Although we cannot evaluate credentials outside the formal admissions process, we will provide guidance on eligibility to apply. Please contact gradadms@law.upenn.edu for assistance.

If you require an extension of our standard application deadline, please fill out the deadline extension form.  All applications received after December 15 will automatically be assessed a $120 application fee (the regular $85 application fee plus a $35 late fee.) 

We do not extend the early application deadline. All applications completed after November 15 will be considered in the regular application pool. 

We understand that CAS reports may be delayed for reasons beyond the applicant’s control. As long as you have submitted your Eapp and all materials to LSAC by December 15, you do not need to request an extension.

However, the later an application is completed, the greater the potential disadvantage to the applicant as we review completed applications on a rolling basis.

You may send substantive updates via email at gradadmissions@law.upenn.edu. Please limit your update to a brief email summary that addresses the error, change, or update. Your personal statement or resume cannot be replaced.

If you would like to withdraw your application, please send an email to gradadmissions@law.upenn.edu indicating that you are withdrawing your application. If you are comfortable in doing so, please let us know where you decide to enroll. 

LLMs are fully engaged in the law school community, participating in clinics, journals, doing pro bono work and participating and leading student organizations.

LLM students are eligible to participate in some of our clinics. For example, LLMs have enrolled in clinical programs focusing on Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property and Technology, International Human Rights and Immigration.

Many LLM students participate in student run journals including Journal of International Law, Asian Law Review, Constitutional Law Journal, and Journal for Law and Social Change. 

LLMs participate, lead, and even start new student groups, ranging from academic and professional organizations to affinity groups to athletic clubs.

Eligibility to sit for a particular state bar exam varies from state to state. Completion of the LLM degree in and of itself does not guarantee eligibility to take a bar examination. Moreover, the LLM program is not intended as a preparatory course for any state’s bar exam. 

Many Penn Carey Law LLM students sit for state bar exams, typically New York, after graduation each year. Although we provide support, LLM students should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the bar exam they wish to take.

For information on individual state requirements, see Bar Information Overview.

We do not offer a part-time or online LLM program. The Office of Legal Education Programs offers non-degree programs that may be of interest to you.

After the mandatory 5 credit pre-term program, LLM students’ study alongside JD students and choose from a list of over 80 courses per semester. You can view a list of current and past course offerings here.

Please note that courses change each semester based on faculty availability, trends, and students’ interest.  

LLM students are welcome to apply for transfer to the JD program but are not guaranteed admission. Only current Penn Carey Law LLMs may apply to transfer into our JD program and the LSAT is not required. We do not accept LLM alumni or LLM students from other law schools as transfer students into our JD program. 

Penn Carey Law students are also welcome to apply to the SJD program. Although we provide guidance and support to those students, admission to the SJD program is very competitive.

The LLM program is designed for foreign-trained attorneys. The Master in Law (ML) Program educates non-lawyers who wish to gain expertise in the law and legal foundations of their disciplines.