The Ohio State University - Moritz College of Law

The Ohio State University - Moritz College of Law
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About

At the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, we pride ourselves in welcoming you into our community, our family. At Moritz, you will not only earn a law degree from one of the top law schools in the nation, but you will forever be part of a community committed to your professional success. One of the nation's leading public law schools, the Moritz College of Law strives to make a difference in the world through excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship, and advancement of the legal profession.

 

It's the best of all worlds for students at the Moritz College of Law. Classes are small and intimate. Yet, they can enjoy the facilities, resources, and entertainment only a world-class university can offer. Brilliant scholars and devoted teachers, our professors are passionate about making lasting contributions in their fields of expertise and in the lives of their students.

 

There is something for everyone in Columbus, Ohio. There are more than 50 student groups at the law school alone, culturally enriching activities on campus year-round, and a thriving city to explore a few blocks from Drinko Hall. Our alumni network is hard at work from coast to coast and beyond U.S. borders. Stay connected with classmates and the College through campus events, alumni gatherings, and many opportunities to mentor today's law students.

Programs (8)

University Rankings (4)

Application Process

The LL.M. program is limited to students who have:

  • obtained an LL.B. from a foreign country; or
  • completed in a foreign country the university-based legal education required to take the equivalent of the bar examination in that foreign country; or
  • qualified to practice law in a foreign country; or
  • the equivalent thereof as determined by the LL.M. Admissions Committee.

In admitting students, the LL.M. Admissions Committee will consider, among other things, outstanding academic performance, professional experience, and quality of the degree-granting institution.

 

Application Process

 

The regular application cycle for admission to the LL.M. Program is from September 15 to April 15 for enrollment the following August. Starting in Fall 2013 and due to an increase in the number of applications received by the LL.M. Program, the LL.M. Admissions Committee will be reviewing applications early and making decisions on admissions for early applications. PLEASE NOTE: The LL.M. Program will continue accepting and reviewing applications until April 15. However, applications which are complete and are received by the Program by November 1 will receive priority review and a decision by December 1.

 

We recommend that you start your application to the Moritz LL.M. Program early. Part of the application process necessitates that you work with third parties, whether they be your recommenders, or institutions that will need to provide documents or scores to complete your application. Moreover, it may often take up to three months to obtain a student visa, if needed, once you have been officially accepted to the program.

 

Please read instructions for each section carefully. All required materials must be received before you will be considered for admission to the Moritz LL.M. Program. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Moritz LL.M. office at (614) 292-1241 ormoritzllm@osu.edu.

 

Application Fee

 

There is a $50 application fee for international students and a fee of $40 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents; both are nonrefundable. You must pay this application fee by credit or debit card in U.S. dollars at the time of online application submission.

 

Application

 

The Moritz LL.M. Program uses an LSAC application process and OSU online application. You may pay the required application fee using a credit or debit card, and submit your application and other  credentials (see below) via  the electronic application process.

 

If you cannot use the electronic application process, a paper application is available on request from the Moritz LL.M. Office.

 

Please use your correct legal name at the time you apply to the university. If your name or address changes prior to enrollment in the  university, please contact the Moritz LL.M. Office at (614) 292-1241 or moritzllm@osu.edu after the change occurs.

 

The Social Security Number is collected by the university’s Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions as an additional way to identify application materials that you submit in support of your application. In addition, the Office of Student Financial Aid uses the Social Security  Number to verify your attendance if you are a loan, scholarship or grant recipient. If you anticipate receiving a loan, scholarship or grant you are strongly encouraged to provide your Social Security Number if you have one; otherwise it is not required for admission and is not used as a main identifier.

 

Deadline

 

Applications will be considered as they are received, so prospective students will increase their chances of admission by applying early. The admissions cycle begins September 15. The final deadline for applications is April 15, and prospective students who apply after this date will be considered only if the class has not  been filled or if vacancies occur.

 

Decision

Once the Moritz LL.M. Office has received all of the documents required for  admission, the LL.M. Admissions Committee will make a decision within six to eight weeks.

Diversity

The Moritz community thrives when its students, faculty, and staff – who represent countless diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs, and experiences – collaborate to create a culture that broadens perspectives and furthers understanding.  The Office of Diversity and Inclusion works closely with students and organizations on targeted programs that are focused on ensuring a welcoming and diverse culture, enhancing understanding and respect, and encouraging critical thinking on civil rights, race, immigration, sexual orientation, religion, and social policy. The Office also works extensively with the local legal community to facilitate mentoring and professional development.

