Duke Law School LLM

Verdict at a Glance

• Degree: Master of Laws (LLM)
• Duration: 1 year full-time (some 2-year part-time options)
• LSAT / GRE: Typically not required for the LLM
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 100+ or IELTS 7.0-7.5 (verify on official page)
• Tuition (US programs): Approx. US $70,000-$80,000+ per year before living expenses
• Typical deadline: Single annual deadline, early December to mid-February for fall start

Admissions Requirements (Typical)

Best For

• Foreign-trained lawyers seeking a US credential and possible NY or CA bar eligibility
• US JDs looking to specialize (tax, IP, international, human rights, corporate)
• Practitioners returning to academia or moving into international legal work
• Candidates planning to continue on to a doctoral (JSD/SJD) degree

Methodology & Data Sources

Figures above describe the typical shape of US LLM programs and are not specific commitments from this school. Always confirm current tuition, deadlines, and English-proficiency minimums on the official admissions page before applying.

• Duke Law School LLM - official admissions information (search)
• LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service
• New York State Board of Law Examiners - foreign-trained applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Duke Law School LLM program?

Duke Law School LLM is a one-year postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) degree designed for foreign-trained lawyers and US JDs who want to specialize, prepare for a US bar exam, or transition into academia and international practice.

What are the admissions requirements?

Applicants typically submit a first law degree (JD, LLB, or equivalent), transcripts, two academic or professional recommendations, a personal statement, a resume, TOEFL/IELTS scores for non-native English speakers, and an application fee. The LSAT and GRE are usually not required for the LLM.

Does the program accept GRE or LSAT scores?

Most LLM programs do not require the LSAT or the GRE. Admissions decisions rely primarily on the prior law degree, academic record, recommendations, and personal statement.

What TOEFL or IELTS score do international applicants need?

Top US LLM programs commonly look for TOEFL iBT scores of 100 or higher (often 105-110) or IELTS scores of 7.0-7.5, with minimums on each section. Always confirm the current minimum on the official admissions page.

How long is the program and how much does it cost?

The standard LLM is a full-time, one-year program. Tuition and mandatory fees at top US law schools typically run between US $70,000 and US $80,000+ per year, before living expenses. Some schools allow part-time study over two years.

When are the application deadlines?

Most LLM programs follow a single annual deadline between early December and mid-February for fall enrollment. A small number offer rolling admissions. Always verify the current cycle on the official admissions page.

What career paths does the LLM support?

Graduates pursue US bar admission (typically New York or California), join international or in-house legal teams, return to private practice with a US credential, or continue to a doctoral degree (JSD/SJD).

Can LLM graduates sit for the US bar exam?

In most states, only New York and California routinely allow foreign-trained LLM graduates to sit for the bar without additional study. Eligibility rules are state-specific and change; confirm with the relevant board of bar examiners before applying.

More LLM Programs

• Harvard Law School LLM
• Yale Law School LLM
• Stanford Law School LLM
• Columbia Law School LLM
• NYU School of Law LLM
• University of Chicago Law LLM
• Penn Carey Law LLM
• Berkeley Law LLM