School of Law Admission

How to Apply

• J.D. Program

  • Combination Degree Programs
  • Transfer Applicants
  • Visiting Applicants

• LL.M. program

Juris Doctor Requirements for Admission 

1. Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling at William & Mary Law.
2. Applicants must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). 
3. Applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

Deadlines:

Applications for fall enrollment open October 1. For best admission and scholarship opportunities, submit a completed application by March 1. All applications must be complete by March 1 in order to be reviewed for admission.

Application Checklist:

1. Law School Application: Applicants should use the LSAC Electronic Application to complete their application.  
2. Application Fee of $85 (nonrefundable) 
3. Required Essays: 2 pages maximum, double spaced, 12 point font required
   • Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admission committee and should include why the J.D. degree is essential to your future. We recommend addressing any character and fitness or educational issues within the optional addenda below.  
   • Why W&M Law Statement: We ask you provide a statement as to why you have selected to apply to William & Mary Law School, how your background, goals, and experiences will benefit our community, and how the Law School can support your pursuit of a legal career.  
4. Resume: A resume of no more than two pages, single sided is required.
5. Optional Essays: While optional, the below essays can be beneficial in the evaluation of merit-based scholarship aid.  
   • Diversity & Inclusion Statements: We encourage applicants to provide information that may be beneficial in the evaluation process related to personal upbringing, experiences, and/or motivations for pursuing law school as an individual with a disability, from an underrepresented group in the legal profession, a first-generation student, and/or a socioeconomically disadvantaged background. 
   • LSAT, GPA, and/or Character & Fitness Addenda: Context around an LSAT score, grade point average, or a more detailed explanation of a “yes” answer to the Character & Fitness section is accepted. We ask that you devote an individual page to each within your application where necessary. 

6. Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.  At least one faculty recommendation is expected. If you have questions about this expectation, please contact the Admissions Office. All letters of recommendation must be submitted to CAS. 

7. Credential Assembly Service Report: Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and arrange to have your undergraduate and graduate transcripts sent by February 1 to CAS from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants must take the LSAT no later than January and have a reportable score on record with CAS. The CAS code for William & Mary is 5115.
8. Law School Admission Test: We accept all valid LSAT scores from the last five years. The January 2023 exam is the last LSAT accepted as a first-time test taker; subsequent exams may be submitted as supplemental material in support of your application. 
9. For International Applicants: Where English is not your native language, and if your schooling has been in a language other than English, the TOEFL or IELTS is recommended. Any student who has spoken a language other than English in the home should strongly consider submitting TOEFL or IELTS test scores as they give the Admission Committee additional insight into language proficiency and preparedness for law school. Test scores are valid for two years.
10. Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges: Applicants claiming entitlement to in-state educational privileges must complete the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges, save, and add it as an attachment to the electronic application.  If the admission application has already been electronically submitted, applicants applying for Virginia in-state tuition privileges must complete the form found on the University Registrar’s website and return to the Registrar by email, mail, or fax.

    Note: Applicants who are active duty military personnel or honorably discharged veterans are eligible for in-state tuition privileges once they have moved to Virginia. Upon moving here, applicants should submit the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges and their military orders showing permanent duty station (active duty) or their discharge papers (veterans) to the Domicile Office at domicile@wm.edu.

Merit-Based Financial Aid

All students are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically upon submission of your application; no additional information will be necessary during the application process. Separate scholarship applications may be made available for certain awards during the application cycle. 

Need-Based Financial Aid Application

Applicants for need-based scholarships and/or educational loans must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline is February 15. The FAFSA Title IV code for William & Mary is 003705. 

Note: A Dean’s Certification is not required for first-year applicants.

Costs of the Degree

Information on the cost of the LL.M. Degree, including financial aid (scholarships) and residency eligibility for in-state tuition, can be found on the School of Law Costs  page. 

The successful completion of the J.D. will meet the educational requirements for a licensure in all 50 states and U.S. territories. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Master of Laws

Admission Requirements

1. To qualify for this program, students must demonstrate that they:

• have completed the necessary legal education required to obtain an LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws), LL.M. (Master of Laws), or J.M. (Juris Master) in a foreign country or to take the equivalent of the bar examination in that country; or
• are qualified to practice law in a foreign country. 