 

Moritz Statement of Diversity & Inclusion

 

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law believes that diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice are essential to the excellence of our community, culture, and curriculum. We recognize that the pursuit of this excellence requires thoughtful, deliberate, and sustained action and that this effort is critical to our educational mission.

 

We value diversity in all of its dimensions including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical and learning abilities, socio-economic status and view point. We seek to reflect these multiple perspectives, backgrounds, and interests in all facets of our community. We recognize that students who are exposed to and embrace diversity are better prepared to engage in a pluralistic world and successfully navigate the legal profession.

 

We strive to be an inclusive community in which each individual feels safe, respected, and valued. In building a community that values similarities and differences among its constituents, we seek to embody in our actions and in our relations with one another the principles of equity and justice as well as the values of honesty, respect, compassion, responsibility and fairness.

 

We believe that exposure to multiple, and even sometimes competing points of view best equips students to explore, understand and apply complex concepts, building the basis for a rigorous legal education. By weaving diversity into the fabric of our curriculum, we equip our students with the interpersonal and critical thinking skills that are essential to success in the complex, multicultural world in which we live and the society the legal profession serves.

Housing

Centrally located in thriving Columbus, Ohio, the Moritz College of Law is close to several great neighborhoods and attractive amenities. Whether students desire a short walk to class or would rather a short commute by bus or car, Columbus is brimming with possibilities. Most of Columbus’ neighborhoods are in walking distance of several places to eat, shop, and enjoy the city at night. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus system also runs throughout the city, connecting its residents to every corner, from Polaris Fashion Place to historic German Village.

 

The city itself has much to offer, as it is home to six Fortune 500 companies and more than 700 law firms. Columbus is the 15th largest city in the nation, but has the distinct advantage of smaller neighborhoods that give it a welcoming feel. Many young professionals choose to settle here because of all Columbus has to offer. According to a LinkedIn article in 2017,  Columbus is the One of the 6 Best Big Cities by Time Money Magazine. Business Insider ranked Columbus #1 on the list of “Most fun cities for new college grads where jobs are abundant and housing is affordable. 

 

Looking for a roommate?

 

Incoming students looking for roommates to share living expenses have two tools at their disposal. Visit your class Facebook page, or submit information about yourself through our Roommate Finder tool (forthcoming). Only those who use the tool can access information about other students seeking roommates. Information is kept behind a password-protected site.

 

ON-CAMPUS OPTIONS

  • Buckeye Village
  • South Campus Gateway Apartments
  • William H. Hall Complex (Neil Building)

Contact the Office of Student Life for leasing information at (614) 292-8266.

 

OFF-CAMPUS OPTIONS

  • Grandview
  • Upper Arlington
  • Downtown Columbus
  • Arena District
  • The Short North Arts District
  • Victorian Village
  • University District and Old North Columbus
  • Clintonville

Documents Required

1. Academic Record

Official transcripts (and English translations) from all previously attended academic institutions should be sent directly from the  awarding institution by the April 15 deadline. When applying online, you may choose to use the credentialing service offered by LSAC (there is a fee for  this service). Alternatively, you may choose to send transcripts directly to the Moritz LL.M. Office (address below).

 

Upon completion of any subsequent courses, or completion of the final semester for new graduates, you must send an updated official  transcript to either LSAC (if using the credentialing service) or the Moritz LL.M. Office (address below). Applicants who have attended The Ohio State University are not required to furnish OSU transcripts, but they must provide transcripts for any courses taken elsewhere.

 

PLEASE ALLOW ADEQUATE TIME FOR US TO RECEIVE FOREIGN TRANSCRIPTS.

 

2. Test Scores: TOEFL or IELTS

 

Because the Moritz LL.M. program requires large amounts of analytical reading and writing, as well as being able to participate in very interactive classes, we require that you have sufficient knowledge of the English language to succeed in your program of study. Candidates whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS and TOEFL scores must be current and taken within the two years prior to an applicant applying.

 

Applicants who are citizens of or who have completed a degree in one of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States and Wales.

