A member of the admissions team sits with a student in her office, reviewing materials on a desk.

Our Application Process

Here’s what you need to know about applying to our academic programs.

Questions?

The Office of Admissions is available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for appointments by phone and video meetings. 

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Note: All admission decisions are final. Appeals will not be considered.

3-Year JD 2-Year JD Transfer & Visiting LLM JSD

Admission to the LL.M. Programs

What does our ideal LL.M. candidate look like?

Students in our LL.M. programs come from countries all over the world, including the United States, but those we accept have several things in common: they demonstrate superior achievement in law school and/or the legal profession, they possess excellent communication skills, and most importantly, they have a very clear sense of how an LL.M. degree from the School of Law is going to help them achieve their professional goals.

Our admission process is selective and based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria. In addition to your law school grade point average (GPA) and language proficiency test score (if necessary), the Admissions Committee considers other non-numerical factors in reaching decisions. These factors include:

  • Achievement or activities that indicate a high level of probability of scholastic excellence and intellectual contributions while in law school;
  • Achievements or activities emanating from work, life experience or community service that indicate a potential for contributing to the enrichment of the law school;
  • Special factors in your academic background that may have affected your academic career, including discrimination based on race, creed, gender, disability or national origin, and economic or social impediments.

The School of Law is committed to a nondiscriminatory admission policy and philosophy. We welcome applications from all people without regard to race, age, gender, disability, religion, national origin, family status or sexual orientation.

The Application Review Process

The Admissions Committee uses a rolling admission process. Applications are put into review with the Admissions Committee as they become complete, and decisions are usually made within four weeks. It is essential to make sure you have submitted all required documents. Incomplete applications will not go into review with the Admissions Committee.

How to Apply

Three-Year J.D. and Advanced Standing Two-Year J.D. applicants must apply through the Law School Admission Council's J.D. Credential Assembly Service.

LL.M. and J.S.D. applicants must apply through the Law School Admission Council's LL.M. Credential Assembly Service.

All supporting documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters and language proficiency test scores, are mailed or transmitted to LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Learn more about the LL.M. Application Process.

Application Requirements

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee of $85 is required. Individuals facing economic hardship can seek an application fee waiver by sending a request to law-admissions@buffalo.edu before submitting the application. The School of Law cannot waive LSAC fees, however. Explore LSAC’s Fee Waiver Programs and Services for eligibility criteria and application details.

Post-Admission

Successful applicants may be asked to declare their criminal history, including any prior felony conviction(s), post-admission, if and when they seek campus housing or apply to participate in certain other activities that require such checks (i.e. study abroad programs and experiential courses that involve working at outside organizations or in settings that require criminal background checks). Certain responses could, but not necessarily, impact ones' ability to pursue the aforementioned opportunities.