Frequently Asked Questions
Are foreign graduates of the LL.M. Program
eligible to take a bar examination in the United States?
Yes. There are several states that permit international LL.M. graduates
to take their bar examination. Many of these states have additional
requirements that may preclude an LL.M. graduate from taking the
bar. We recommend that international students interested in a bar
examination check with the Board of Law Examiners of the state where
they wish to take the bar to see if they are eligible. Detailed information regarding admission can be found at the American
Bar Association website. (See also the 2010 Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.)
Some states require more than 24 credit hours of study, and successful completion of certain courses, for an LL.M. graduate to sit for the bar exam. Students should consider taking additional credits, and make sure that they have taken the required courses, if they want to qualify to sit for a bar exam in such a state.
Are students eligible to begin studies
in the spring semester?
Yes. Please check our Application
Forms webpage for application deadlines.
Are foreign LL.M. graduates eligible to
join the J.D. Program at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law?
Yes. However, foreign LL.M. graduates are subject to the same admission
requirements as all other J.D. applicants (including submission
of an LSAT result.) Subject to some restrictions, up to 12 credits
earned in the LL.M. Program may be transferred to the J.D. Program.
Do you offer scholarship assistance for
LL.M. students?
Yes. To demonstrate the law school's commitment to this Program,
and to make the Program more accessible, the law school will provide
scholarship assistance to students who demonstrate financial need
and outstanding academic / professional credentials. Information
on how to apply for scholarship assistance can be found on the Application
for Admission.
Will you help me to arrange housing for
my stay in Indianapolis?
The School of Law is pleased to offer housing recommendations for
your stay in Indianapolis. However, final housing arrangements are
the responsibility of each individual student. The LL.M. Program
will not arrange housing, so please plan accordingly. For
more information visit the Housing page
of the LL.M. website.
Are foreign lawyers eligible to work in
the United States after completing the LL.M. Program?
Yes. International students wishing to extend their stay in the
United States after receiving their LL.M. degree are able to do
so with Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students completing the
LL.M. Program on an F-1 student visa are eligible for up to twelve
months of OPT authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration
Service (USCIS, formerly known as the INS). OPT must be directly
related to a student's field of study and appropriate to the level
of education. No specific job offer is required to qualify for OPT,
but students must apply prior to completing the LL.M. degree. The
law school and the campus Office of International Affairs will assist
students applying for Optional Practical Training.
When does
the LL.M. Program begin?
Law classes typically begin between August 22-27 for the fall semester
and between January 11-13 for the spring semester. However, orientation
for international LL.M. students will begin approximately 1 week before
classes begin in the spring. In addition, registration and check-in
as well as other orientation activities will take place before the
first day of class. Students are advised to arrive before these
activities begin in order to participate in these programs and settle
into their living arrangements. Detailed information regarding specific
dates and recommended arrival times will be sent to each admitted
student.
updated 7/20/2010
