Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law

LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers is a one-year, on-campus degree program for those who obtained a law degree from a university or law school outside the United States. The main feature of the program is its attention to the individual needs of its students. The curriculum allows each LL.M. student to design, in cooperation with a faculty adviser, a course of study meeting the student’s personal needs and goals. The student may choose from the full range of courses and seminars offered in the law school curriculum, as well as up to three (3) credit hours of courses from Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, College for Public Health and Social Justice, or 12 other graduate programs. The program requires successful completion of 24 credit hours. At least two credit hours must include a written work, such as a seminar paper or research paper, prepared under the direction of a faculty member. Students are also required to complete a three credit hour class in legal research and writing, and a foundation course in a common law subject, such as Contracts, Torts or Property. SLU LAW may award tuition scholarships to incoming students based on academic credentials, career achievements and need.

LL.M. in Health Law (Our Center for Health Law Studies was once again nationally recognized for its excellence when it was named the best health law program in the nation by U.S. News & World report for the 13th year) is an advanced degree designed to serve two types of lawyers: those seeking an in-depth introduction to the practice of health law and those who are currently practicing and wish to increase their exposure to new developments in health law. This highly selective program allows each student individual attention and close faculty supervision. LL.M. students are encouraged to complete scholarly writing, attend the health law colloquia and participate in directed research projects. Students may choose from a range of foundational and specialized health law and policy courses and learn from faculty with more than 177 years of collective health law teaching experience. LL.M. students are also offered externship opportunities including the Health Law Semester in Washington, D.C. This program is primarily for those who have substantial knowledge of the U.S. legal system. The program requires successful completion of 24 credit hours (up to six credits of directed research, up to six credits in academic disciplines outside the law school), and master’s thesis of publishable quality.

The INTO Saint Louis University Graduate Pathway in Law (LL.M.) program provides academic, language and cultural support to foreign students to help them succeed at SLU LAW. If students successfully complete the Pathway and all of the progression requirements, students will progress into the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program. Our highly trained faculty members facilitate full integration with domestic and other international students on campus.

The Two-Year J.D. Program for Foreign Lawyers enables highly qualified candidates who have received their first degree in law outside the United States to earn their J.D. degree in four semesters by granting them advanced standing based on their prior law studies. This degree is designed for foreign lawyers who would like to enhance their professional training by earning the same degree held by U.S. lawyers, but in a shorter amount of time. Applicants who are admitted to the program will be granted advanced standing and may be permitted to transfer up to 30 hours of academic credit earned at their first law degree-granting university or law school. In order to earn the Two-Year J.D. degree, students must complete at least 61 credit hours while in residence at SLU LAW. SLU LAW may award tuition scholarships to incoming students based on academic credentials and/or career achievements.

The INTO Saint Louis University Graduate Pathway in Law (Two-Year J.D.) program provides academic, language and cultural support to foreign students to help them succeed at SLU LAW. If students successfully complete the Pathway and all of the progression requirements, students will progress into the Two-Year J.D. program. Our highly trained faculty members facilitate full integration with domestic and other international students on campus.

The most important step to take at the start of the application process is to figure out which law degree program will best meet your needs. For this and for all other questions (visa, bar exam, life in St. Louis and the U.S., health insurance), please do not hesitate to contact Tara Maulood, Assistant Director of International Admission at +1 (314) 977-2134 or email: tara.maulood@slu.edu

• SLU LAW’s Health Law program was ranked no. 1 in the nation by U.S. News &World Report for the 13th year;

• Our Legal Clinics program is ranked no. 30 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report;

• SLU LAW placed first at the 2017 International Patent Drafting Competition; SLU LAW won the second best memorial in its region at the 2018 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition;

• Last year all SLU LAW LL.M. graduates who sat for the New York bar exam passed the bar;

• The Legal Clinics provide $ 4.6 million+ of free legal service to individuals in the community;

• SLU LAW has 27 student organizations that work to enhance students' professional and personal development through academic, cultural and volunteer opportunities.

Founded in 1843, Saint Louis University School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the country. The strength of the faculty, breadth of course offerings and extensive clinical and professional skills provide students with a well-rounded legal education.

The School of Law’s rich history consists of strong connections to the community and a long tradition of public service. SLU LAW’s location in the heart of the City of St. Louis offers students unparalleled access to leading law firms, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The City of St. Louis Civil Courts Building and the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouses are mere steps away – giving students a unique opportunity to see the law in action.

