LL.M. - How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting September 1 each year with a March 1 priority application deadline for scholarship consideration. Enrollment is limited to the fall semester, which begins in early August.

In order to be eligible for the UC Law SF LL.M. program, you must be an attorney licensed outside of the U.S. or have completed (or expect to complete prior to enrollment at UC Law SF) a first degree in law outside of the U.S..

Application Deadline:

  • Students who require an F-1 Student visa to attend UC Law SF: All application materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by the UC Law SF Admissions Office by May 31. Applications received or missing supplemental materials after May 31 will not be considered.
  • US Citizens, U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, and students who have a valid status in the United States that allows them to engage in a full course of study: Students who do not need a visa to attend our program, but still meet eligibility requirements, must have their complete applications and all supplemental materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, reach UC Law SF by June 30 to be considered for admission. Applications received or missing supplemental materials after June 30 will not be considered.

We encourage applicants to submit their applications early in order to receive an enrollment decision in a timely manner.

Start Your Application Now!

NOTE ON THE ELIGIBILITY TO BE ADMITTED TO A U.S. BAR AND OUR LL.M. DEGREE

If you are already a practicing lawyer in your home country, you can apply to sit for the California State Bar examination. If you are not admitted to the bar in your own country, but have a first degree in law, you may apply to sit for the California State Bar exam if (1) your law degree is equivalent to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree awarded by an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved or California-accredited law school in the U.S. and (2) you have the required number of years of study.  In general, this means that in addition to your first law degree you must have been awarded an LL.M. degree from an ABA accredited law school with a minimum of 20 credits of legal education. You must also have taken at least 12 credits of courses related to subjects tested on the California Bar exam, including Professional Responsibility. For more information, you should consult the California State Bar Examiners Rules. 

The requirements for taking the New York Bar Exam are similar to those of California. To learn more about the eligibility requirements for the New York Bar exam, visit the New York State Board of Law Examiners website.

If you are interested in being admitted to another state bar, please consult the rules for that state bar.


Contact Us

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at llm@uchastings.edu.

Join our EMail LIst

Kiou, Vasiliki Vanessa

Name:  Vasiliki “Vanessa” Kiou
Class: 2015
Country: Greece

“The LL.M. program prepared me for a career in Business and Intellectual Property law, helped me develop a set of valuable skills, and expanded my professional network.  Living in the heart of the global innovation ecosystem and studying in such a diverse academic environment was one of the most intellectually and socially stimulating experiences I have ever had.”

Aguilar, Katlyn Cropped

Name: Katlyn Anne Carlos Aguilar-Bilgera
Class: 2017
Country: Philippines

“Being an LL.M. student at UC Law SF was a rewarding experience. The school’s intellectually stimulating and enriching learning environment enabled me to go beyond my perceived limitations. Because of the knowledge, skills, and discipline I acquired and developed from the program, I am now able to contribute in preparing and shaping students to become competent and productive members of the legal profession in my home country. It is my hope that I will be able to exhibit the same commitment and competence which I have witnessed from my professors at UC Law SF.”

Tripti

Name: Tripti Sharma
Class: 2006
Country: India

“The faculty at UC Law SF are very engaged with their students. Most have an “open door” policy and are extremely reachable. I was interested in Immigration Law at the beginning of my coursework and my professor guided me through the process of getting an externship in that area. It was a valuable experience and helped me improve my writing and researching skills.”