2. The LL.M. program requires oral participation and the ability to write examinations and academic papers in English. To ensure that students gain the most out of their experience and achieve the level of mastery expected of graduate LL.M. students, we require a certification of English language competency. Applicants who have not graduated from a U.S. institution of higher education are required to submit official test scores from one of the following:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), achieving a minimum of 90 (Internet-based total);
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), achieving a minimum of 6; or
• Duolingo English Test, achieving a minimum of 95. 

William & Mary will not accept scores older than two years at the time of application.

Exceptional, international applicants who meet the following conditions may be considered for admission without submitting English language test scores:

• English is the applicant’s country’s official language, or
• The applicant’s Bachelor’s degree (or higher) was earned from a country where English is both the official language, and the institution’s language of instruction; or
• The applicant’s Bachelor’s degree (or higher) was earned from an institution accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency.

3. International students must satisfy the United States government’s requirements for admission into the United States. In order to apply for F-1 student visa or a J-1 exchange visa, admitted international students will need to complete identification and financial forms that are to be submitted with their tuition deposit. International students will be issued documents to present at a U.S. embassy or consulate when applying for their visa. For additional information, please visit the William & Mary’s International Student Service website.

The Application Process

There are two ways to apply to the LL.M program.

1. Apply through the W&M LL.M. Application Portal

Applicants must click on “sign up” to create an account.  They must complete the online application form, upload TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test results, together with (i) transcripts, (ii) degree conferral, and (iii) certified English translations of both.* They must also upload their resume and personal statement. They may also upload two (optional) letters of recommendation: we prefer letters from law professors, employers or other significant people who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic or professional career.

There are no fees associated with this method of application. When an admission decision is made, applicants will be notified to log into the application portal to view it.

* Official documentation: if at the time of the application applicants do not hold official, stamped (i) transcripts, (ii) degree conferral, and (iii) certified English translations of both, they can submit unofficial versions. However, the official, stamped version of all the above documentation will be required upon arrival to the William & Mary Law School.

2. Apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) 

Applicants must create an account. They must complete the LSAC application form for William & Mary Law School LL.M. They have to order official transcripts through the LSAC portal using LSAC’s transcript request form (TRF). They have to upload their resume, personal statement, TOEFL or IELTS test results (use Institution Code: 5115, Dept. Code: 03), and other explanation documents, if any. They may also upload two (optional) letters of recommendation: we prefer letters from law professors, employers or other significant people who are knowledgeable about your academic or professional career.

There are fees associated with using the LSAC services, so please review their website explaining what steps you need to take in order to apply. 

Application Checklist

1. Before applying, please review carefully:
   • The Admission Requirements; and
   • The Cost of the LL.M. Degree.
2. Choose your application method: William & Mary Law School LL.M. Application Portal or LSAC.
3. If you are applying through the W&M LL.M. Application Portal:
   • Upload your unofficial transcripts and other relevant academic records;
   • Include your official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores;
   • You may upload two optional letters of recommendation;
   • Please answer all the questions; and
   • Submit your application.
4.  If you are applying through LSAC:
   • Use the transcript request form (TRF) process so that your official documents are sent directly, in sealed envelopes, by your institution(s) to LSAC ;
   • Follow the instructions to have your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores submitted directly to LSAC;
   • You may upload two optional letters of recommendation;
   • Please answer all the questions; and
   • Submit your application.

Factors considered for Admission

To create a qualified and diverse entering class, William & Mary Law School considers a variety of factors including, general academic ability (using factors such as academic performance, strength of school and course work), extracurricular activities and work experience, capacity for legal study, and other relevant personal qualities and characteristics.

Key Dates

Costs of the Degree

Information on the cost of the LL.M. Degree, including financial aid (scholarships) and residency eligibility for in-state tuition, can be found on the School of Law Costs  page. 

Combination Degree Programs

We offer combined degree programs with a number of different graduate programs at W&M. Combined degree programs allow students to complete two graduate degrees concurrently in less time than would be required to complete each degree separately.