 

Minimum Acceptable Total Scores

 

  • TOEFL: 80 internet-based; 550 paper-based; 213 computer-based
  • IELTS: 6.5

 

You  must have taken the test within the past two years. Please arrange to have your  TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly from the testing center to LSAC (if using the credentialing service) or The Ohio State University. The institution code for sending TOEFL scores to Ohio State is 1592. Information and registration materials for the tests can be obtained by contacting TOEFL or IELTS.

 

3. Letters of Recommendation

 

You are required to submit two letters of recommendation in support of your application for admission. At least one person recommending  you needs to be a professor familiar with your legal coursework.

 

Letters must be printed on official academic or business letterhead stationery and signed by the recommender. The applicant’s name should be on each page of the letter. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted if they are unsigned, are not on letterhead, do not include a contact phone number for verification, or if the envelopes have been opened.

 

Letters must be sent by the recommender, or by the applicant in their original, sealed envelopes, to LSAC or OSU application platforms (if using credentialing service) or to the Moritz LL.M. Office (address below.)

 

Please keep in mind it is your responsibility to ensure that your recommenders have submitted their recommendations by the April 15 deadline.

 

4. Resume

 

All applicants must submit a resume that contains the following:

 

  • all post-secondary educational information;
  • all relevant past and present work experience;
  • volunteer, service and/or extracurricular activities with which you have been involved in the past three years; and
  • a list of any honors and/or awards you have received.

 

You  may submit it as an attachment to the LSAC online application or OSU online application, or mail it to  the Moritz LL.M. Office (address below), or scan and email it to moritzllm@osu.edu. Remember, this is an opportunity to give us additional insight into what you will contribute to both the LL.M. class and the Moritz community.

 

5. Personal Statement

 

Your personal statement is especially valuable to the LL.M. Admissions Committee. It should provide a thoughtful reflection on your reasons for seeking an LL.M. in the United States and on your longer-term career and personal goals.

 

Please address the following questions in your personal statement:

 

  • What are your reasons for seeking an LL.M. degree in the United States? How will an LL.M. degree further your professional and/or personal goals? What do you hope to gain from your experience as an international student?

 

  • Given your unique background, what specific contributions are you prepared to make to the Moritz community, both in and out of class? How will your membership in the LL.M. class enrich our community of scholars?

 

You may submit the personal statement as an attachment to the LSAC online application or OSU online application, or mail it to the Moritz LL.M. Office (address below), or scan and email it to moritzllm@osu.edu.

About Moritz

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law has been an innovative academic environment from the time law classes were first held in 1891 with 33 students, including one woman, to the launch of an LL.M. program for foreign lawyers in 2007. It is an integral part of one of the world’s great educational institutions. As a consistently top-ranked law school in the state of Ohio, the Moritz College of Law has grown into one of the nation’s pre-eminent public law schools and one of the most respected law schools in the world.

 

A collegial community of approximately 570 students and more than 50 faculty members, Moritz is known for its rigorous academic program, the pioneering research of its world-class faculty, a deep commitment to teaching and professional training, and the development of future leaders.

 

Likewise, the administration at the Moritz College of Law is committed to advancing the quality and reputation of the college nationally and internationally through ongoing improvements to the academic program and student services.

 

Our required and upper-level elective curricula provide students with a solid foundation in basic legal principles and ample opportunities to receive practical experience. In three years, J.D. students gain unparalleled instruction through a variety of learning opportunities, including:

 

  • more than 175 challenging courses and seminars,
  • one of the oldest clinical training programs in the nation,
  • writing for one of five scholarly journals,
  • a moot court and lawyering skills program that regularly produces championship teams, and
  • study abroad programs in Washington, D.C. and Oxford, England.

 

The Moritz College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools since 1901. It is a member of the Order of the Coif, with graduates joining this prestigious organization’s ranks every spring.

Program on Law and Leadership

Established in the fall of 2007, the Program on Law and Leadership is the umbrella for all activities related to leadership at the Moritz College of Law. We are deeply committed to the idea that leadership education is a lifelong endeavor combining theoretical knowledge, practice, and applied skills.

 

While lawyers have exercised leadership in a variety of capacities for generations, law schools have traditionally devoted little attention and effort into integrating leadership education into the academic experience.

 

The legal profession is demanding great leaders, and students should demand such training from their law schools. Professor Garry W. Jenkins explains in his Bloomberg Law Report Article.

