Why Get Your LL.M. and J.D. Degree?
Foreign-trained lawyers currently enrolled in one of our LL.M. Programs often inquire about applying the J.D. Program. Unlike other LL.M. programs, the number of foreign lawyers who stay on to graduate with a J.D. 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 J.D./LL.M. 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 J.D. degree and the LL.M. degree upon completing all graduation requirements.
If a current Miami Law foreign-trained LL.M. student has the long-term goal to practice law in the U.S., they should consider doing a joint LL.M. + J.D. program.
Timing & Application Deadlines
Students should discuss their intention to apply to the J.D. program with their LL.M. program director early on in their LL.M. studies to ensure their course selection enables them to complete all graduation requirements effectively.
- Fall start LL.M. Students
- Deadline to apply to J.D.: May 1
- Spring start LL.M. Students
- Deadline to apply to J.D.: December 1
- Summer start LL.M. Students
- Deadline to apply to J.D.: April 15
Applications received after the deadline may not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Eligibility
The application process for the J.D. program is highly competitive, and successful students will ordinarily have an exceptional record of achievement in the LL.M. program. This includes not only a very high GPA but also other factors such as the difficulty of coursework.
Applications are considered case by case and there are no grade ranges within which LL.M. students are guaranteed admission into the J.D. program.
Please refer to the J.D. application overview page for further information.
Application Process – Apply to the J.D. with no LSAT
Miami Law LL.M. students and graduates can apply to the J.D. Program without taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). LL.M. to J.D. students must submit the following materials for consideration by the admissions committee:
- Completed Joint JD./LL.M. Application Form
- Statement of purpose
- U.S. style resume
- Original LL.M. application file
- LL.M. application
- Transcripts
- Photocopies of degrees received
- Certification
- Letters of Recommendation
- TOEFL (if applicable)
- LL.M. transcripts (if available)
- LL.M. I-20/visa documentation (if applicable)
- UM LL.M. transcript (request from Law Registrar's Office)
A separate admissions committee will review applications and determine eligibility to enter the J.D. program. The admissions committee takes into consideration the nature of, and grade point average in, classes taken by the applicant while enrolled in the LL.M. program.
Possibility to Transfer Credits
Miami Law may award up to 29 Advanced Standing Credits towards the J.D. to students for their foreign law studies. The specific number of such credits will be determined at the time of admission to the J.D. based on a review of the applicant’s J.D. application file.
Graduation Requirements and Bar Exam Advice
Please review requirements, sample schedules, for for students who start in an LL.M. and join the J.D. program.
Questions?
Before Applying to the J.D. Program – Contact your LL.M. director.
After Application Submission to the J.D. Program – Contact the University of Miami Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment.