Combined Degree in Law and Business

A combined degree in which a student may obtain both a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree in four years, instead of the five years that would be required if each were pursued separately. Candidates interested in this combined degree program must apply and gain acceptance to both the Mason School of Business and William & Mary Law School independently.

Combined Degree in Law and Public Policy

A combined degree in which the student may obtain both a Master of Public Policy and a Juris Doctor degree in four years, instead of the five years that would be required if each degree were pursued separately. Candidates interested in this combined degree program must apply to and gain acceptance by both the W&M Public Policy program and William & Mary Law School independently.  Read more about the Bolin Fellowship, intended for underrepresented populations enrolled in the combined MPP/JD program. 

Combined Degree in Law and American Studies

A combined degree in which the student may obtain both a Master of Arts in American Studies and a Juris Doctor degree in four years, instead of the five years that would be required if each degree were pursued separately. Candidates interest in this combined degree program must apply to and gain acceptance by both the W&M Arts & Sciences program and William & Mary Law School independently. 

Requirements for Admission

Separate admission to each program is required; successful admission to one program will have no effect on your admission to the other program. To apply to the law school, combination degree applicants should follow the same guidelines for first-year J.D. applicants. 

Candidates who are enrolled initially in the combination degree program must declare by May 15 their intent to begin the first year of study in either the Law School or the combination program. Students who are already enrolled at one school and accept a position at the other school must submit their intention to enroll in the combination degree program and the designated semester chosen to enroll in the combination school to the Assistant Dean for Academic Services and Associate Dean for Admission at the Law School and the Director of Admission of the combination program by April 1 of the year entering the combination degree program.

Transfer Applicants

Make the Switch and join the William & Mary Law School community! If you are a current William & Mary Law LL.M. student or graduate of the program, please review the LL.M. to J.D. application requirements. 

Requirements for Admission:

1. Your current law school must be approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools.*
2. You must be in good standing and have successfully completed 26 credit hours at your current law school.

Additional Information:

• Generally, students should rank in the upper third of their class to be considered for transfer admission.
• The number of credits transferred from your previous law school to William & Mary may vary. Transcripts are individually evaluated and compared to the William & Mary curriculum. Normally, 29 credit hours is the maximum that will be accepted, and only those credits where the grade earned is a “C” or better will transfer.
• Scholarships funded by the Law School are generally not available to transfer students. Transfer students are urged to explore scholarships from other sources as well as loans if they need financial assistance.
• *Note: Pursuant to ABA Standards 502(b) and 502(c), current W&M LL.M. students may request a waiver of the requirement that your previous law school be approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools. If you are a current W&M LL.M. student interested in applying for admission to the J.D. program, contact the LL.M. Program Director.

The Transition:

We hope to make your transition as easy as possible. Transfer students are encouraged to participate in Moot Court, Trial Teams, journal competitions, and other organizations on campus. Getting involved will make you feel more at home at William & Mary.

Deadlines:

We accept applications between May 1 and June 15 for enrollment in August. All applications must be submitted by June 15 in order to be reviewed for admission. 

Steps for Applying:

(1) Complete the Application
Applicants should complete and submit the LSAC Electronic Application. 

(2) Submit the Application Fee
Submit a nonrefundable $50 (U.S. dollars) application fee through a credit or debit card payment through LSAC.

(3) Submit a Personal Statement 
Submit a personal statement including your reason(s) for seeking transfer to William & Mary Law School.

(4) Submit Letters of Recommendation or Evaluations
Submit at least two letters of recommendation or evaluations. One should be from a faculty member of your current law school.  The letters should be sent directly to LSAC to be included in your CAS report.

(5) Submit Letter of Good Standing
Submit a letter of good standing from the dean of your law school, written after grades for the last semester have been posted, stating that you are in good academic standing and unconditionally eligible to return.

(6) Send LSAT Report and Academic Transcripts
Arrange to have a copy of your LSAT score and all undergraduate, graduate and law school transcripts sent to William & Mary Law School. The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) subscription fee is valid for five years and individuals can update their file and request a new CAS report without re-registering for the CAS service. Transfer applicants must request updated transcripts with spring semester grades and, if available, class rank. Official transcripts will be required for matriculation. The undergraduate transcript must show degree conferred.

