Application Information for LLM, SJD & Exchange Programs

Applicants to Duke Law's LLM, SJD and exchange programs may begin submitting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year on September 15, 2011. The application deadline is January 20, 2012.

Application Review

The application review process includes a thorough evaluation of a candidate's performance in previous law studies. Also of special significance are the applicant's professional experience, areas of special interest and expertise, professional and personal goals, strong letters of recommendation and English proficiency. To be eligible for admission to the LLM or SJD program, an applicant must hold a first degree in law - the JD, LLB, or the equivalent - from an accredited or comparably recognized law school or law faculty in their home countries. SJD candidates must additionally hold an LLM degree from an American law school or from a common law program.

Admission Decisions

Although the application deadline is January 20, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The application review process begins in late December, and decisions are made throughout the following months. Notification of admission will begin in February. Admission to the LLM and SJD program is for fall semester only.

2012 LLM & SJD Application Procedures

Our preferred method for submitting application materials is electronically via LSAC (Law School Admission Council). Please visit the LSAC website for account access or to create a new account. Complete application instructions are available on the electronic application for the Duke Law LLM program.

You may also submit your application materials directly to our office. The checklist below allows you to investigate the options available for both application types. Please note that you must omit the box number from the address if you plan to send application materials via courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) to the International Admissions office.

It is important to review the detailed application procedures via the link below.

2012 Exchange Application Procedures

Applicants to the exchange program must submit their application materials directly to our office. Please note that you must omit the box number from our address if you plan to send application materials via courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.) to the International Admissions office.

It is important to review the detailed application procedures via the following link.

» View Detailed Application Procedures «

Application Checklist

Checklist	Mail-in Application	Applying Online Through LSAC
Application & Signed Certification Letter	Download the application form and certification letter, complete and sign	You must electronically certify your application
$70 Application Fee	Your name must be noted on the check or money order payable to Duke Law School - you may also use traveler's checks	You may submit payment via credit card or mail payment to International Admissions
Resume	Include with application	Use electronic attachment
Personal Statement	Include with application	Use electronic attachment
Recommendation Letters	Download the recommendation letter form	Utilize LSAC's LOR service or submit directly to International Admissions
Short Statement of Proposed Research Focus (SJD applicants ONLY)	Include with application	Use electronic attachment
Writing Sample (SJD applicants ONLY)	Include with application	Use electronic attachment
Transcripts	May be submitted with application materials or institutions may send directly to International Admissions	Included in Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report
TOEFL Score Report	Have TOEFL submit your score report to Duke - institution code 5156, department code 03	Included in CAS report
Scholarship Request Letter	Include with application	Use electronic attachment