SLU LAW has three Centers of Excellence: the Center for Health Law Studies, the Center for International and Comparative Law and the William C. Wefel Center for Employment Law. Through specialized courses, directed research projects and practical experience, students can explore and demonstrate a specialized interest in the study of health, international and comparative law, employment law, and legal advocacy. While pursuing a J.D. degree, students can also earn a concentration from one of these Centers of Excellence to add a specialized area of focus to their legal education. J.D. students may also earn a concentration in Intellectual Property Law.

Bar exam preparation – In addition to what students learn in law school classes and the commercial bar review courses, Saint Louis University School of Law also offers free workshops and programs designed to help students assess and practice the skills necessary for passing the bar. These workshops cover each part of the bar exam: the essay, multiple choice and performance test portions.

The Vincent C. Immel Law Library is the primary research destination for the School of Law. The library boasts an impressive research collection of some 600,000 titles with significant holdings in federal and state law as well as strong foreign law and special collections.

The SLU LAW Legal Clinics offer upper division students invaluable practical experience while providing needed pro bono legal services to the community. Our Legal Clinics program is ranked no. 30 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Nearly 50 clinical opportunities are offered, including in-house clinics, field placements, judicial clerkships and public service programs.

The Office of Career Services is staffed by knowledgeable attorneys who have all spent time in practice. The Career Services staff help students foster relationships with law firms and other employers as they look for a job and OPT opportunities. Year-round support is offered for networking, interview preparation and resume and cover letter writing.

Faculty Mentorship

SLU LAW prides itself on the individual attention faculty members dedicate to LL.M. and Two-Year J.D. students. Each international student is partnered with a faculty adviser who provides guidance on class selection and professional goals.

Our faculty and staff are world-renowned researchers and practitioners in their respective fields. Our faculty is deeply committed to research, and their level of excellence has been acknowledged with numerous local and national awards.

Students consistently comment on the quality of the instruction and substantive knowledge gained in the classroom and how engaged the faculty and staff are outside of the classroom in providing advice, guidance and support to their educational professional and personal development.

Our internationally minded Dean, William P. Johnson was appointed dean of SLU LAW in January 2017. Dean Johnson’s scholarship is generally focused on commercial law and international business law.

LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyer Program

SLU LAW strives to form a diverse group of students that will be fully exposed to U.S. legal education, culture and the legal profession. To become a member of this carefully selected group of students an LL.M. applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a first degree from a university or law school outside of the United States that qualifies the applicant for bar admission in the home country.
• Have outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated excellence in professional activities.
• If the language of instruction in the applicant’s first law degree program was other than English, demonstrate a high level of spoken and written English proficiency by submitting and official TOEFL iBT report with a score of 85 or above (or a score of 577 or above on the TOEFL PBT) or an official IELTS report with a score of 6.5 or above.

Due to the challenges of administering English proficiency tests during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Louis University School of Law will temporarily accept the Duolingo English proficiency test, in lieu of the IELTS and TOEFL exam. The minimum score for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program is 110.

Two-Year J.D. Program

All applicants to the Two-Year J.D. Program for Foreign Lawyers must meet these requirements:

• Hold a first degree in law from a university or law school outside of the United States that qualifies the applicant for bar admission in the home country.
• Have outstanding academic credentials and demonstrated excellence in professional career activities.
• Complete an application for admission to the J.D. program and submit all documentation required in the application.
• Submit an official LSAT score report within the past three years that demonstrates potential to succeed in the program.
• If the language of instruction in the applicant’s first law degree program was other than English, demonstrate a high level of spoken and written English proficiency by submitting and official TOEFL iBT report with a score of 100 or above (or a score of 600 or above on the TOEFL PBT) or an official IELTS report with a score of 7.5 or above.
• Due to the challenges of administering English proficiency tests during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Louis University School of Law will temporarily accept the Duolingo English proficiency test, in lieu of the IELTS and TOEFL exam. The minimum score for the J.D. program and the Two-Year J.D. for Foreign Lawyers program is 125.

• LL.M. Program for Foreign Lawyers applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, which means the admissions committee reviews each applicant’s file once it receives all application materials.

 • Applications for all of our programs for the 2018-2019 academic year should be submitted no later than April 1, 2018 to ensure that visa paperwork can be processed in time for admission in Fall 2018.

• Our institutional code is 6629.

• There is no application fee.

How to Apply to the LL.M. Program?

Complete an application (the Law School Admissions Council Credential Assembly Service is recommended but not required) for admission to the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program. The Law School Admissions Council Credential Assembly Service is recommended but not required for applications. Applicants should submit the following documents:

• An official transcript from each post-secondary school attended, including English translations;
• Two letters of recommendation;
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score sent to SLU LAW (our institutional code is 6629);
• A written personal statement;
• A resume;
• Scholarship application (if applying for a scholarship).

