SMU Dedman School of Law

SMU Dedman School of Law offers graduate degree programs for both U.S. and foreign trained lawyers. The LL.M. Programs enhance careers in the private practice of law, teaching, and public service by teaching analysis and problem-solving skills for meeting the complex demands of our world. The programs increase the student's understanding of legal theory and policies, broaden the student's legal horizons, and encourage the development of legal research and writing skills.

Founded in 1925, SMU Dedman School of Law is a top-ranked tier-one private law school located in Dallas, Texas, and is situated in a tree-lined neighborhood, just minutes from the city center. Established in 1949, the law school's graduate degree law programs have played an important role in training some of the foremost leaders around the world. We are proud our global alumni network - more than 2,000 graduates from 80 countries who hold prominent positions in government, legal practice, business, the judiciary, and legal education worldwide.

The faculty includes scholars and innovators in a variety of fields, including constitutional law, corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, health law, intellectual property, national security law, oil and gas law, public interest law, and tax law. These scholars regularly engage the world by appearing before congressional committees, working with state and federal regulatory agencies, arguing before state and federal courts, working with corporate executives and nonprofits, and regularly appearing in the media to translate their research or offer commentary on important stories of the day. Studying law at SMU gives students access to an exceptional faculty engaged in timely and cutting-edge research often informed by years of experience.

An applicant for admission to the LL.M. Degree programs must be a graduate of a recognized foreign law school. The applicant's undergraduate record must demonstrate scholarly legal aptitude. An applicant for whom English is a second language must present evidence of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). U.S. trained law students may not apply to the LL.M. for Foreign Law School Graduates program.

Applicants to the LL.M. programs (For Foreign Law School Graduates, Taxation, and General) must submit the following:

* Completed application
--Application Instructions in PDF format (accessibility version)
--LL.M. Application in PDF format (accessibility version, please email bheine@smu.edu )
--LSAC (Law School Admissions Council) Electronic Application

* Personal statement (including why you are interested in entering the graduate degree program)

* Résumé

* Two letters of recommendation

* $75 (U.S. dollars) nonrefundable application fee payable to SMU Dedman School of Law.

* Certified undergraduate and law school transcripts. Transcripts must be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from your schools.

In addition, international applicants must submit personal and bank certifications of sufficient financial resources to cover anticipated tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. These certifications must be in U.S. dollars.

International applicants for whom English is not the first language also must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, New Jersey 08541 (www.TOEFL.org). The score must be reported to the Admissions Office directly from the Educational Testing Service. It is important when applying that you indicate on the TOEFL form the code number 6660, department code 03, to ensure that your score is sent to SMU Dedman School of Law. 

Applications for LL.M. programs are processed on a continuous basis beginning in early December. It is in your best interest to submit your application as early as possible with all supporting documentation. Applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Applications will be reviewed upon completion, and decisions will be made shortly thereafter.

2021-2022 Tuition, Fees, Estimated Expenses for LL.M. Programs

Tuition $52,514
Fees $6,772

Estimated Expenses

Books $1,000
Living Expenses $19,350
Miscellaneous/Heath Insurance $3,000

Total cost of LL.M. Programs $82,636*

*Note: The total cost above does not include travel between the student's home country and the Dallas area. If you are bringing family to the United States, you are required to show proof of an additional $8,000 for one dependent. If you are bringing more than one dependent, in addition to the $8,000, you are required to show proof of $4,000 per dependent.

SMU Dedman School of Law typically will offer some scholarship aid to most of our LL.M. students. All applicants are automatically considered for partial scholarships. In addition to the partial scholarships, we do offer a few full scholarships. A separate application for these scholarships is not necessary. For further information, please contact the Office of Graduate Legal Programs by email at bheine@smu.edu or by telephone at 214-768-2758 or toll free at 1-888-768-5291.

The SMU Financial Aid Office is available to assist students in obtaining student loans.

SMU Dedman Law offers international students an opportunity to become part of a vibrant, diverse, scholarly community with the advantage of studying in Dallas - not only an international business center, but a dynamic cultural center situated midway between the east and west coast of the United States in a region known for its mild, sunny climate. Dallas is the ninth-largest city and the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex make up the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. It is a sophisticated city with a thriving job market, high quality of life and relatively low cost of living. It is a great place to live and study!

In addition to our diverse curriculum, students are invited to take advantage of the many activities outside the classroom. At SMU Dedman Law, your learning experience will be enriched through year-round international conferences and lectures, bringing prominent international figures to campus to discuss current global legal issues. International LL.M. students take classes with American J.D. students and participate in our Inns of Court Program - a program that is introduced during orientation where students connect in small groups with fellow classmates, faculty, student leaders, career advisors, and alumni for a community experience throughout their time at SMU Dedman School of Law. A faculty member will serve as your personal academic advisor. Practicing lawyers from the Dallas Bar Association International Law section also serve as mentors for our students.

The law school is located on the northwest corner of the SMU campus, with the classroom buildings, administration building and law library forming what is called the "Law Quad." This ideal location provides easy access to many of SMU's wonderful student resources, including dining services, a premier fitness center, and health services center. SMU Dedman School of Law and Dallas - A great place to Live and Study.