University of California Irvine (UC Irvine) - School of Law

The UC Irvine School of Law offers the following innovative and hands on academic year programs:

1. Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree program at the University of California, Irvine School of Law offers a first-rate legal education to lawyers, judges, government officials and others wishing to become educated about the legal system and practice of law in the United States. 

The program is a one-year, full-time, 24 credit course of study in advanced legal topics, designed for lawyers trained outside of the Unites States.  Students are required to take one course: Introduction to American Law.  For the remainder of their courses, students select from a broad range of course of study and, if desired, ensuring that students' coursework meets the eligibility requirements of the California, New York, or other state bars.

2. Graduate Tax Program

The Graduate Tax Program at the University of California, Irvine School of Law is a one-year, full-time, 24-credit course of study that offers innovative curriculum that instills students with both the doctrinal depth and the practical skills needed to practice law at the highest levels, in the United States or abroad.

The Graduate Tax Program aims to produce graduates who are prepared for careers as tax attorneys, judges, tax administrators and policy advocates, as well as markedly enhance the tax skills of those who are already members of the tax profession.

The University of California, Irvine School of Law is the culmination of several generations of revolutionary dreamers.  Those not satisfied with the status quo who wanted to redefine, re-imagine and reinvent legal education.  Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018, the University of California, Irvine School of Law begins its second decade a larger, stronger, more dynamic academic institution than its founders could have ever imagined.  UCI Law provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, and prioritizes public service and a commitment to diversity within the legal profession.  UCI Law students have completed more than 80,000 hours of pro bono work in the past decade.  The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UCI Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters.  UCI Law continues to rank highly, including: The National Jurist ranks UCI Law No. 4 in the nation for practical training; U.S. News & World Report ranks UCI Law No. 21 in the nation overall out of 194 law schools, and ranks UCI Law's robust clinical program No. 13 in the nation.  We look forward to continuing our remarkable journey with our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

The UCI Law faculty are some of the nation's leading scholars and teachers, representing a broad range of expertise, including biotechnology, business law, civil procedure, civil right, constitutional law, criminal law, equality and discrimination, international dispute, diversity, education and law, environmental law, gender and law, government regulation and policy, intellectual property, labor and employment law, law and pop culture, law an psychology, legal ethics and professional responsibility, and urban planning. 

Admission is highly selective.  The program aims to maintain its small class size to enable students to engage with faculty.  UCI Law has one of the smallest full-time student-to-faculty ratio of any law school in the country. 

Students in our graduate degree programs must have a high level of English Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  We accept the TOEFL and/or the IELTS as proof of English language proficiency.  The English test scores must be sent directly from testing institutions to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.

To submit an application for admission to the UCI LL.M. Program, please visit https://www.law.uci.edu/llm/apply/ during the September through June application period. The application must be completed online via LSAC and requires basic data regarding your career interests, academic qualifications, and references.  After completing the online application, you will be prompted to upload your resume/CV and personal statement, and to submit your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS score (as applicable) by postal mail to LSAC.

Our prime location in central Orange County, California-one hour south of Los Angeles and one hour north of San Diego- makes UCI a highly attractive place to spend a year studying law.  Located about 10 minutes from the beach, the UCI campus is situated in Irvine, California.  The city of Irvine has been ranked one of the safest cities of its size in the U.S. for the 12th consecutive year.  Among Irvine's many benefits are its pleasant year-round climate and easy access to many cultural, entertainment and outdoor attractions.  In addition, Southern California is a vast, highly desirable and sophisticated legal market home to prestigious international law firms, regional firms, and prominent public interest organizations.  Orange County boasts a large and diverse economy home to some of the world's largest companies as well as entrepreneurial small startups.  The business climate offers emphasis in a myriad of sectors, including real estate, high technology, international trade, health care and life sciences. 

One unique aspect of UCI Law is our strong sense of community.  We have a small student body that is supportive of one another and a team of faculty, administrators and staff who are dedicated to student development.  We promote the personal and professional success of our students.  We encourage you to get involved by joining (or starting) a student organization, building a relationship with your mentors, attending a speaker series event, participating in social programming, and developing your leadership skills.  We develop well-rounded lawyers and help our students find a positive balance between work and play.

Student organizations are a vital part of student life at UCI Law.  There are a variety of student organizations that actively produce activities and events for the campus community.  The Law School is committed to freedom of expression and protection of the right of all members of the faculty, staff, and students to express ideas and views.  Accordingly, it is the policy of the Law School that all activities organized by student organizations, events held by students at the law school, or events for students paid by school funds shall be open to all law students.