How to apply to the Two-Year J.D. Program?

Complete an application for admission to the Two-Year J.D. Program for Foreign Lawyers and submit all supporting documentation required in such application. These include:

An official transcript from each post-secondary school attended, including English translations. SLU LAW requires the use of the LSAC Credential Assembly Service, including International Credential Evaluation;

• Two letters of recommendation; Official LSAT score sent to SLU LAW (our institutional code is 6629);
• Official TOEFL or IELTS score sent to SLU LAW (our institutional code is 6629);
• A written personal statement; and
• Current resume

If you have a question regarding the admission process or need accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Ira Trako, Assistant Director, Center for International and Comparative Law; Director, LL. M. Program in American Law for Foreign Lawyers: +1 314 977 2791 or Email: ira.trako@slu.edu 

Tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year is $43,600. Fees are approximately $594, and the cost of books is projected as $1,000. Living expenses are estimated to be at least $11,740. The amounts tend to increase moderately from year to year. Admitted students are responsible for arranging funding of their education prior to enrolling at SLU LAW. Some sources of funding for international students are listed here. Students should also explore private and public sources in their home countries

SLU LAW may award partial- to full-tuition scholarships to incoming students based on academic credentials, career achievements and need.

LL.M. applicants who wish to be considered for scholarships should submit the LL.M. scholarships application form.

Two-Year J.D. applicants who wish to be considered for scholarships should check the financial aid box on the application for J.D. admission.

St. Louis

Founded by the French in 1764, St. Louis is one of the largest and most historically significant cities in the Midwest. St. Louis is a hub for big business, for both Fortune 500 and privately held companies, including Boeing, Centene, Emerson, Enterprise and Monsanto.

Attractions

With more than 100 parks in the city, St. Louis offers an active city lifestyle. From biking and running, to walking and skateboarding, you will find there is no shortage of activities within the city. One of St. Louis’ largest attractions is Forest Park. Bigger than New York City’s Central Park, Forest Park is home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri History Museum and Saint Louis Science Center (all of which have free admission).

For something a bit more funky, check out the 10-story slide, indoor cave system and rooftop Ferris Wheel at the nearby City Museum. Other famous St. Louis attractions include the Missouri Botanical Garden, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, world-class St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, award-winning wineries outside of the city and of course, the famous Gateway Arch.

Sports

Known as one of America’s best sports cities, St. Louis is home to two professional teams: the Cardinals (baseball) and the Blues (hockey), whose fans fill the vibrant downtown area on game days. SLU has 16 Division I NCAA sports teams, including men’s and women’s basketball and soccer. SLU LAW students have free admittance into all SLU sporting events.

Food

Dozens of unique shops and restaurants contribute to St. Louis’ distinctive charm and multicultural flair. With 79 distinct neighborhoods in the city of St. Louis, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore new and exciting cultures. If you do not already have a firm position on the appeal of Provel cheese, toasted ravioli and the best barbecues in the United States, it’s time to develop one. Start your research on The Hill, a mecca of Italian-American dining, or SugarFire Smokehouse, which is within walking distance from campus.

Entertainment

One of the city’s best concert venues just happens to be on the main Saint Louis University campus. SLU’s Chaifetz Arena has recently hosted Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith and Arcade Fire. At SLU LAW, you’re also just minutes away from Grand Center, the city’s thriving arts and entertainment district, with live theater and concert halls. For nightlife, stroll down to the Loop in University City, which is considered one of the “10 Greatest Streets in America.”

Career Opportunities

St. Louis is a major business and commercial center. It is home to 17 Fortune 1000 companies, nine of which are Fortune 500 companies. In addition, it’s a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship and has been ranked as the No. 1 start-up city in America. St. Louis is also home to several large, privately held firms with a national presence. It has a diversified economy with particular strengths in health science and services, financial and information services, bioscience and multimodal logistics and manufacturing.

Weather

Autumns in St. Louis are mild with maximum average temperature between September and December at 14C and minimum temperature 4C. Winters tend to be moderate, with an average maximum temperature between January and March at 7C and the average minimum temperature at 3C. Spring is pleasant, with average maximum temperature between April and June 24C and minimum temperature 13C.

Public Transportation

SLU LAW is located near several MetroLink stations. MetroLink is the light rail transit system in the Greater St. Louis area of Missouri and the Metro East area of Illinois. MetroLink can take students to the airport as well as sports stadiums and shopping centers throughout St. Louis.

One of the objectives of SLU LAW is to help students get the most out of the law school experience. In the midst of a thriving urban community, student organizations offer opportunities to be involved in various volunteer projects.

We have numerous student organizations to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.