School of Law Admission

How to Apply

• J.D. Program

  • Application Checklist
  • Combination Degree Programs
  • Transfer Applicants
  • Visiting Applicants
  • Dates and Deadlines

• LL.M. program

  • Admission Requirements
  • Application Process
  • Application Checklist
  • Dates and Deadlines

• MLS program

  • Admission Requirements
  • Application Checklist
  • Dates and Deadlines

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).

Key Deadlines:

Applications for fall enrollment open September 1. The priority deadline to submit applications is April 1, but applications are accepted until August 1. 

J.D. 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: This personal statement is your opportunity to provide the Admissions Committee with information you believe to be relevant to your admission decision. Topics may include academic interests, significant accomplishments, and educational achievements, and/or any way in which your perspective and experience will enrich the William & Mary Law School community.
   • Why W&M Law Statement: As the nation’s first law school, William & Mary Law School seeks to enroll a class of talented and engaged students committed to advancing our long-standing tradition of achieving and celebrating academic and professional excellence in an inclusive environment. We recognize the challenges of our history and our responsibility to pursue the realization of justice through the rule of law. This statement is your opportunity to share how your experiences, perspectives, values, and future goals align with William & Mary Law School’s vision and mission.
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.  
   • Optional Statement: You are invited to submit an essay that describes your life experiences with an emphasis on how the perspectives that you have acquired would contribute to William & Mary Law School’s intellectual community and enhance the diversity of the student body. Examples of topics include (but are not limited to): an experience of prejudice, bias, economic disadvantage, personal adversity, or other social hardship (perhaps stemming from one’s religious affiliation, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity); experience as a first-generation college student; significant employment history (such as in business, military or law enforcement, or public service); experience as an immigrant or refugee; graduate study; or impressive leadership achievement (including college or community service).  Please be as concise as possible.
   • 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 students devote an individual page to each within their application where necessary. 

6. Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.  At least one faculty recommendation is expected, unless you have been out of school longer than two years. If students 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 request official transcripts from every undergraduate and graduate school they attended.  LSAC advises applicants to register for CAS and submit all documents at least six weeks prior to submitting their application to law schools. We strongly recommend registering for CAS no later than February 1. Applicants must take their initial LSAT no later than the February test to have a reportable score to be considered for admission.  The CAS code for William & Mary is 5115.
8. Law School Admission Test: Applicants should take the LSAT no later than April 2024; subsequent exams may be submitted as supplemental material in support of their application.  William & Mary Law School conducts a holistic review of every application and considers the LSAT score in the context of the entire application (transcripts, pAersonal statements, letters of recommendation, evidence of leadership, engagement, and other information). If students feel that one or more of their test scores does not accurately reflect their ability or potential, please use the Miscellaneous Addendum attachment to explain this disparity.  W&M considers an LSAT score valid for a period of three years; therefore, the oldest LSAT score acceptable for the 2024-25 application cycle is June 2021. All applicants must have a reportable LSAT score on record with LSAC.
9. TOEFL/IELTS For International Applicants:  If a student’s first language is not English and English is not the language of instruction at their undergraduate institution, they may submit a score from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in addition to the LSAT. 
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 it 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 their 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) www.FAFSA.gov. It is recommended that every applicant complete the FAFSA form and submit it no later than February 15. Parental information is not required for graduate students. The FAFSA Title IV code for William & Mary is 003705. 

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

The successful completion of the J.D. will meet the educational requirements for 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.

Costs of the J.D. Degree

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

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 JD 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 interested 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 the student’s admission to the other program. To apply to the law school, combination degree applicants should follow the same guidelines as 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.

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JD Transfer Applicants

If students are current William & Mary Law LL.M. students or graduates of the program, please review information available in LL.M. section for guidelines and requirements. 

Requirements for Admission:

1. The current law school must be approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools.*
2. Students must be in good standing and have successfully completed 26 credit hours at their 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 their 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 their previous law school is approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools. If they 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 the 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 them feel more at home at William & Mary.

Deadlines:

We accept applications between May 1 and July 15 for enrollment in August. All applications must be submitted by July 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 the reason(s) for seeking transfer to William & Mary Law School.

(4) Submit a Why William & Mary Law Statement 

This statement is on applicant’s opportunity to share how their experiences, perspectives, values and future goals align with W&M Law School’s Vision and Mission.

