Is the TOEFL required?
For non-U.S.-trained lawyers, the Law School requires a TOEFL or IELTS score unless the language of instruction for the applicant’s law classes was English.
What is a competitive TOEFL or IELTS score?
The Law School does not have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score, but your application is more competitive with a TOEFL score of at least 600 (PBT), 250 (CBT), 100 (IBT), and an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
Is a letter of recommendation required?
Yes. At least one letter of recommendation from the dean or a professor of the university where you obtained your first law degree is required.
Is a personal statement or essay required?
Yes. You must write a personal statement or essay stating your background, your reasons for applying to the International LL.M. Program, and your career expectations.
What material is required to submit an application to the International Graduate Program?
The applicant must submit the following:
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) application, dated and signed.
- US $54 Application Fee (made payable to The University of Alabama).
You may send a check or money order. Cash is not accepted. This fee cannot be waived and is non-refundable. - Personal statement stating your background, your reasons for applying to the International LL.M. program, and your career expectations.
- Transcript evaluation.
It is preferred that applicants use the LSAC International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service for transcript evaluation. For information, please visit www.lsac.org, click on the “Future LL.M. Students” tab, and review the information regarding the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (LL.M. CAS). LSAC requires a fee for this service.
The Law School will also accept official transcripts, certificates, and/or diplomas from all schools, colleges, and universities attended above the secondary level for evaluation. All must be certified by the dean or registrar of each educational institution and translated in English. These transcripts, certificates, and/or diplomas must come directly from the educational institutions. - At least one letter of recommendation from the dean or a professor of the university where you obtained your first degree in law. The letter must be sent directly from the dean or professor to the Law School Admissions Office or to LSAC LL.M. CAS.
- Resume showing all full-time employment, honors, and activities.
- Completed Student F-1 I-20/J-1 DS-2019 Request Form.
- If you answer “Yes” to any portion of the Code of Conduct or Character and Fitness Section of the application, please provide supplemental information in accordance with the instructions.
- Official TOEFL report or IELTS score if the language of instruction for your first law degree was not English. The TOEFL report must come directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS). The TOEFL or IELTS score may not be more than two years old. The scores may be sent directly to the LSAC LL.M. CAS or directly to the Law School.
- Copy of both photo and visa page of your passport.
How do I apply to the International LL.M. Program?
You may apply online through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org. To complete the application through the LSAC, you must register for the LL.M. Document Assembly Service (which is a service provided by the LL.M. CAS).
When does the Law School begin accepting applications?
The Law School begins accepting applications on September 1 in the year prior to the year in which you wish to enroll.
What is the tuition for the LL.M. Program?
For 2024-25, the full-time tuition rate is $46,700 for out-of-state students, plus an international student fee.
After I submit my application, when should I expect a decision?
The Admissions Committee will review your application when your application file is complete. Apply early to ensure time to process any necessary visas or other special documents.
Are scholarships available for LL.M. students?
Generally, scholarships are not available for LL.M. students.
If I successfully complete the LL.M. Program, may I take the Alabama or any other state bar exam?
Although the program is intended for lawyers who will return to their home countries, some graduates may decide to take an American bar exam. Each state bar has different eligibility requirements for its bar exam. Please contact the state bar in which you are interested for details. For more information on the Alabama State Bar, please refer to Rule IV and http://www.alabar.org/admissions/.
If I successfully complete the LL.M. Program, may I take the Alabama or any other state bar exam? Although the program is intended for lawyers who will return to their home countries, some graduates may decide to take an American bar exam. Each state bar has different eligibility requirements for its bar exam. Please contact the state bar in which you are interested for details. For more information, please review our qualifications for admission to the bar page. For more information on the Alabama State Bar, please refer to Rule IV and http://www.alabar.org/admissions/.