Two-Year JD for International Lawyers (2YJD) FAQs
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Applicants to the two-year JD program must have a first degree in law to be eligible for admission. Competitive applicants will have at least two years of post-graduate work experience, preferably in an internationally-recognized law firm, company or organization, or for the government.
What is the admissions process?
Applicants should apply through LSAC and submit the following materials: completed application for admission, all post-secondary transcripts, a valid LSAT score, personal statement, at least one letter of recommendation and an online video interview.
Candidates will be evaluated for admission after the February 15 application deadline. Decisions will be sent before March 15.
Will you accept the GRE for admission to the 2YJD Program?
No, we do not accept the GRE as a standardized test option for the program. Applicants should also submit a valid LSAT score. No exceptions can be made.
Do I receive additional credit towards the 2YJD if I have an LLM from the United States?
No. The American Bar Association requires that students have two years in residence in the JD program at the degree-granting law school. There is no way to reduce the time to less than eight semesters (two years).
The major difference between the programs, obviously, is the amount of time it takes to complete the degree (two years vs. three years in the traditional program). Students in the 2YJD program are given one year of academic credit for the first degree in law. 2YJD students take the traditional first-year curriculum during the first year of the program. During the second year, students may select elective courses.
Students in the 2YJD Program are fully integrated into the JD class. Students in the program are encouraged to engage in student activities and organizations. Most co-curricular activities are available to students in the program, with the notable exception of the Law Journals.
Upon graduation, students in the 2YJD program earn a JD degree at graduation. As such, graduates are eligible to qualify to take the bar exam in most jurisdictions in the United States, including IL, NY and CA.
Yes. Students in the program participate in the on-campus interview program during the summer before their first year of study, usually in late July. Students may work with a career counselor beforehand to discuss career goals and prepare interview materials. Students may also utilize the Career Strategy Center throughout their time as a student and after graduation.
What are the employment outcomes for students in the 2YJD Program?
Because the class is so small, we do not break out statistics for students in the 2YJD Program. Rather, students in the program are included in the statistics for the JD class with whom they graduate. Generally speaking, the Career Strategy Office will work with students in the program to help them reach their individual career goals.
Tuition for the Degree Programs for International Students is listed on the Tuition and Financial Aid webpage. Tuition increases should be expected each year.
In addition to tuition, the Law School charges the following non-refundable fees:
- Application fee: $75
- Deposit: $750 (required of admitted applicants who accept a space in the entering class)
Do you have scholarships for Two-Year JD students?
Two-Year JD students are not eligible to receive any scholarship or grant funding.Therefore, applicants are encouraged to investigate other sources of support, including employers, government agencies, and outside scholarship funds.
Are loans available to Two-Year JD students?
International students may apply to finance a portion of their education at Northwestern Law through a private loan. Please note that students who are interested in obtaining a private student loan must typically have a credit-worthy US citizen/permanent resident cosigner on the loan. Contact the applicable lender if you have specific questions about their loan program and contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid if you have general questions about the loan process.