an LLM Program and later join the JD Program.

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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