Program Admission

Program Admission

The LLM Program at Northwestern Pritzker Law enrolls a diverse class of approximately 150 students from countries all over the globe. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach and considers many factors when making admissions decisions, including prior academic performance, English language skills, work experience, academic and career goals, involvement in extracurricular and community service activities, and leadership experience. We strive for a diverse and well-rounded class so applicants do not necessarily need to be strong in all of the above-listed areas.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a first degree in law or have passed the bar examination in their jurisdiction. Because LLM students take courses alongside our JD students, applicants should also have a high level of English proficiency. Foreign applicants whose native language is not English must submit a valid TOEFL or IELTS score report.

Application Materials

All applications must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). A complete application file contains the following:

  • Application for admission
  • Personal Statement: provide a one- to two-page statement. The statement provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and provide information about your background, experience, skills and/or goals.
  • Law School LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS): The LLM Credential Assembly Service will collect, translate and credential the following materials for distribution to all of the schools to which you will apply:
    • Letter(s) of recommendation: confidential letter of recommendation from a member of your law faculty or a previous/current employer.
    • Transcripts: all post-secondary transcripts
    • TOEFL or IELTS score report (Northwestern school code = 1565)
  • Optional Evaluative Interview: applicants have the option to complete an online video interview in order to provide the admissions committee with additional information about your communication skills, experience, maturity and motivation.

Admissions Process

The application deadline is January 15. Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in November and the first round of decisions will be sent in December.