 

Accordingly, the program seeks to serve as a catalyst for Moritz law students to use their legal education to serve in leadership positions in the profession, organizations, their communities, and society at large. For students who choose to focus on developing their leadership potential, we offer a three-year cycle of non-repeating programs and activities that can be accessed as often or as little as students choose. We host nationally-ranked speakers to present, invite world-class consultants to facilitate, and seek out numerous opportunities with our partner units across campus, all with an eye on capturing the leadership element.

 

The PLL is a dynamic leadership development program that enriches our students’ educational experience. It is among the few leadership programs fully integrated into the law school setting. We invite our students and alumni to participate in this exciting initiative in leadership education.

 

Click here for more details.

Moot Court and Lawyering Skills Program

Students at Moritz have the opportunity to start developing practical skills early in their careers. With moot court and lawyering skills programs in trial advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, and appellate argument, Moritz students can take advantage of many levels of opportunity across a broad range of legal areas.  We host multiple internal competitions and field travelling teams in some of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious competitions. Whether you are interested in trial work, appellate work, deal-making, or national security, there are many ways to be involved in the Moot Court and Lawyering Skills Program.

 

The Moot Court and Lawyering Skills Program is managed by the student-run Moot Court and Lawyering Skills Governing Board and their faculty advisor, Professor Leah Sellers ’96. The Program features a nationally-ranked travel team program, which sends the school’s best advocates to competitions across the country, as well as intramural competitions for Moritz students. Our intramural competitions include:

 

  • James K.L. Lawrence Negotiations Competition
  • Appellate Advocacy Performance Arguments
  • Moritz Representation in Mediation Competition
  • Herman Moot Court Competition
  • Moritz 1L Moot Court Competition
  • Michael F. Colley Trial Competition
  • LL.M. International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition

Law, Finance and Governance

Law, Finance and Governance is a non-partisan program of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law that links the legal and business knowledge of scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers to stimulate new ideas, encourage knowledge-sharing, support research and foster networks. The focus of the program extends from capital markets to other forms of business activity outside the public markets, such as insurance, infrastructure, banking and public finance, all of which are important, especially to Moritz’s home communities of Columbus and Ohio.

 

The goal of the program is to generate open and vigorous exchange about the leading problems and issues in the financial and corporate arenas. The program aims to accomplish this goal through its educational programs and events for law students and the community of practitioners, regulators and business people. The program connects the expertise of the Moritz law community, including its many alumni, with the interdisciplinary strengths of The Ohio State University to produce the ideas, research and products that will provide critical information and guidance for law students, policymakers, the industry and scholars.

 

The program on Law, Finance and Governance works in partnership with students and groups of the Moritz College of Law and with public and private organizations.

LL.M Programs

The Moritz College of Law seeks LL.M. students who are motivated to obtain a rigorous, high quality U.S. legal education. But we are looking for more than simply academic excellence.

 

The LL.M. Admissions Committee is seeking individuals from a wide range of countries, with diverse legal backgrounds; we encourage the new law graduate to apply right along with the experienced law professor or practitioner. We strongly believe that diversity and differences in personality are critical to the dynamic and stimulating exchanges that are characteristic of the Moritz community.

 

The LL.M. class is purposely limited to a moderate size. The class is large enough to create a diverse group from a variety of countries yet small enough to allow our staff to provide individual attention to our LL.M. students.

 

Since we are carefully looking for the right mix of individuals to accomplish the above goals, it is important that you present your strengths; profile your practical experiences, accomplishments and academic excellence; and give us insight into your goals for the future. We will carefully examine all the elements of your application package in an attempt to get to know you better.

 

ACADEMIC ADVISING

 

All LL.M. students receive individualized academic advising to help ensure that course selections and co-curricular activities align with stated goals. Click on the following link to review a sample guide that is distributed to incoming students during the summer prior to arrival: LLM Guide to the Moritz Curriculum. In addition to this initial advice and guidance with course planning, academic advising appointments are also available throughout the year during the Assistant Dean’s office hours so that students have access to ongoing support.

After Application

What Happens After You Submit Your Complete Application?

A. Provisional Admission (for students seeking F-1 or J-1 visa) 

 

Once an applicant has properly submitted all of the documents required for admission, a provisional admittance decision will be made. If it is favorable, a “recommended for admission” email will be sent to the prospective student from The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. Attached to this email will be an Affidavit of Financial Support form. This form must be completed and submitted with appropriate documentation to the Graduate and Professional Admissions Office.

