Application Process
To be considered for enrollment into an LLM degree program, you must apply online.
Applications are reviewed in the order they’re completed and received and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Deadlines
Admission is available for both fall and spring semesters, with the following deadlines:
- Fall semester: April 1
- Spring semester: Oct. 15
If you wish to apply after these deadlines, contact the Office of Global Legal Studies at llm-sjd@case.edu.
Admission Requirements
Case Western Reserve University School of Law is committed to attracting and supporting talented and accomplished students from around the world. To help make an LLM education more accessible, we offer a number of generous merit-based scholarships to outstanding applicants.
Merit scholarships are awarded through a holistic review of each application. In evaluating candidates, we consider a range of factors, including English proficiency, academic achievement, professional experience, leadership, publications, career goals, and each applicant’s potential to contribute to the CWRU School of Law community. Applicants with strong credentials may be considered for substantial scholarship awards, if they can explain the steps that they have taken to fund their education.
To be considered for a merit scholarship, applicants must indicate their interest in scholarship consideration in their personal statement. In addition to addressing the topics outlined for the personal statement, applicants should describe their financial circumstances and explain the steps they have taken to secure funding from other sources.
Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For the best consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early in each admissions cycle. Because earning an LLM from a US law school is a significant investment in your future, we strongly encourage applicants to explore additional sources of funding as they plan for their legal education.
Applicants from partner law schools are awarded scholarships in accordance with their institution’s partnership agreement with CWRU School of Law. If you have any questions about partner school scholarships, please contact your home institution or the Office of Global Legal Studies at llm-sjd@case.edu.
To apply for one of CWRU’s LLM degrees for internationally educated students, you must submit the following:
- Completed online application.
- Personal statement (maximum two typed pages) describing your reasons for pursuing an LLM at CWRU School of Law, your academic achievements, career goals, and how you would contribute to the CWRU School of Law community. If you would like to be considered for a merit scholarship, you should also explain what steps you have already taken to secure funding from other sources. Your statement should be well organized and written entirely by you.
- Resume or CV highlighting your educational background, professional experience, honors and awards, leadership, publications, and other relevant accomplishments. One or two pages is generally sufficient.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended. Transcripts not issued in English must be accompanied by an English translation.
- Proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, unless you qualify for a waiver because you earned a degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction or are from an English-speaking country. Waiver requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we reserve the right to require proof of English proficiency.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your academic ability, professional accomplishments, or potential for success in graduate legal study. Letters from professors, supervisors, or employers are preferred, but not required.
English Proficiency
Whether you’re ready to apply now or still strengthening your English, we provide flexible admission options. Requirements for various admission types are as follows:
Spring Admission
- TOEFL: 4.0 and above (80 and above)
- IELTS: 6.5 and above
- Duolingo: 120 and above
- Graduation from ELS: Level 112
Fall Admission (with the requirement to attend our Summer Language and Law Institute)
- TOEFL: 3.5 (70-79)
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 115 and above
- Graduation from ELS: Level 111
Fall Admission (direct)
- TOEFL:4.0 and above (80 and above)
- IELTS: 6.5 and above
- Duolingo: 120 and above
- Graduation from ELS: Level 112
Note: Conditional admission is available if your academic credentials are strong but you need to improve your English proficiency. You can build your language skills through ELS Cleveland, conveniently located on our campus. Completion of this program is accepted in place of the above standardized English test scores.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
We understand pursuing a graduate education is a financial commitment. Explore financial aid and scholarships available to students in our International LLM program.
Contact Us
Mailing Address
Office of Global Legal Studies
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7148 USA
Admission Inquiries and Applications
Office of Global Legal Studies
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
216.368.2083 | llm-sjd@case.edu
Visitors and Deliveries
Office of Global Legal Studies
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Gund Hall
11075 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7148