Steps in Applying for the LL.M.

1. Gather supporting documents.
You must have received, or expect to receive by the summer of 2010, a juris doctor degree or bachelor’s degree in law. A final transcript confirming your graduation should be submitted as soon as it is available. More about transcripts...

2. Arrange for letters of recommendation.
Have two of your professors who know you and your work well write letters of recommendation. Applicants in teaching or practice may substitute one employer or supervisor. More about letters of recommendation...

3. Take the TOEFL exam.
If English is not your primary language, you must submit your score on the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL)  The admissions committee looks for a minimum TOEFL score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the Internet-based test. More about submitting your TOEFL…

4. Learn more about YLS.
You are welcome to visit the Law School or browse our website. YLS does not require an evaluative interview.

5. Fill out all the application materials.
To apply online, go to the Law School Admission Council's electronic application.

A paper application is available here.

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation attached to the front of the document being translated.

6. Submit your completed application, along with the application fee.
Submit your application as soon as possible after August 1, 2009. All supporting documents must be received at Yale Law School by November 16, 2009. It is your responsibility to make certain all items arrive at Yale by that date.

The application fee is $75 in U.S. funds.

If you are applying online using LSACs online application process, payment must be made by credit card through LSAC.

You can also submit your application fee in the form of a postal money order, travelers check, or a check drawn on a bank with a U.S. branch indicated on the check, payable to Yale Law School. If the payment is mailed separately from the application documents, it should be sent to LL.M. Program, Yale Law School, PO Box 208215, New Haven, CT 06520-8215.

You may also pay the fee by wire transfer to Bank of America, New York, NY, ABA Number 026009593; for credit to Yale University Account Number 0050296726 (for international bank transfers, please use the SWIFT number BOFAUS3N). The payment must be directed to the attention of Caroline Curtis, Yale Law School Graduate Programs. (All bank fees are the responsibility of the applicant.) Be sure your name is referenced for proper credit.

The Graduate Programs Office is not responsible for mis-directed checks or transfers.

We cannot accept cash or Western Union transfers. We also cannot accept direct deposits into our account. Note that overpayment of application fees cannot by refunded. If requesting a fee waiver, please enclose a note stating the reason(s) why payment of the application fee would represent a hardship for you. The application fee is nonrefundable and will not be credited to tuition in the event of admission.

7. Receive confirmation of your application.
Notification will be sent when your application is complete. If you have not received such notification by January 15, 2010, please contact us.

8. Expect a decision in March.
We typically make admissions decisions in mid-March. All decisions are made at the same time.