Master of Laws in Amherst United States | University at Buffalo, SUNY

Requirements: Admission to the General LL.M. Program requires a first degree in Law (JD or LLB).  Students must take a minimum of 24 credits to complete the General LL.M. degree, including a minimum of three credits of experiential learning.  Courses qualifying as experiential include externships, clerkships, clinical programs and practicums, as well as a variety of in-class courses. International students will additionally take a two-credit legal research and writing class and a two-credit course that introduces the United States legal system.

 

The Admissions Committee takes a broad view of law school performance. We evaluate your transcript based on courses taken, increasing level of difficulty and academic rigor of the course of study. While the academic reputation of the institution is considered, it is not weighed as heavily as the student’s academic performance. The Admissions Committee will accept addenda to your application that explain any anomalies in your academic performance. If you experienced an unexpected event that resulted in an inconsistent academic performance, consider providing a one-page explanation to the Admissions Committee. 

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation help to complete the academic profile of each applicant. We highly encourage applicants ask faculty members to write these letters. Recommendations should stress your ability to think and write critically, analyze large volumes of text, and address your level of responsibility in the classroom. The Admissions Committee highly values letters from faculty members, former employers or colleagues who know you well.

 

Your Personal Statement

The Admissions Committee uses the personal statement to learn about each applicant. We are particularly interested in knowing what motivates you to pursue an LL.M. We are also interested in learning about your life experiences, family background, academic experiences and academic accomplishments that make you especially qualified to pursue a degree at the School of Law. The personal statement should also demonstrate your ability to write well.

It is recommended that you have your personal statement proofread prior to submission. Ideally, your personal statement should be tailored to the School of Law. It should be 2 – 2 1/2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font. It should be at most 750 words.

 

Résumé

All applicants are required to submit a résumé listing employment, extracurricular and/or public-service activities, honors, awards, and special interests related to your academic career to date.

Character and Fitness

Pursuant to policy established by the State University of New York (SUNY), the University at Buffalo School of Law does not make inquiries into the criminal records of applicants for purposes of admission.