Application Procedures for LLM and SJD Programs
2012
- Application Checklist
- Application Deadline
- How to Apply
- Application Processing Fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Letters
- Academic Transcripts
- TOEFL Score Report
- Application Review
- Reapplying
- Contact Us
Application Checklist
The following items are required to complete your application for admission. Your file will not be evaluated until all required items have been received. You will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your material. An additional e-mail will be sent if items are missing from your file. Please note that we do not send e-mails to indicate that files are complete.
- Application form completed. If applying via LSAC, certification must be signed electronically. If not, you must also complete and sign the Certification Letter and submit the hard copy to International Admissions.
- $70 non-refundable application processing fee. If applying electronically via LSAC, you may submit payment via credit card. You may also submit payment (see following acceptable forms) directly to the International Admissions office. If not, acceptable forms of payment are 1) checks in USD drawn on a U.S. bank, 2) postal or bank money order in USD, or 3) travelers checks (please sign on both the top and bottom lines if using travelers checks). Non-credit card payment methods should be made payable to Duke Law School. This fee is not required from exchange applicants.
- Resume. If you are applying electronically, use electronic attachment.
- Personal statement 2-5 pages in length. If you are applying electronically, use electronic attachment.
- Transcripts for all previously attended academic institutions. You may utilize the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) or have transcripts mailed directly to the International Admissions office. If still enrolled in courses when application package is submitted, include transcripts for all completed work and indicate when final transcript will be available.
- Recommendation letters. LLM applicants should include at least two recommendation letters, one of which should be from a person identified as best suited to judge applicant's academic ability. SJD applicants must include a minimum of three recommendation letters, one of which should be from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance during the LLM program. Exchange student applicants are required to submit one recommendation letter. You may utilize the LSAC LOR service or submit letters directly to International Admissions office.
- Short Statement of Proposed Research Focus. ONLY SJD applicants should include a brief (2-5 pages) research proposal describing the applicant's research interest.
- Writing sample. ONLY SJD applicants should include a sample indicative of their scholarship and writing ability.
- TOEFL score report. If applying electronically, score is included in CAS report. If not, have ETS submit your score to Duke, institution code 5156, department code 03. Exchange applicants are not required to submit a TOEFL score report.
- Scholarship request letter. Duke Law School has very limited financial assistance to offer international students. Very qualified applicants should submit with their application a letter requesting scholarship consideration and explaining the basis for consideration. Use attachment if applying via LSAC.
Application Deadline
The recommended application deadline is January 20, 2012. We encourage you to submit your application and supporting material as early as possible.
How to Apply
Our preferred method for submitting application materials for the LLM or SJD program 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 the International Admissions office (address below). Please note that you must omit the box number from our mailing address if you plan to send application materials via courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.).
Exchange applications must be submitted directly to the International Admissions Office. LSAC is not available for exchange applicants.
Application Processing Fee
Submit a check (in USD drawn on a U.S. bank), postal or bank money order or travelers checks (signed on both the top and bottom lines) made payable to Duke Law School in the amount of $70. If you apply electronically through LSAC, you have the option to pay by credit card. Please note that the only way to utilize a credit card to pay the application fee is by applying electronically through LSAC. We are unable to offer application fee waivers to LLM and SJD applicants. This fee is not required from exchange applicants.
Resume
Please submit a resume with your application. If you apply via LSAC, use the electronic attachment.
Personal Statement
You are required to submit a 2-5 page personal statement. If you apply via LSAC, use the electronic attachment. The personal statement should include the applicant's professional and educational experience, special areas of interest, previous overseas experience, and any other information that supports the application. Please let us know if there is a special reason for applying to Duke Law School such as family members who are alumni or who are living in North Carolina, or a spouse or significant other with admission to a nearby school or who is also applying to the LLM program.
Recommendation Letters
A minimum of two letters of recommendation should be submitted on behalf of the LLM applicant. Such letters should not be from relatives or close family friends. The letters should explain the relationship of the writer to the applicant. At least one letter should be from a faculty member well acquainted with the applicant's academic ability. SJD applicants must include at least three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from a faculty member familiar with the applicant's LLM experience. Exchange program applicants need only submit one recommendation letter.
Letters can be included in the applicant's materials or sent directly to the International Admissions office. LSAC also offers an LOR service for letters of recommendation if applying electronically. Recommendation letter forms are available for download at our site (LSAC provides forms so the forms from our site are not required if you are utilizing LSAC to submit your letters of recommendation). Please note that these forms are optional as referees may submit recommendation letters directly to our office without the forms. Your signature on the recommendation form indicates you have waived your right to the material contained in the recommendation letter.
Academic Transcripts
Transcripts for all previously attended academic institutions must be submitted. Applicants can either utilize the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) with LSAC or have them sent to the International Admissions office directly from the academic institution. Transcripts may also be submitted directly by the applicant with their application materials. Please note that if you are not utilizing the Credential Assembly Service all transcripts must include an English translation and an explanation of the grading system.
TOEFL Score Report
Register for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) at least two months before the examination is given. Because it may take more than one month for score results to reach Duke, it is advisable to take the test as soon as possible. TOEFL scores must be less than two years old to be considered valid. Candidates who have received prior academic degrees in the United States or from an English-medium institution will be exempt from this requirement; all other applicants must submit test scores in order to complete the admissions process. Duke's TOEFL institution code is 5156 and its department code is 03. TOEFL score results for students utilizing the LSAC Credential Assembly Service will automatically be included in the report. Students admitted to graduate study normally have scores of at least 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, and 100 on the Internet-based test.
Application Review
Admission to Duke's graduate law programs is highly competitive and depends to a great extent on the demonstration of outstanding 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. The Law School benefits from a student body that represents a broad range of experiences and interests. It is often helpful to indicate reasons for interest in an LLM degree in general and Duke Law School in particular, especially as they relate to an applicant's specific experience. The application review process generally begins in December, and decisions are made throughout the following months.
Reapplying
For re-application, please send us by January 20, 2012 a statement of intent, a new application form and personal statement, an updated resume, $70 re-application fee, a new TOEFL score (if better than the score in your previous application), additional transcripts (if applicable) and optional additional recommendation letters.
Contact Us
International Admissions
Duke University School of Law
210 Science Drive
Box 90365
Durham, N.C. 27708-0365
phone: 919-613-7033
fax: 919-681-6550
email: international@law.duke.edu
web: www.law.duke.edu/international/
