Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law

Why Choose Temple Law for Your LL.M.?

Our LL.M. program is one of the longest running in the U.S., with alumni around the world. U.S. News and World Report ranks Temple Law as a top law school, particularly in trial advocacy, legal writing, healthcare law, tax law, and international law. Courses within our specialty rankings are popular with our international students.

We welcome:

• Recent law graduates
• International attorneys
• Legal academics, counsel, and government officials
• Any student who has earned a first degree in law

The LL.M. degree for Foreign-Trained Lawyers is the equivalent of what other schools refer to as a “General” or “Traditional” LL.M. or an “LL.M. in American Law.” It is a Master’s level degree for students who have earned their first degree in law.

Temple Law is ranked as a top 50 U.S. law school by U.S. News and World Report. It is also consistently top ranked for International Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Trial Advocacy, among other specialties. Temple Law’s distinguished professors are accomplished, supportive, and dedicated to preparing students for outstanding careers.

Temple has two international campuses, located in Tokyo and Rome, at which LL.M. students may be able to study. Over half of the faculty has taught at Temple's campuses abroad, demonstrating their global interests and sensitivity to the needs of international students.

Our Faculty

Our faculty devotes uncommon attention supporting each student’s academic and professional growth, understanding that each student is unique. The result is a community of students, faculty, and alumni in which individuals and relationships are highly valued, forming a community of common purpose that will remain with you long after graduation. Over half of Temple Law’s faculty have taught at Temple’s Rome and Tokyo campuses, as well as in Beijing and other countries, demonstrating their global interests and commitment to the needs of international students.

Application Deadline:

June 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring semester admission (extensions for either semester available upon request).

Students must demonstrate they have:

1. Prior Legal Education: To qualify for admission to the LL.M. program, you must have earned a first degree in law (such as an LL.B.) outside of the United States.
2. English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency by earning:

• 88 on the TOEFL (report code number 2906-03);
• 6.5 on the IELTS (with no individual band score below 6.0); or
• Submit a waiver request if your native language is English or you have earned a degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction.

Conditional Admission Program

Applicants who are otherwise academically qualified, but fall slightly below the desired scores, may be required to attend a summer English-language training program in the United States as a condition of admission. To qualify for conditional admission, in general students must have earned a TOEFL score of 80 or an IELTS combined score of 6.0 (with no individual band score lower than 5.0).

Students may take these courses at Temple’s Center for American Language and Culture (formerly known as the Intensive English Language Program). For more information, please contact ally.lamson@temple.edu. 

Application Deadline:

June 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring semester admission (extensions for either semester available upon request).

Prospective students must have earned their first degree in law (such as an LL.B.) outside of the United States. You can apply through LSAC or apply directly.

After beginning your online application, please submit the following documents:

• Proof of English proficiency
• Official law school transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume
• $50 application fee (may be waived upon request)

All documents submitted must be in English. Translations must be certified by a credentialed evaluation service. You should submit both the original and the translated versions.

An interview is not required. However, we welcome prospective applicants to visit us or schedule an informal video chat so that we can answer your questions about the program.

 Program Admissions > LL.M. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers Admissions

•  ADMISSIONS
• LL.M., Graduate, and International Program Admissions
  • LL.M. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers Admissions
  • LL.M. in Taxation Admissions
  • LL.M. in Trial Advocacy Admissions
  • LL.M. in Transnational Law Admissions
  • LL.M. in Beijing, China Admissions
  • LL.M. in Asian Law Admissions
  • S.J.D. Admissions
  • Graduate Certificate Program Admissions
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Apply

Application Deadline: June 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring semester admission (extensions for each semester available upon request).

Prospective students must have earned their first degree in law (such as an LL.B.) outside of the United States. You can apply through LSAC or apply directly.

Apply Current Applicants

Program Website

After beginning your online application, please submit the following documents:

1. Proof of English proficiency
2. Official law school transcript
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Personal statement
5. Resume
6. $50 application fee (may be waived upon request)

All documents submitted must be in English. Translations must be certified by a credentialed evaluation service. You should submit both the original and the translated versions.

An interview is not required. However, we welcome prospective applicants to visit us or schedule an informal video chat so that we can answer your questions about the program.

Application Materials - Details

English Proficiency

Transcripts and Degree Verification

Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement

Resume or CV

Application Fee

Conditional Admission Program

Applicants who are academically qualified, but fall slightly below the desired language scores, may be required to complete a four-week or seven-week intensive English-language course at Temple as a condition of admission. To qualify for conditional admission, in general, students must have earned a TOEFL score of 80, an IELTS combined score of 6.0 (with no individual band score lower than 5.0), or a Duolingo English Test Score of at least 105.

Conditionally admitted students will take these courses at Temple’s Center for American Language and Culture (formerly known as the Intensive English Language Program). For more information, please contact ally.lamson@temple.edu.

Tuition and Costs

Students studying fewer than nine credits per semester are considered part time, and thus pay by credit. Students who are full time pay the fixed rate for the year. In addition to tuition, please also budget for living expenses in the Philadelphia area.

In June of each year the Temple University trustees establish the tuition rates for the academic year which begins in mid-August. The cost of education at Temple Law is very reasonable, especially considering the quality of education and the many opportunities available at Temple.

2020-21 Pennsylvania Residents AND Out-of-State Residents

Full-time: $33,000
Part-time per credit hour: $1,500

Financial Aid and Scholarships are available on a limited basis.

Temple Law is located in Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., conveniently located between New York City and Washington, DC. The cost of living in Philadelphia is lower than that of other east coast cities, allowing students to live affordably in a large city while pursuing an excellent education and building a network.

Philadelphia is a UNESCO World Heritage City and was just named one of the top 25 cities to visit in the World for 2020 by National Geographic. Many young professionals flock from New York to Philadelphia. We believe that you, too, will fall in love with Philadelphia.

In addition, LL.M. students may also be able to study abroad at our Rome or Tokyo campuses as part of their degree.

Temple Law maintains a campus in Rome, Italy situated on the Tiber River in the historic heart of Rome. Eligible students may attend courses in Rome, Italy for five weeks in the summer abroad program.

LL.M. Orientation

We are excited to have you join the Temple community! Our program begins with a two-week LL.M. Orientation in August (fall admission) or a one-week orientation in January (spring admission) where you will take an introductory course on the American legal system and participate in other lectures and workshops that will prepare you for law studies in the United States. During orientation, you will meet classmates, faculty, deans, and other members of the Temple family and learn about Temple’s opportunities and resources that will lay the foundation for a great experience while you are here.

In certain limited cases, students may begin our LL.M. program at the beginning of our spring semester in January. Please contact us for more information.