 

B. Official Notice of Admission (for students seeking F-1 or J-1 visa)          

 

Once a student’s financial status has been ascertained, the Graduate and Professional Admissions Office sends a letter of Official Notice of Admission, along with an I-20 or DS-2019 if applicable, to the student. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services requires that international students requesting an I-20 for an F-1 visa or a DS-2019 for a J-1 visa provide an address outside the United States (see application form). The student will use the I-20 or DS-2019 to obtain a visa.

 

C. Acceptance Statement and Fees (for all students)          

 

Accompanying the Official Notice of Admission is an Acceptance Statement notifying the newly admitted student that he or she must pay a nonrefundable $25 acceptance fee and a nonrefundable $200 tuition  deposit. The tuition deposit will be credited to the LL.M. student’s tuition charges for the fall semester. Receipt of the fee/deposit guarantees a seat in the August entering class.

 

D. Final Transcript (for all students)        

 

New law school graduates must submit a final transcript to LSAC (if using credentialing service) or to the Moritz LL.M. Office (address below) before matriculating.

 

Retention of Documents, Reapplication and Deferral Requests

 

The application and supporting documents become the property of The Ohio State University and may not be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to another institution. All application materials are retained for one year.

 

An applicant who wishes to reapply for admission for the following year may do so by submitting a new online application and application fee. Transcripts and letters of recommendation may be carried over to the new year, but the applicant will be required to provide the LL.M. Admissions Committee with an updated resume and personal statement.

 

Admitted applicants who wish to delay enrollment into the LL.M. Program may request a deferral of admission. Such requests must be in writing (email is acceptable) and should outline the reason(s) for the request. Deferral requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the LL.M. Admissions Committee. An applicant who is granted a deferral must pay the $200 tuition deposit in order to hold his/her seat for the coming year and will be asked to provide updated information prior to February 1 of the following year.

 

Valuing Diversity

 

The Ohio State University is committed to building a diverse faculty and staff for employment and promotion to ensure the highest quality workforce, to reflect human diversity, and to improve opportunities for minorities and women. The university embraces human diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities, affirmative action, and eliminating discrimination. This commitment is both a moral imperative consistent with an intellectual community that celebrates individual differences and diversity, as well as a matter of law.

 

Discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, which is defined as age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, is prohibited. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination. Title I and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provide equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in education programs and activities. Equal access to employment opportunities, admission, educational programs, and all other university activities is extended to all persons.

 

For further information, contact the Office of Human Resources at 124 Archer House, 2130 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1174, (614) 292-4164 or visit http://www.ohr.ohio-state.edu/policy/policy110.PDF. You can access the Cleary Act Annual Crime Report for The Ohio State University at http://www.ps.ohio-state.edu/police/campus_safety/annual_crimes_report.php.

 

Office for Disability Services

 

Applicants with any documented disability who may require special assistance are urged to contact the Office for Disability Services (ODS). This office coordinates academic support services and accommodations for individuals who have special needs as a result of a permanent or temporary disability. Individuals eligible for services include, but are not limited to, those with attention deficit disorder, mobility, hearing, visual, speech, psychiatric, or learning disabilities. Academic accommodations, auxiliary aids, and support services are individualized and based on disability documentation, functional limitations, and a collaborative assessment of needs. As ODS is the designated campus office to determine appropriate accommodations and auxiliary aids for students with disabilities, documentation of the disability for eligibility determination should be submitted to ODS as early as possible in the admissions process.

Vision, Mission, Goals

Our Program Learning Goals

1. Legal Doctrine and Substantive Knowledge. Lawyers use specialized words and concepts. To practice effectively, a lawyer must know a core set of legal concepts, the rules governing professional responsibility, and specialized doctrine in the lawyer’s practice area. Legal “doctrine,” moreover, encompasses more than the black-letter rules in a field; it includes the ambiguities and open issues within that field.

 

2. Ability to Use Law-Related Materials and Processes. Lawyers use specialized materials, including judicial opinions, statutes, regulations, contracts, disclosure statements, depositions, jury instructions, etc. Legal professionals must know how to find, interpret, and apply these materials. Similarly, lawyers participate in a large number of law-related processes, such as contract negotiations, real estate closings, divorce settlements, administrative hearings, will preparation, trials, settlement conferences, and appeals. Legal professionals know how to navigate successfully the processes relevant to their practice areas.

