Please find a list of questions commonly asked about the Flex-LLM program in US law. As a brand-new program, the page will be updated with new questions and answers so please check back for more information. Please reach out at lawgradm@gmu.edu with your own questions.
Admissions Information/Application Process
What is the application deadline for the Flex-LLM in US Law?
August 1 deadline for the Fall semester.
After completing the LLM program, am I eligible to take a United States bar examination?
The program is specifically designed for foreign-educated lawyers to satisfy the educational requirements of the D.C. Bar, which recently revised its rules to permit the courses to be taken entirely online (although our program also gives you a residential option, plus residential student services).
Students who start in spring will complete their degree requirements in time for the D.C. Bar exam in February of the following year. Students who start in summer will complete their degree requirements in time for the D.C. bar exam in July of the following year.
It is important you directly consult the rules of the DC bar, or any state bar of interest, for all of the requirements.
Is the program full-time or part-time?
This degree was designed for full-time study, however part-time options are available. Please reach out to lawgradm@gmu.edu if you’re interested in part-time.
How many credits are required?
28 credits are needed to complete the degree.
Requirements to Be Considered for Admission
What is the general application process for Flex-LLM students?
Applications should be submitted through our website portal found here. We require unofficial transcripts, a personal goals statement of 500 words, a TOEFL or IELTS score, a resume, and other supporting documents as necessary. More information can be found on our application page.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
We do not require a letter of recommendation for the Flex-LLM, although, if you choose to submit one, your recommender should email it directly to the school at lawgradm@gmu.edu
Is there a preferred topic for the personal statement?
The personal statement is used to assess your plans for the degree as well as your writing in an academic context. We recommend you use this opportunity to tell us about your career goals.
My personal statement is longer than 500 words. Is that a problem?
While there is no word maximum for the personal statement, brevity and editing are prized qualities for US lawyers. We do not recommend going far above the 500 word suggestion.
About the Flex-LLM in US Law
Will this course prepare me for the D.C. bar exam?
26 credits within the Flex-LLM are subject bar credits, the credits required to sit for the Washington D.C. bar exam. In addition, the Flex-LLM also includes a required bar preparation course that is specifically designed to prepare for the D.C. bar exam. Your tuition includes bar preparation services, access to law school facilities, the library, and advising services.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
If you have a qualifying law degree from a country outside of the US and want to sit for the D.C. bar exam, this program is designed to meet your objectives.
Other Helpful Information
Are Personal Interviews Required?
Yes, all applicants must interview for the program.
Must I disclose information about prior or pending criminal, disciplinary, or academic problems in my LLM application?
Yes, all students must disclose all disciplinary, academic, or criminal problems in the application. Failure to disclose may result in a rescinded acceptance or program expulsion. The bar examiners will ask similar questions as a condition for admission; although, you should contact the bar directly for information about its requirements.
Can I visit the law school and sit in on a class?
Yes! Please contact lawgradm@gmu.edu to schedule a visit. Also, this program provides residential options, plus residential student services, unlike our and other LLM programs in US Law.