LL.M. FAQ
General
What are the dates of the program?
The mandatory LL.M. 500 course will take place August 5-23, 2013. Fall semester classes begin on August 26, 2013. Winter break is from December 20, 2013 to January 20, 2014 with spring classes starting on January 21, 2014. Convocation is May 17, 2014. The University calendar is available here.
Do you offer a part-time or distance learning program?
No.
I have heard that the American Bar Association is considering new guidelines for LLM students to take U.S. bar examinations. What is this about?
While the American Bar Association is considering a model standard for minimum education requirements for LL.M. students to be eligible to take state bar exams, that model standard has not yet been adopted. Even if adopted, the model standard would simply be a recommendation to individual states regarding their bar exam requirements, and may or may not be implemented by the states. The University of Illinois College of Law is tracking this development and will make program changes if necessary. Currently the LL.M. program is compliant with the New York Bar's requirements for foreign educated lawyers.
Can I transfer to the J.D. program with advanced standing?
After you complete your LL.M. from Illinois you may apply for Advanced Standing in the J.D. program. This would allow you to receive a J.D. in two years. The application process is a competitive one and we will require that you take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). To determine if you are admitted, the Committee will review your LSAT score, your undergraduate work, any relevant work experience and your performance in our LL.M. program. We weigh your performance in the LL.M. program most heavily and typically only accept those students that perform at the highest level. More information may be found here.
How do I contact someone the regarding LL.M. program?
Call or write us at:
Office of Graduate and International Legal Studies
University of Illinois College of Law
504 East Pennsylvania Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820 USA
(217) 333-6066
phone
(217) 244-1478 fax
Admissions and Requirements
What type of admission process do you have?
The LL.M. program offers rolling admissions, beginning in January until approximately May 15 to allow adequate time for document preparation and visa processing.
Can I start the program in the spring?
No, LL.M. students matriculate in the fall semester only.
What is your TOEFL or IELTS requirement and code?
You must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum TOEFL score is 79 internet-based and must be taken within 2 years of program term of entry (August).
The University of Illinois College of Law's Institutional Code of 1836 and department code of 00 should be used in reporting your TOEFL score. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5 with subscores of 6 or higher on all four modules.
If I am admitted but am unable to attend, is it possible to defer my admission until the next year?
Deferrals are granted on a case by case basis for compelling reasons, such as the inability to secure a visa or financial hardship. In any case, deferrals cannot be extended beyond one year.
Do you require the LSAT?
No.
Application Procedures
How many letters of reference do you require?
We require two letters of reference. Letters can be submitted in hard copy form in signed and sealed envelopes or through the Online Application.
Where do I send the application materials?
Send application and all supporting materials to:
Office of Graduate and International Legal Studies
University of Illinois College of Law
504 East Pennsylvania Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820 USA
What is the program code for the LL.M. program?
10KS0281LLM
Housing
How do I apply online for housing?
In order to apply online for university housing, you must have your UIN (University Identification Number). Once you have that number, you should go to http://housing.illinois.edu/apply Another resource for off campus housing is the Tenant Union.
Legal English
Is an introductory Legal English course available?
No, but all entering LL.M. students are required to take Law 500. The three week 2 credit course, open only to incoming Illinois LL.M. students, is specifically designed to facilitate the entry of foreign students into the University of Illinois College of Law by introducing aspects of the U.S. legal system and legal education. It was developed in response to requests from incoming LL.M. students who did not feel adequately prepared to begin law classes in English without some orientation to the context in which U.S. law operates and to the teaching method at U.S. law schools.
Tuition and Fees
How can I pay my tuition and fees?
You may use one of the following methods: check, cash, debit card or credit card. The University accepts both e-checks and credit card payments online through UI-Pay. An e-check is an electronic withdrawal from a checking or savings account at a domestic (U.S.) bank account. Individuals who wish to write e-checks against another type of account (credit card, home equity line of credit, money market account, mutual fund, etc.), must contact their financial institution to verify that electronic checks can be written against that account.
Credit cards accepted for payment are MasterCard, American Express and Discover. All credit card transactions will be assessed a 2.4% convenience fee.
Visa
When will I get my I-20?
Once your file has been approved for final admission, your I-20 will be issued by the University of Illinois Graduate Admissions. It will be sent along with your admission letter to the address you provide. This process may take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