 

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-solving. Lawyers think critically about problems. Most lawyers use at least four types of critical thinking: (1) deductive reasoning, (2) cost-benefit analysis, (3) thinking by analogy, and (4) viewing problems from competing perspectives. Lawyers apply these thought processes both to specific legal materials (e.g., analyzing a case) and to resolving an overall problem (e.g., advising a client on a course of action).

 

4. Communication. Legal work relies upon many communication methods. In fact, lawyers may employ more types of communication than any other professionals. “Communication” includes both receiving information and imparting it. Some of the many communication modes that lawyers use are: gathering information from clients; interviewing witnesses; corresponding with clients, colleagues, and others by email; advising clients by letter; writing memos; participating in meetings; drafting contracts; writing briefs; persuading juries; lobbying legislators and regulators; and making appellate arguments.

 

5. Skills for Continued Development (Meta-cognition). Meta-cognition means the ability to reflect on one’s own thought processes, to improve those processes, and to adapt them to new situations. Law is a profession that requires constant learning and adaptation. Lawyers, therefore, must be able to recognize shortfalls in their own knowledge or training, devise ways to remedy those shortfalls, and pursue those remedies. Some cognitive scientists describe meta-cognition as the most essential intellectual ability in any professional field, because it allows a practitioner to move from competence to excellence.

 

6. Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism. Lawyers interact with many different people, including clients, peers, supervisors, staff members, judges, and legislators. To succeed, lawyers need skills such as motivating others; influencing others; working as a team; and relating to people who differ culturally, economically, linguistically, or in other ways. In addition, successful lawyers must demonstrate professionalism for effective and ethical participation in the legal profession.

 

7. Professional Judgment. At a minimum, professional judgment requires combining the above elements to solve a particular problem. But effective judgment seems to be more than the sum of these parts. In addition to knowing the rules of professional responsibility and applying them critically to a particular case, for example, a lawyer’s professional judgment includes a special sensitivity to ethical issues. Expert lawyers also have the ability to recognize key elements in complex problems: One situation may require sophisticated research and case analysis, while another will respond to a simple nonlegal solution. Professional judgment also encompasses the ability to change tactics as a client’s needs evolve; few legal situations are static.

 

Methods of Assessment

Direct Measures

Indirect Measures

Licensure examination

Student survey

Classroom assessment

Employer feedback

Seminar requirement

Student evaluation of instruction

Professional skills requirement

Job placement

 

External review

 

Use of Data

  • Analyze, discuss, and adapt curricular and programmatic content
  • Accreditation and program reviews
  • Periodic self-study of pedagogy

Dean’s Greeting

Whether you are a prospective student, a returning alumnus, an employer coming to interview our outstanding students, or a community member attending one of our many educational programs, welcome to The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. We are proud to be part of the incredible Ohio State community. At the Moritz College of Law, we are focused on making a difference in the world, a world increasingly infused with law and legal issues. Through our award-winning teaching, nationally recognized scholars, and extraordinary alumni, the college has an impact far beyond these walls.

 

Yet, perhaps our greatest asset is our student body. Our students come from various backgrounds, perspectives, states, and nations, but they share an appetite for academic challenge and a desire to contribute to their organizations, communities, and society. The ways our current students affect change through participation and creation of cutting-edge programs are a constant inspiration to our dedicated faculty and staff.

 

Whether you are here with us for one day or three years, I truly hope you enjoy your time at Moritz and get to know better our community – phenomenal and collegial like no other.

 

Alan C. Michaels
Dean and Edwin M. Cooperman Professor of Law

ABA Information

  • Our transfer of credit policy information is stated here.
  • J.D. admissions data is available here and on our site here.
  • Information on J.D. tuition, fees, living costs, financial aid, conditional scholarships, and refunds is available on the financial aid home page, budget page, and scholarships page.
  • Information on J.D. enrollment data and attrition/graduation rates is available here.
  • Information on the number of full-time and part-time faculty and administrators is available here.
  • Information on curricular offerings is available on the Registrar’s home page.
  • The academic calendar is available here.
  • Information on academic requirements for the J.D. degree is available on the graduation requirements page. 
  • General information on library resources is available on the Michael E. Moritz Law Library home page. 
  • General information on facilities is available on the facilities page.
  • Information on employment outcomes for J.D. graduates is available on the employment statistics page.
  • Information on bar passage for J.D. graduates is available here.

