JD & Joint-degree Application
Applicants to Duke Law's JD and Joint Degree programs may begin submitting applications for the 2007 entering class on September 1, 2007. The application deadline is February 15, 2008.
The JD program requires 84 credits and is completed in three years. Students completing the joint degree program earn both a JD and master's degree in three years and one summer. You may apply for one degree program only, and that choice must be indicated on the application.
Application Review
The application review process includes a thorough evaluation of a candidate’s academic record, including the rigor and breadth of the curriculum, overall grade trends, and any graduate level work. To be eligible for admission, an applicant must receive a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment at the Law School.
Duke also seeks to identify applicants who demonstrate leadership and engagement. Most successful candidates show sustained and meaningful commitment to one or more fields of interest to them. Although many applicants have had some exposure to the legal profession, this is not in itself a requirement. The Law School community benefits from a student body that represents a broad range of experiences and interests. It is often helpful to indicate reasons for interest in law school in general and Duke in particular, especially when they relate to an applicant’s specific experiences. Special care is taken when evaluating applications to achieve diversity in interests, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Admission Decisions
Although the application deadline is February 15, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The application review process begins in late October, and decisions are made throughout the following months. In recent years, most offers of admission were made prior to March 1, and all decisions were made by the end of April. Applicants who present a completed file earlier in the process have a distinct advantage.
2008 JD & Joint Degree Application Procedures
Our preferred method for submitting application material is electronically through LSAC (for more information, contact LSAC at (215) 968-1001 or www.lsac.org. LSDAS registrants with online LSAC accounts will have access to the electronic JD application.
| Checklist | Mail-in Application | Applying Online through LSAC |
| Signed Application | Download the Application form (PDF or Word), complete and sign. | You will have the option to submit your signature electronically or submit the Certification Letter separately. |
| $70 Application Fee | Your name and birth date (mm/dd) must be noted on the check or money order payable to Duke Law School. | You may submit payment via credit card or mail directly to the admissions office. |
| Resume | Include with Application. | Use electronic attachment. |
| Personal Statement & Optional Essays | Include with Application. | Use electronic attachment. |
| Letters of Reference | Preferred method is the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service | Preferred method is the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. |
| Scholarship Form (optional) | Include with Application. | This form cannot be submitted electronically. Download the application form (PDF) |
| LSDAS Law School Report | Material will be requested from LSAC shortly after receipt of your application. | Material will be requested from LSAC shortly after you submit the application. |
| TOEFL(for international applicants only, if applicable) | Submit a copy of your TOEFL report with your application. | Submit a copy of your TOEFL report directly to the admissions office. |
JD/LLM
Duke Law offers select JD candidates the opportunity to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in international and comparative law while studying for the JD degree. Students accepted to this joint degree program begin their studies in the summer, undertaking part of the regular first-year curriculum with students who are enrolled in the joint JD/MA program. During the remaining six semesters of law study, and in a four-week period at one of Duke's summer programs, JD/LLM students complete requirements for both degrees.
Joint Degree Applications
Applicants seeking admission to the following summer entry joint degree programs should submit an application to the Law School only: JD/LLM, JD/MA, JD/MS. JD/LLM and JD/MA-MS candidates should include a brief statement (1-2 pages) of interest in the program.
Applicants seeking admission to the following fall entry joint degree programs must also submit a separate application to the appropriate Duke University graduate or professional school: JD/MBA, JD/MD, JD/MEM, JD/MPP, JD/MTS or JD/PhD.
For more information on these programs, click here.
Bar Admission
Law School applicants should learn about the rules governing admission to the bar, including character and fitness qualifications. Information can be obtained by writing to the appropriate state board of bar examiners.
Mailing Addresses
Office of Admissions
Duke University School of Law
Science Drive & Towerview Road
Box 90393
Durham NC 27708-0393
For overnight delivery, omit the box number.
