University of San Diego (USD) School of Law

The LLM in Business and Corporate Law program is a professional development degree that was designed specifically for attorneys who need to expand an existing practice to include complex business transactions, as well as those who seek to change their practice from a law firm to an in-house position as corporate counsel. The only required course in this program is Corporations.

The LLM in Comparative Law program is specifically designed for attorneys educated outside of the United States. Students are not required to study Comparative Law--the program name simply reflects the international character of our students and the various legal systems they come from. Available concentrations include: Business & Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Environmental & Energy Law, Intellectual Property, International Law, and Taxation. Bar exam subjects are also permitted. There are two required courses: 1) Introduction to U.S. Law and 2) Legal Writing and Research. Except for these two required courses, candidates choose their courses from the same curriculum as JD students and other LLM students.

The General LLM with Concentration program provides attorneys with additional education in selected areas of study. This degree is ideal for attorneys seeking in-depth training in an area of law in which they currently practice, as well as for those planning to develop a new area of practice. Available concentrations include: Criminal Law, Employment and Labor Law, Environmental and Energy Law, and Intellectual Property Law.

The LLM in International Law program allows graduates of U.S. law schools to further develop their knowledge and expertise in the area of international law. With the growing global economy, studying international law in a dynamic, multicultural city that is home to the busiest land and port entry in the world is a unique opportunity for U.S. attorneys. The International Jurist cited our program as one of top 5 strongest in the nation. Required courses are Public International Law and International Business Transactions.

The LLM in Taxation program  has produced skilled leaders in the field of tax law for over 40 years. As one of the nation's top tax LLM programs, USD's Graduate Tax Program is the ideal choice for candidates who wish to study in the western United States. Graduates join an extensive network of almost 1,000 alumni practicing throughout the region, country, and world. This program offers a myriad of practical experience courses, including: Federal Tax Clinic, State Income Tax Clinic, State Sales & Use Tax Clinic, and Tax Planning Lab simulation course. Required courses are: Corporate Tax, International Tax, and Partnership Tax.

USD Campus

HISTORY

The University of San Diego celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. The university was founded under the leadership of Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill of the Society of the Sacred Heart and Bishop Charles Francis Buddy of the Diocese of San Diego.

Mother Hill felt that beauty would initially attract people who come to campus, who will then encounter people who embody a certain goodness. This, in turn, would lead them to the truth, a journey that would subsequently hold them. Mother Hill felt that the search for truth was the purpose of the university.

MISSION

The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community and preparing leaders who are dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

VISION

The University of San Diego sets the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative changemakers confront humanity's urgent challenges.

USD School of Law

Each year, USD School of Law educates approximately 900 Juris Doctor and graduate students. 

USD School of Law is one of 84 law schools elected to the Order of the Coif. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association. Founded in 1954, the law school is part of the University of San Diego, a private, Roman Catholic university chartered in 1949.

Here are a few reasons why USD School of Law is an excellent choice:

• Our LLM in Taxation is consistently recognized as a top 10 program nationwide.
• USD is in the top 10 most popular LLM schools in California
• Our faculty was ranked in the top 20% among U.S. law schools in scholarly impact (36th out of 204 schools).
• The Princeton Review ranked USD as the #1 most beautiful campus.
• USD School of Law is the #2 school with the most to do for fun.

Law Faculty

At USD School of Law, students are taught by highly ranked, internationally recognized scholars and experts in their fields who are also great teachers. Our faculty also includes leading practitioners and judges who teach as adjunct faculty, bringing their practical skills and experience into the classroom.

Seven USD School of Law faculty members belong to the prestigious law reform group, the American Law Institute. Our faculty has been ranked in the top 20% among U.S. law schools in scholarly impact (36th out of 204 schools).

USD School of Law Alumni

The USD School of Law alumni network is comprised of more than 16,000 law alumni who are successful in diverse practice areas and industries throughout the United States and around the world. USD law alumni are distinguished by their leadership, commitment to service and willingness to mentor and support our students and recent graduates.

U.S. applicants must possess a Juris Doctor degree (JD) from a U.S. law school.