Washington D.C. Summer Program

Each summer, approximately 20 students have the opportunity to take part in the Washington, D.C., Summer Program. Students work in substantive externships in D.C., accompanied by a high-quality academic program and a summer in the nation’s capital. The externship lasts at least seven weeks and students work at least 20 hours per week, in conjunction with taking classes. Students are paired with a supervisor at their externship, and the supervisor ensures that at least 80 percent of the student’s time is substantive work.

 

Students take a 2-credit course on The Ethics of Washington Lawyering, as well as a 3-credit externship seminar. In previous years, students have worked in major federal agencies and nonprofit groups that are often national leaders in their fields. Externships in the past few years have included the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Education, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. A year-by-year list of prior placements since 2003 is available under the Externships page.

 

Several trips have been included in past years, such as tours of the Capitol, CIA headquarters, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Supreme Court, and White House. There are a number of social outings as well. Students speak highly of their time spent in D.C. and note the bonds they form with each other add to the value of the experience. For more information on the classes and field trips, visit the Summer Experience page.

Summer Programs

Cost & Scholarships

LL.M. Financial Requirements

 

*If you reside in Ohio, and believe that you may qualify to pay Ohio resident tuition, please contact the Moritz College of Law Office of Admissions and Financial Aid by phone at 614-292-8807 or by email.

 

A $225 seat deposit is required to reserve a place in the LL.M. class at the time of admission. $200 of that seat deposit will be applied to the student’s fall semester tuition.

 

The Tuition and Other Expenses for 2018 – 2019 Academic Year can be found in this website:

https://moritzlaw.osu.edu/admissions/llm/financial-information/

Scholarships

 

APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

All applications completed and received by February 1 will receive priority consideration for scholarship awards. There is no separate scholarship essay required. All applicants will be automatically considered for all applicable scholarships. Applications received between February 1 and April 15 will be considered if funding allows.

 

Moritz LL.M.  Scholarship

The Moritz LL.M. Scholarship is awarded to outstanding LL.M. applicants who will contribute to the intellectual diversity and strength of the LL.M. program. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, or country where their LL.B. was earned, are eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship awards outstanding applicants up to $15,000.

 

Scholarship for the Americas

Lawyers who have obtained their LL.B. degree in law from Central or South America will be automatically considered. The Scholarship for the Americas is merit-based and offers two (2) 40% tuition waivers per year. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong academic aptitude, work experience, and who will contribute to the intellectual diversity and strength of the LL.M. program.

Scholarship for Africa

Lawyers who have obtained their LL.B. degree in law from African countries will be automatically considered. The Scholarship for Africa is merit-based and offers two (2) 40% tuition waivers per year. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong academic aptitude, work experience, and who will contribute to the intellectual diversity and strength of the LL.M. program.

Scholarship for Europe

Lawyers who have obtained their LL.B. degree in law from European countries will be automatically considered. The Scholarship for Europe is merit-based and offers two (2) 40% tuition waivers per year. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong academic aptitude, work experience, and who will contribute to the intellectual diversity and strength of the LL.M. program.

Scholarship for Southeast Asia

Lawyers who have obtained their LL.B. degree in law from Southeast Asian countries will be automatically considered. The Scholarship for Southeast Asia is merit-based and offers two (2) 40% tuition waivers per year. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong academic aptitude, work experience, and who will contribute to the intellectual diversity and strength of the LL.M. program.

China Excellence Scholarship

Lawyers who have obtained their LL.B. degree in law from China will be automatically considered. The China Excellence Scholarship is merit-based and offers two (2) 50% tuition waivers per year. The scholarship seeks to support students who show promise through a record of community service, academic or professional achievement, leadership and/or overcoming hardship.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED WITH OTHER PARTNERS

COLFUTURO Grants

The Moritz College of Law offers half tuition waivers to COLFUTURO award winners from Colombia. Applicants must apply directly to the Moritz LL.M. program. COLFUTURO award recipients must provide proof of their award to the Moritz College to be awarded the tuition waiver. This award is limited to four applicants per application cycle.  For full details, visit the COLFUTURO website.

