LL.M. Admissions

Admission to the LL.M. Program in American Law is open to only a select few foreign graduate students each year. No more than 7 students per year will be admitted to the Program. Applicants must have completed a basic law degree from a recognized college, university or law school outside the United States.

Students must have excellent academic records and strong professional and/or academic recommendations. Professional experience and demonstrated leadership skills will also be taken into account in admissions' decisions. Students must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Admissions applications for the Fall must be received by March 1st each year, but applications will be evaluated as soon as a file is complete. A complete application file must include:

  • Completed application form. Download Application here
  • Application fee of $ 30.00 U.S. currency payable by check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank. The check or money order must be made payable to Florida State University. Foreign money orders are not accepted. The applicant's complete name and date of birth should be clearly indicated on all methods of payment.
  • Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter of recommendation should be from an academic instructor familiar with the student's work.
  • TOEFL scores (if applicable). Go to TOEFL and English Language page.
  • Two transcripts from each post-secondary school. Go to Transcripts here.
  • The Certification of Financial Responsibility Form and proof of financial support. Download the form here.
  • A written personal statement with information about any personal experiences, achievements, plans, goals or other factors the applicant would like the admissions committee to take into account. The statement should indicate whether the applicant intends to direct his or her study of American law to a particular field. The statement should not address financial aid issues. The statement should reflect the applicant's own writing style and be no more than 500 words. The applicant should also include a resume.

The application form, transcripts and letters of recommendation should be mailed to:

Associate Dean Donna R. Christie

Director, LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers
Florida State University College of Law
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601

Admitted students may begin studies in the Fall semester only. The two-semester program runs from mid-August until late April or early May. Consult the Academic Calendar for specific dates.