• Admission to our LLM programs is competitive and is based primarily upon previous excellence in law studies
• Admitted applicants have excellent academic credentials and may also have significant professional experience
• Almost all of our admitted U.S. applicants are in the top half of their class of a nationally ranked law school
• Applicants currently enrolled in U.S. law schools may apply for admission after completing two years of law school at a U.S. law school

International applicants must possess the equivalent of a U.S. law degree from an accredited institution outside the United States.

• Admission to our LLM programs is competitive and is based primarily upon previous excellence in law studies and significant professional experience
• Applicants must have graduated in the upper half of their law school class or must otherwise establish qualifications indicating their ability to complete graduate law work successfully
• Applicants must establish English proficiency through successful completion of a TOEFL iBT or Academic IELTS exam if: 1) the applicant's native language is not English, or 2) the applicant graduated from an international law school. The minimum suggested TOEFL iBT score is 93 (583 paper-based), and the minimum suggested Academic IELTS score is 7.0.

Application

• Applicants should apply online through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). USD School of Law does not charge an application fee. However, LSAC charges a fee to process your application. All supporting materials must be submitted through LSAC.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Personal Statement

• Brief personal statement (1-3 pages) which addresses:
  • the nature and extent of your legal background
  • other related professional experience
  • why you will be a successful candidate for this degree
  • how you plan to make use of your graduate degree
  • any additional information you deem important

Official Law School Transcript(s)

• Applicants must submit an official transcript from each law school attended
• Transcripts should be sent directly from the law school, or may be submitted in a sealed school envelope 

Official Law School Class Rank

• Applicants must submit their official law school class rank, or a letter from the school indicating that it does not use class rank

Letter(s) of Recommendation

• Applicants are required to submit at least one letter of recommendation, but may submit more if desired
• Letter(s) should be from a law professor, attorney, or other legal professional who is familiar with the applicant's work

English Proficiency for International Applicants

• International applicants are required to establish English competency through successful completion of an English language test (TOEFL or IELTS). The minimum suggested TOEFL score is 93 (583 paper-based), and the minimum suggested IELTS score is 7.0.

LLM programs - $2,065 per credit

MS in Legal Studies program - $1,890 per credit

Please visit our Financial Aid website to see the current cost of attendance.

We are pleased to offer a Merit Scholarship to all full-time LLM students. This scholarship is awarded to full-time students (minimum of 9 credits) entering in either the Fall or Spring semester, and is awarded based on the contents of the admissions file. No additional application is necessary to be considered for this scholarship. Please note that we do not offer scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition.

The University of San Diego School of Law is committed to providing all possible financial assistance to eligible students whose personal resources are insufficient to meet the cost of law school. Financial aid awarded to eligible School of Law graduate students consists of scholarship awards, low-interest loans, private loans and federal work-study jobs.

Our 180 acres overlook the city of San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean and create the perfect setting for those seeking a rigorous and rewarding academic environment where students and faculty are partners in learning. From this vantage point, anything is possible.

• Perched on a pristine mesa—easily navigable and pedestrian-friendly.
• Beautiful 16th century Spanish Renaissance architectural style.
• Beaches, mountains, downtown and the Mexican border are all a short drive from campus.

USD student in the Garden of the Sea

USD School of Law offers many resources both on and off campus to ensure that your law school experience is the best it can be.

There is a strong emphasis at USD Law on building important relationships and community. While you are a student here, be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities that are offered. Become a member in one of our student organizations, journals, or advocacy teams. Read our weekly Sidebar email for information about events taking place at the School of Law and the larger university. Take a study break and walk around the beautiful campus. Stay active and join the Grad/Law intramural softball team. Whatever your interest or professional goal might be, USD has an outlet for it.

Summer Study in Madrid and Paris

The law school's summer study abroad programs are open to USD law students (and occasionally, students enrolled in other ABA-accredited law schools), who are in good academic standing and have completed at least one year of full-time or part-time study. These programs provide intensive training in international, comparative and foreign law, while introducing American students to the legal institutions of another country. At the same time, students from Commonwealth and civil law traditions experience American legal viewpoints and problem-solving methods. Programs bring together students and expert faculty for a rich experience of academic and cultural interchange.