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

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

(7) Send LSAT Report and Academic Transcripts
Students should arrange to have a copy of their 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 the degree was conferred.

(8) 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 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 they 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.

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JD Visiting Applicants

Students already attending other law schools are welcome to apply to William & Mary Law School as visiting students. 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 students’ 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 the reasons for seeking visiting students 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 the current law school. The letters should be sent directly to LSAC to be included in the CAS report. 

(5) Submit a Letter of Good Standing and Permission from a Degree-Granting School
Submit a letter of good standing from the dean of the current law school, written after grades for the last semester have been posted, stating that they are eligible to continue their studies for the semester for which they 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
Students should make arrangements to have a copy of their 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 the degree was 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:

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;

1. Completed application form;

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 they claim Virginia domicile for tuition purposes.

The following dates are applicable to each individual applicant type. Dates are subject to change and will be communicated by the Admissions Office when appropriate.

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JD Dates and Deadlines

First-Year J.D. Applicant

• September 1: First-year J.D. applications become available.
• February 15: Recommended date by which the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is submitted.  It is strongly recommended that every student complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible to avoid processing delays. In order to be eligible for Federal Student Loans, or need-based aid, one must submit a FAFSA. W&M does not require parental information to be included on the FAFSA.
• Registration for Credential Assembly Service (CAS):  LSAC recommends registering and submitting the supporting documents at least six weeks before they plan to submit their law school applications.
• April 1: Applications should be submitted on or before this date, but applications are accepted until August 1.  

JD Transfer Applicant

• May 1: William & Mary Law begins accepting transfer applications.
• July 15: Application deadline and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadline.
• June - August: Decisions will be communicated.

JD Visiting Applicant

• May 1: William & Mary Law begins accepting transfer applications.
• June 15: Application deadline and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadline.
• June - August: Decisions will be communicated.

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Master of Laws (LL.M.)

LL.M. Admission Requirements

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

• have a first professional degree in law from a foreign country; or
• are qualified to practice law in a foreign country. 

The requirements for a first professional degree in law vary by country, but commonly include an LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws), LL.M. (Master of Laws), or J.M. (Juris Masters). The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) provides a list of country-specific minimum degree requirements to be eligible for admission to the bar, which may be helpful in determining your eligibility for admission into the LL.M. program at William & Mary Law School. LSAC is a not-for-profit organization that provides products and services to support candidates throughout the law school admission process.  

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 105. 

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 earned a law degree from a school where the exclusive language of instruction is English.

3. International students in the residential (on-campus) program must satisfy the United States government’s requirements for admission into the United States. In order to apply for an 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.

LL.M. Application Process

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

1. Apply through the W&M LL.M. Application Portal (Residential (On-Campus) Program & Online Program)

Applicants must click on “sign up” to create an account.  They must complete the online application form, and 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.

Applicants using the W&M LL.M. Application Portal may submit unofficial transcripts via the application portal. If admitted, they must promptly request an evaluation of official transcripts from any credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provides transcript verification and credit evaluation. Students cannot register for classes until offical evaluated transcripts are provided. If a student does not provide an official evauated transcript by the date specificed in the admission letter, matriculation will be cancelled. 

There are no fees associated with application through the W&M LL.M. Application Portal for the residential (on-campus) and online programs. There are fees associated with the official transcript evaluation process. (Applicants should confirm transcript evaluation fees directly with the NACES-approved credential evaluation service they select.) When an admission decision is made, applicants will be notified to log into the application portal to view it.

2. Apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) (Residential (On-Campus) Program Only)

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:  letters from law professors, employers, or other significant people who are knowledgeable about their academic or professional careers.

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

LL.M. Application Checklist

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

Factors Considered for LL.M. 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 for LL.M. Program

Costs of the LL.M. 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.

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Master of Legal Studies

MLS Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling at William & Mary Law.
• Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must have at least two years prior work experience in the applicable field of concentration.

MLS Application Checklist

1. Law School Application: Apply through the William & Mary Application portal
2. Application Fee of $70 (nonrefundable)
3. Required Personal Statement: Students should consider the personal statement as their unique opportunity to share with the admissions committee who they are and why they are interested in the Master of Legal Studies program and William & Mary Law School.
4. Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, even if a degree was not earned
5. A resume or CV
6. Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional or academic recommenders are required.

Key Dates for the MLS Program

Costs of the MLS Program

Information on the cost of the MLS degree can be found on the School of Law Costs page.

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