Hello all,

I am a final year undergraduate at the University of Warwick UK and I have decided to pursue an LLM in the US. I have these law schools in mind - Duke, Cornell, NYU and UPenn. Considered Chicago but they told me they won't accept applications unless I ALREADY have a degree. =(

Before I begin with Qs, let me give some info on my academic background etc. My uni is ranked 8th in the UK, i'm currently on course for 2.1. I'm actively involved in sports - tennis, women's football (soccer) and have represented my uni in previous years. Law society member - involved in mooting and mentoring activities. Did some volunteer, had internship experiences at a couple of law firms. Currently undertaking an international human rights project as part of my module.
As for the LLM, i'm not looking to specialise in any particular areas of law as I would want the flexibility to pick and choose whatever courses that I am interested in. Having said that, I do have a profound interest for International Law, Human Rights, Constitutional & Admin Law and Property & Trusts Law.
Future plans - work in an international firm for a few years and move on to academia.

My questions:

1. What are the chances of getting admitted to the law schools that I have listed above? Are there any particular tips that I should be aware of?

2. Would these law schools be the best choices bearing in mind my area of interests and the flexibility in choosing courses?

3. How do I go about writing a personal statement? This is my biggest worry! I have got accustomed to the rather formal, traditionalistic view of the UK system in writing a PS. I was told that PS o US law schools require a great degree of creativity and less formality/ rigidity? Can someone provide me some tips on how to go about doing this?

4. Any other universities you would recommend?

I can only comment on the 3rd question since I'm no expert in Human Rights and the other interest areas you mentioned - maybe a forum search could provide more insight.

As far as the personal statement is concerned, I don't think you should worry too much. The "creative" PS seems to refer more to J.D. application - compare for example the PS requirement at Chicago for LL.M. and J.D. applications.

J.D.:

In reviewing the personal statement, the Committee looks for information that gives insight into the non-academic contribution you would make to the class. In general, a statement with a narrow focus on some personal attribute or experience is far more helpful to us than either a broad statement about the law or a restatement of your resume.

A brief statement (1 to 3 pages) describing the academic interests you wish to pursue at Chicago and your career plans following completion of our program.

thanks JW.. I was already about to start a very flowery PS! Looks like I'll have to give a more professional tone to it. Thanks again!