(7) Apply for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges
Applicants claiming entitlement to in-state educational privileges must complete the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges, save, and add it as an attachment to the electronic application.  If the admission application has already been electronically submitted, applicants applying for Virginia in-state tuition privileges must complete the form found on the University Registrar’s website and return to the Registrar by email, mail, or fax.

Applicants who are active duty military personnel or honorably discharged veterans are eligible for in-state tuition privileges once they have moved to Virginia. Upon moving here, applicants should submit the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges and their military orders showing permanent duty station (active duty) or their discharge papers (veterans) to the Domicile Office at domicile@wm.edu.

Checklist:

1. Completed application form;
2. $50 nonrefundable application fee paid by credit or debit card through LSAC;
3. Personal statements(s) including reasons for seeking transfer;
4. Two letters of recommendation or evaluations (one from a law professor);
5. Letter of good standing from the law school attended;
6. LSAT score report sent by LSAC;
7. Transcripts of all undergraduate, graduate and law school courses with final grades (official transcripts will be required for matriculation); and
8. Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges if you claim Virginia domicile for tuition purposes.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Visiting Applicants

An extended visit. Students already attending other law schools are welcome to apply to William & Mary Law School as a visiting student. A limited number of students may enroll for credits to be applied toward the degree requirements of the visiting student’s law school. Non-matriculating students may not transfer to degree status.

Deadlines:

We accept visiting student applications between May 1 and June 15 for enrollment in August. Students generally receive admission decisions in July and early August.

Steps for Applying:

(1) Complete the Application
Applicants should fill out and submit the LSAC Electronic Application.

(2) Submit the Application Fee
Submit a $50 (U.S. dollars) nonrefundable application fee by June 15 by making a credit or debit card payment through LSAC.

(3) Submit a Personal Statement and Optional Essay
Submit a personal statement indicating your reasons for seeking visiting student status at William & Mary Law School.

(4) Submit Letters of Recommendation or Evaluations
Submit at least two letters of recommendation or evaluations by June 15. One should be from a faculty member of your current law school. The letters should be sent directly to LSAC to be included in your CAS report. 

(5) Submit Letter of Good Standing and Permission from Degree-Granting School
Submit a letter of good standing from the dean of your current law school, written after grades for the last semester have been posted, stating that you are eligible to continue your studies for the semester for which you seek admission. The letter from the dean of the school must also grant permission for the applicant to attend William & Mary Law School and must state that credits earned at William & Mary will be applied toward the candidate’s degree requirements at his or her degree-granting institution.

(6) Send LSAT Report and Academic Transcripts
Make arrangements to have a copy of your LSAT score and all undergraduate, graduate and law school transcripts sent to William & Mary Law School. The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) subscription fee is valid for five years and individuals can update their file and request a new CAS report without re-registering for the CAS service. Visiting student applicants must request updated transcripts with spring semester grades and, if available, class rank. The undergraduate transcript must show degree conferred.

(7) Apply for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges
Applicants claiming entitlement to in-state educational privileges must complete the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges, save, and add it as an attachment to the electronic application.  If the admission application has already been electronically submitted, applicants applying for Virginia in-state tuition privileges must complete the form found on the University Registrar’s website and return it to the Registrar by email, mail, or fax.

Applicants who are active duty military personnel or honorably discharged veterans are eligible for in-state tuition privileges once they have moved to Virginia. Upon moving here, applicants should submit the Virginia Application for In-State Tuition Privileges and their military orders showing permanent duty station (active duty) or their discharge papers (veterans) to the Domicile Office at domicile@wm.edu.

Checklist:

1. Completed application form;

2. $50 nonrefundable application fee paid by credit or debit card through LSAC;

3. Personal statement(s) including reasons for seeking visiting student status;

4. Two letters of recommendation or evaluations (one from a law professor);

5. Letter of good standing and permission to visit from degree-granting school;

6. Transcripts of all undergraduate, graduate and law school courses with final grades;

7. LSAT score report sent by LSAC; and

8. Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges if you claim Virginia domicile for tuition purposes.