Fulbright Grants

The Moritz College of Law offers partial tuition waivers to Fulbright award winners, effectively lowering the tuition amount to Ohio resident rates. Applicants must apply through the Fulbright program in their home countries. Often applications must be received one year in advance of planned matriculation. For full details, visit the U.S. State Department’s Fulbright Program for Foreign Students website.

 

For More Information

You may contact the LL.M. Office by phone or email as listed below. The office is staffed Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., EST.

 

The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law
LL.M. Program Office
55 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1391
001-614-292-1241
moritzllm@osu.edu
http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/admissions/llm

LL.M. Program Experience

Explore our school and meet current faculty and LL.M. students.

Other Videos

Natural Attractions in Columbus

Columbus offers many opportunities for students to connect  to the great outdoors. Cyclists and walkers can use the Olentangy Trail, which wends its way from the north suburb of Worthington, through campus, to downtown, along the scenic Olentangy River. The trail continues through downtown with the Scioto Greenway, connected to the new Scioto Mile park. Tucked among office towers is the Columbus Commons, a green space featuring concerts, outdoor movies and festivals.

Hikers can take the weekend to tackle a portion of the 1,445-mile Buckeye Trail. The Hocking Hills to the southeast of the city are beloved for waterfalls, gorges, and caves. Adventurers delight in exploring Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, taking zipline tours, rappelling, and kayaking the Hocking River. Nearby West Virginia offers skiing in winter and river rafting in warmer  months.

More information about Columbus, Ohio here.
 

Oxford Programs

The Moritz College of Law offers three study-abroad programs in Oxford, England. Below is a brief description of each.

 

Summer in Oxford Program

The University of Oxford-Ohio State University Summer Law Program is conducted at the University of Oxford from June through August. The program is jointly conducted by the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

 

It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, and students may receive up to six semester hours of law school credit. Acceptance of credit is at the discretion of the student’s home school, but most ABA-accredited law schools accept credit from the program. All students who have completed at least one year at an ABA-accredited law school are eligible to apply. Admission is on a first come-first served basis.

 

Courses are taught by both Moritz College of Law and British faculty. Courses that have been offered in the past include Comparative Legal Professions, Comparative Employment Discrimination Law, Comparative Sales and Product Liability Law, European Union Law, Comparative Sentencing and Punishment, International Intellectual Property, Comparative Election Law, Comparative Corporate Law, Comparative Employment Discrimination, Comparative Civil Procedure, and Comparative Dispute Resolution.

 

Oxford University Pre-law Program

Since 1987, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law has offered a unique opportunity for students to study English and American legal systems at one of the oldest universities in the world. Housed at St. Anne’s College on the campus of the University of Oxford, the Pre-Law Program provides students with an understanding of English culture and legal institutions fundamental to the American legal system, and exposes students to aspects of British cultural life. This five-week program integrates classes, guest lectures, and field trips to places of legal, historical and cultural interest.

 

For more details, please click here

 

While enrolled, students are associate members of St. Anne’s College, one of the 40 colleges that make up the University of Oxford.

Meet Our Students

Adriana, Costa Rica

“At Moritz, I have been impressed by the extremely qualified professors who are always ready to listen to you. I also realized that my friendships with other students have really made my experience complete. We have so many different stories to share. I know that, even when the program ends, we will keep in touch for a very long time.”

Jad, Lebanon

 

“I was passionate about criminal law long before I came here, but, for me, Professor Joshua Dressler is a genius. He is willing to talk with me, and that never happens with professors in my home country. He asks questions, and lets me think for myself. The teachers here are really special.”

Timur, Kyrgyzstan

 

“I was fascinated by the diversity and level of qualifications of the faculty, friendliness of its members, their ‘open door’ policy; I also enjoy the interaction with J.D. students. These things help to foster intellectual and cultural exchange, and expand our legal horizons. It all makes this intensive process at Moritz go easier.”

Katrin, Iceland

 

“My advice to new LL.M. students: seek out new people, and try something new every day. Columbus is teeming with things to do, places to see, and excellent food. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with that stranger sitting next to you in class.”

Ohoud, Saudi Arabia

“I was determined to go back and practice family law, but now I am thinking of changing my mind after being here. After I’ve seen the way of teaching here – which is extremely different – I would like to go back and teach that way. Maybe I can be a role model for other women who want to do this.”