Golden Gate University (GGU)

Fulbright Symposium

Golden Gate University School of Law offers the following programs:

• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property Law
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Legal Studies
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in US Legal Studies
• Scientiae Juridicae Doctor (S.J.D.) in International Legal Studies
• J-1 Visiting Scholar Program

Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.

For over 100 years, GGU Law has been training practice-ready graduates by combining a comprehensive legal theory curriculum with practical, hands-on courses. You will find GGU Law alumni present in all areas of legal practice, as state and federal judges, renowned litigators, civil rights attorneys, and partners in major law firms.

Set in the heart of San Francisco's financial district, GGU Law's vibrant, intellectually stimulating, and close-knit community offers a unique combination of caring and professionalism that is the hallmark of the school's faculty, staff, and students.

Golden Gate University School of Law is fully accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association; and the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California and is a member in good standing of the Association of American Law Schools. Golden Gate University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. Graduates qualify to take the bar exam in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia.

LLM Graduates

Its Graduate Law Programs were awarded an "A+" for Best  Law School Experience by International Jurist.  It's LLM Program in Taxation was ranked "Best LLM Program in California" by the Recorder (ahead of Berkeley, Hastings, and Stanford) and in the top 10 LLM Tax programs in the country by TaxTalent.  The Law School has been ranked in the top 20 in the country for both practical training and internship opportunities by the National Jurist, and #11 in the country for diversity by US News & World Report.

Students enrolled in one of our six LL.M. programs may specialize in a particular area of study or take US bar preparation classes. Students at GGU enjoy flexible scheduling and personalized attention to tailor the program to suit their goals and interests. Each student is assigned an academic counselor who meets regularly with the student to assist with class registration and program goals.

The program offers much flexibility with timing and start dates.  And LL.M. students may enter the program in any semester. S.J.D. students may only enter the program in Fall semester. Students may choose to attend the program full time or part time.

Fall semester classes are scheduled August-December; Spring semester classes are scheduled January-May; and Summer session classes are scheduled May-July.

Visiting the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

Our full-time faculty members are experienced professors, most of who have practiced law themselves, and have been chosen for their excellent classroom teaching skills. Our LL.M. students have consistently praised the quality of our faculty, and the professors' accessibility to the students. They give one-on-one attention to each student, and know their students' names.

Graduate Law program staff and students at Off The Grid in San Francisco.

Degree Requirements

An LL.M. candidate must hold a law degree (J.D., LL.B, or equivalent degree) and must submit transcripts from their education institution. An S.J.D. candidate must hold an LL.M. (or equivalent degree) and must submit transcripts from their education institution.

English Proficiency

GGU Law accepts the TOEFL and International English Language Testing (IELTS) scores. Students must have a minimum  TOEFL score of 92 or  and a minimum IELTS score 6..

For more information about English Proficiency requirements, please go to our International Applicants page.

LLM alumnae and Prof. Carolyn Lee at a women in tax networking event.

How to Apply

Applicants are encouraged to apply should apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

GGU also accepts direct applications.  Applicants can find the LLM Application and SJD Application online.

Application Deadlines

GGU reviews applications on a rolling basis.  Applicants should expect an admission decision within 2-3 weeks of submitting all required documents. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadlines as merit scholarship decisions are also made on a rolling basis.

Priority 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. Please note that admission to the summer term is limited to the Taxation and Estate Planning LLM Programs.

Priority Deadlines for filing an SJD application are:

• March 1 is the priority deadline for starting the program in the fall (August) but later applications will be considered if space is available.

Required Application Documents

LLM Application Requirements:

• Application;
• Application fee of $60 (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); and
• Non-U.S. applicants must submit additional documents.

SJD Application Requirements:

• Application;
• Application fee of $60 (waived for current GGU Law students and alumni);
• Research statement;
• One writing sample, in English Language on a legal topic
• Resume or C.V.;
• Two Letters of Recommendation;
• Law school transcripts (translated if not in English); and
• Non-U.S. applicants must submit additional documents.

In front of GGU.

For information on tuition and fees, please visit Tuition and Fees or email us at gradlaw@ggu.edu.

International students at a San Francisco Giants baseball game.

All applicants to the Graduate Law Programs (LLM & SJD programs) are automatically considered for merit scholarship awards on the basis of their application. Entering merit scholarships include partial-tuition scholarships.

Special Scholarships

• • Bay Area Young Tax Lawyers
  • East Bay Trusts & Estates Scholarship
  • Women in Tax Equity Scholarship
  • Young Tax Lawyers Scholarship
  • International Welcome Scholarship
  • Bita Daryabari Award (Fall 2019)

General Scholarships

• • International Scholar
  • Global Scholar
  • Merit Scholar 

For more information on Federal Financial Aid (for qualified citizens and permanent residents), please visit the Law Financial Aid Office's website.

San Francisco cable car on a hill overlooking the Financial District.

Golden Gate University School of Law is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

Its location makes it one of the best-situated law schools in the United States. Not only does it lie within blocks of major law firms, state and federal courthouses, and government agencies, but it is also blocks from the historic San Francisco cable car, waterfront, and cultural attractions, and day trips to the Pacific Ocean and redwood forests. Students can enjoy the nearby historic cultural and culinary centers of Chinatown, Fishermen's Wharf, the Mission District, and North Beach, all within walking distance or reachable by public transportation. Same with world-class shopping at Union Square or San Francisco Giants baseball games at the spectacular AT&T ballpark. Renowned fine arts venues and the magnificent Golden Gate Park are all easily accessible by public transportation.

Beyond San Francisco, students can take day or weekend trips to destinations such as:
--Yosemite National Park
--Lake Tahoe
--Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Country
--Muir Woods
--Point Reyes National Seashore
--Monterey Bay and Carmel
--Big Sur
--Santa Cruz

Ice skating with the LLMs.

GGU School of Law includes a full-time Disability Services Coordinator who works with students requiring special accommodations.

For more information, please visit the Disability Services Office's website.

LLM Bowling Night.

Ranked as one of the nation's most diverse law schools by US News and World Report, and located in the legal and financial heart of San Francisco, GGU School of Law is the ideal place to further your legal education and hone your skills to practice effectively in today's world.

Beyond the classroom, GGU School of Law offers countless opportunities - some formal, others just fun--to network, socialize, and unwind, not only with fellow students, but with faculty and alumni as well.
GGU arranges student outings, including:

-- Walking tour of San Francisco

-- Trips to a San Francisco Giants Baseball game

-- Tours of local courthouses and government buildings

-- Visits to San Francisco cultural attractions

--Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

GGU offers summer courses, and also the opportunity for LLM students in three programs (Taxation LLM, Estate Planning LLM, and Dual Track LLM) to start their program in the summer semester.