Admissions Overview
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admissions cycle. A complete LLM/SJD Program application consists of the following:
LLM Application
Application Form
Application Fee (waived for current GGU Law students and alumni)
Personal Statement
Resume or C.V.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English)
Non-US applicants must submit additional documents
SJD Application
Application Form
Application Fee (waived for current GGU Law students and alumni)
Resume or C.V.
Research Statement
One Writing Sample, in the English language on a legal topic
Two Letters of Recommendation
Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English)
Non-US applicants must submit additional documents
All documents should be mailed to:
Graduate Law Admissions, Suite 3320
Golden Gate University School of Law
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
USA
APPLICATION FEE & DEADLINES
Golden Gate University reviews applications on a rolling basis. Applicants should expect an admission decision within 2-3 weeks of submitting all required application documents. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Deadlines for filing an LLM application are:
April 1 is the priority deadline for starting the program in the fall (August) but later applications will be considered if space is available.
October 1 is the priority deadline for starting the program in the spring (January) but later applications will be considered if space is available.
April 1 is the priority deadline for starting the program in the summer (late May) but later applications will be considered if space is available. Admission to the summer term is limited to the Taxation and Estate Planning LLM Programs.
Deadlines for filing an SJD application are:
March 1 for starting the program in the fall (August) but later applications will be considered if space is available.
Fall semester classes are scheduled August to December, spring semester classes are scheduled January to May, and summer semester classes are scheduled May to July, with most classes held in the evening.
There is a $60 application fee. This fee is waived for current GGU students and alumni. For all other applicants, a fee of $60 must accompany the program application. You can pay your application fee online here.
THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Applications are considered complete once they contain all of the required materials as detailed above and below. Completed applications are then forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. A decision is typically rendered two to three weeks after an application has been forwarded to the Committee. Applicants will be informed of admissions decisions by email and through LSAC's Online Status Check (see below). All admissions decisions are final.
In order to enroll in a Graduate Law Program, admitted students must have completed their law degree (for the LLM programs a JD, LLB, or equivalent degree and for the SJD Program an LLM) before the first day of New Student Orientation.
GGU Graduate Law will withdraw offers of admission from admitted students who cannot show proof of a conferred degree.
Please note that the Admissions Office communicates with applicants primarily by phone and e-mail. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the office of any changes in mailing address, email, or telephone number. Please email any changes in contact information to gradlaw@ggu.edu or call 415-442-7234.
APPLICATION FORM
Applicants may use the electronic application form available on the LSAC website or apply directly to the Graduate Law Department by submitting the LLM Application form or SJD Application form along with the remaining documents directly to gradlaw@ggu.edu. Applicants are advised to read the application form thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
GGU Graduate Law requires each applicant to submit a written personal statement. The statement must be no more than two double-spaced, typed pages (8.5x11 inch (or A4)).
The statement is the applicant's opportunity to present credentials in non-statistical terms and may include the reasons for seeking the degree. Of interest to the admissions committee are the applicant's experiences as a student or practitioner in the subject area of the specific LLM program. The applicant is encouraged to describe the impact of these experiences on his or her decision to undertake graduate legal study. The statement should be in narrative rather than résumé form.
RESUME
Applicants must also include a current résumé or C.V. detailing educational and work history along with any current or past community service or volunteer experience.
SJD RESEARCH STATEMENT
GGU Graduate Law requires each SJD applicant to submit a written research statement. The statement must be no more than ten double-spaced, typed page (8.5x11 inch (or A4)).
The statement should provide a narrative description of your reasons for seeking an SJD in International Legal Studies and should set forth your intended fields of inquiry and research objectives in specific terms. You may also submit a bibliography in support of your application, but these are not acceptable substitutes for the narrative application statement. View the SJD procedural guidelines.
SJD WRITING SAMPLE
GGU Graduate Law requires that each SJD applicant submit one writing sample, in the English language on a legal topic (such as a published article or an LLM thesis)
LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
LLM candidates must hold a law degree from a law school or university. SJD candidates must hold an LLM or its equivalent. Official transcripts from all law schools attended must be submitted.
From US institutions, official, original transcripts must be sent directly by the institution.
From non-US institutions, applicants must provide an original or certified true copy of academic records for each year of study. These records must be in the original language issued. If not in English, a certified English translation must also be provided. Academic records should be sent directly by the institution. If included with the applicant's documents, academic records should be in an official, sealed envelope from the institution.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
GGU Graduate Law strongly encourages at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Applicants are advised to request letters from current or former professors or professional colleagues or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's intellectual and professional attributes. GGU Graduate Law discourages letters from friends or family members.
INTERVIEW
An interview is not required but may be scheduled upon request.
VISA DEADLINES
International law students seeking visas to enter the US should apply as early as possible to allow time for visa processing. The documents necessary to apply for a student visa are issued once an applicant has been admitted, submitted the necessary supporting documents, and paid a seat deposit. It is generally recommended that you allow at least two (2) months for visa processing. For more information please see our International Applicants page.
ONLINE STATUS CHECK
GGU Law provides Online Status Check through the LSAC website for applicants to check the progress of their application. Final admissions decisions will also be available for applicants via this service. Once an application is received by the Admissions Office, the applicant will receive a confirmation email, which will include a unique username and password for access to Online Status Check.
CREDIT TRANSFERS
Units from a non-ABA-approved JD program or from any non-law school program cannot be transferred into an LLM program.
Up to twelve (12) units from an ABA-approved JD or LLM program may be applicable to an LLM program at GGU Law. The courses must have been taken in the last five years, the student must have earned grades of at least B- (2.50 GPA), the courses must be an equivalent of required programs or elective courses, and the LLM Program Director must determine that application of the units towards the LLM is in the best interest of the student. Application of units is at the discretion of the specific LLM Program Director.
MULTIPLE DEGREES
Students earning an LLM from GGU Law may apply to that program up to twelve (12) units of coursework in another GGU Law LLM program. The courses must have been taken in the last five years, the student must have earned grades of at least B- (2.50 GPA), the courses must be an equivalent of required programs or elective courses, and the LLM Program Director must determine that application of the units towards the LLM is in the best interest of the student. Application of units is at the discretion of the specific LLM Program Director.