University of San Francisco (USF) School of Law

The Law School

The University of San Francisco School of Law, founded in 1912 and accredited by the American Bar Association, offers a rigorous education with a global perspective within a diverse, supportive community. Our professors bring to the classroom the highest educational credentials, substantial practical experience, and an underlying dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service. USF students are among the most ethnically diverse of any law school in the United States, and Master of Laws students are integrated into many of the Juris Doctor courses. Studying at USF, located in the center of one of the world's most dynamic cities, offers vast opportunities for career growth.

The law school is housed in the Koret Law Center, one of the most modern law school facilities in America. The center includes the technologically advanced Dorraine Zief Law Library and Kendrick Hall, which is home to classrooms, offices, and student lounges.

The Program

The USF School of Law offers two Master of Laws programs. Both are open to students and practitioners who have received a law degree from a university outside the United States and who speak English fluently. Candidates for the LLM in International Transactions and Comparative Law may choose to focus on international commercial and business transactions law, international human rights law, or an in-depth study of a particular area of U.S. law. The LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law, which is also open to U.S. students with law degrees, focuses on American and international law in the intellectual property field.

Combined enrollment for both LLM programs is approximately 25 students each year, and the law school provides a supportive environment to help students reach their educational and career goals. Students attend hearings at the California Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and a local jury trial. All LLM students benefit from individual counseling with a faculty member and career planning services. In addition, USF's unique LLM Mentor Program facilitates one-on-one mentor relationships between international students and law school alumni who are practicing attorneys specializing in a variety of legal fields.

The Faculty

An accomplished faculty of dedicated teachers and noted scholars is the foundation of the USF School of Law's academic program. The full-time faculty is complemented by a large group of adjunct, visiting, and emeriti professors. They include federal and state judges, attorneys from public agencies, partners in leading international law firms, and in-house counsel for multi-national corporations.

Entry Requirements

The basic requirements for eligibility are a first degree in law and fluency in English. For foreign students whose native language is not English, the English language requirement may be satisfied by having completed basic legal studies in an English-speaking country and university or by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and receiving a score of 600 PBT/100 IBT or higher or receiving an overall band score of 7.0 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants with TOEFL scores between 575-600 PBT/90-100 PBT or IELTS scores between 6.5 and 7.0 may be conditionally admitted; these students are required to complete a six-week summer English program.

Application Procedure

The priority application deadline for August admission is February 15. The admission committee reviews files in the order they are completed, on a rolling basis. It is to the applicant's advantage to submit the complete application with supporting materials as early as possible. Documents that are not in English, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be accompanied by an English translation.

Applicants must submit the following documentation:
Application Form
$70 Application Fee
Personal Statement
Two Letters of Recommendation
Certification of Finances
Transcripts
LSAT Scores
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (as needed--see Entry Requirements)

For detailed application information or to apply, visit www.usfca.edu/law/llm/apply.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the 2011-2012 LLM programs is $40,464 or $20,232 per semester. Other costs include student fees, books and supplies, room and board, and personal expenses. For additional information on tuition and fees visit www.usfca.edu/law/llm/tuition.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be offered to a few international applicants demonstrating financial need and outstanding academic achievement who would otherwise be unable to pay for the LLM program. Those applicants must submit a separate written statement with their application materials that provides details on their finances, including the amount and sources of funding available to support their USF studies. No financial aid application will be considered without this information. For information on USF scholarships and external sources of financial aid, visit www.usfca.edu/law/llm/financialaid.

Location

The USF School of Law is located in a classic San Francisco residential neighborhood, complete with ornate Victorian homes and Golden Gate views. The city is an extension of the campus and plays a vital role in the overall educational experience. The law school is located minutes away from the Civic Center, home to federal, state, and local government agencies and federal and state courts, including the California Supreme Court. The San Francisco Bay Area provides unsurpassed learning, externship, and service opportunities to complement the LLM academic program. When it's time to unwind, our backyard is Golden Gate Park--a favorite spot for running, cycling, or studying in the afternoon sun. Cafés, restaurants, clubs as well as limitless entertainment options await, from ballet, opera, theater, and symphony to the Chinese New Year Parade and other cultural events.

Student Life

Small class sizes that ensure a high level of individual attention as well as activities and services offered by the law school and university community will enrich your educational experience. The law school sponsors frequent panels, guest speakers, and special programs that provide opportunities for students to network with faculty, alumni, members of the bench and the bar, and visiting dignitaries. LLM students are also encouraged to join the many student organizations sponsored by the law school.

Our students enjoy the cultural, recreational, and social programs and services available to the wider university community. The University of San Francisco sits on a stunning 55-acre campus and features a main library and learning center, several dining facilities, and a fitness center complete with an Olympic-size pool, basketball courts, and fitness equipment. USF's comprehensive program for students also includes health counseling, housing, and disability services.