Law Application Information

Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and take the LSAT or GRE
All JD applicants, domestic and international, must register with the CAS and take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The LSAT is offered multiple times a year; however, early testing is encouraged. The GRE is available year-round at over 1,000 test centers worldwide.

If you have taken both the LSAT and GRE, we will consider only the LSAT score if it is within the past five years. For more information on these exams, visit the LSAC website for the LSAT or ETS website for the GRE.

Need to Take the LSAT or GRE?

• Check LSAT Dates and Deadlines
• Register for the GRE

Apply Online through LSAC
Submit your JD application electronically via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). There is no additional application fee beyond the CAS report fee of $45. We want to ensure that financial considerations do not hinder your ability to apply.

Submit Two Letters of Recommendation
Provide two letters of recommendation through CAS. These letters should come from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and intellectual capacity for law school, such as former professors or professional mentors.

Provide Academic Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. These should be sent directly to CAS, not to Willamette.

Write a Personal Statement
A personal statement is required as part of your application. This is your opportunity to tell your story, highlight your motivations for pursuing a legal career, and how Willamette aligns with your aspirations.

Submit a Resume
Your resume should include your work history, any honors or awards, leadership experiences, and legal-related activities if applicable. This document should be submitted with your application.

If Willamette Law is your top choice, consider applying through our Early Decision Program. Successful applicants can earn a $10,000 scholarship and are also eligible for other merit-based awards.

How to Apply

Submit your JD application, including the Early Decision Agreement, through CAS by December 1. Early Decision applicants will be notified of their admission status by January 10, with a $600 seat deposit due by January 18. Admitted students must withdraw applications to other law schools.

You may opt-out of the Early Decision Program by December 20 if you decide to pursue regular admission instead. Please contact our Office of Admission to confirm your change.

Our part-time program offers a path to your JD while allowing you to balance work, family, and other commitments. Students can complete their degree in four to seven years.

How to Apply

Part-time applicants follow the same process as full-time students. Additionally, they must include an addendum explaining why they are pursuing a part-time JD. Part-time students take up to 9 credits per semester, with a minimum of 5 credits required to maintain financial aid eligibility.

Course Schedule

Classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday. Part-time students attend the same classes as full-time students, and schedules are determined in consultation with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Administration.

Part-Time JD FAQs

• Can I apply to both full-time and part-time programs? 
  • Yes. If offered admission, you’ll need to choose one program.
• Can I switch from part-time to full-time? 
  • Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis after completing the first year.
• Can I work while enrolled? 
  • Yes, there’s no limit on work hours, but attendance policies apply.
• Are scholarships and financial aid available? 
  • Yes, part-time students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships on a prorated basis.
• How many credits do I need to take each semester?
  • Part-time students may take up to 9 credit hours per semester. Students must enroll in at least 5 credit hours to be eligible for financial aid.
• How long can I take to complete the program?
  • Part-time students must complete all degree requirements for graduation within 7 years following enrollment. It may be possible to complete the program in 4 years by supplementing classes in the summer.
• Are there any classes offered in the evening?
  • Currently, all first-year classes are offered in the day time only, Monday through Friday.

Willamette University School of Law welcomes international students to apply for admission to our JD program. We value the diverse perspectives and experiences that international students bring to our academic community.

In addition to following the standard JD application process, international applicants must meet the following specific requirements:

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
All international applicants are required to take the LSAT. To find the nearest test site and register, please visit the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.

Degree Equivalency
International applicants must hold a degree equivalent to an American undergraduate bachelor’s degree. For guidance on degree equivalency, applicants should contact LSAC for information on their degree evaluation services.

English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is essential for success in the JD program and is required to meet U.S. immigration policies. International applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Detailed information on the required scores and acceptable tests can be found on our English Proficiency Requirements page.

Financial Responsibility
International applicants must prove they have sufficient financial resources to cover educational and living expenses for at least one year of the three-year JD program. Required documentation includes:

• A completed Statement of Financial Responsibility form.
• Official bank verification of funds (written in English), confirming that you and/or your sponsor have sufficient resources.
• A financial guarantee letter from any government scholarship awarded to you.

All financial documentation must be received and approved by the School of Law before we can issue the I-20 form, which is necessary to apply for a student visa.

Read more about requirements for international applicants.

Applicants must have completed a JD from an ABA-accredited American law school or hold an equivalent degree from a foreign law school. For international students, additional requirements must be met (see below).

Applicants must provide official transcripts from their law school, including proof of degree conferral. If your transcripts are not in English, a certified English translation must be provided. Transcripts should be submitted through the LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which also offers transcript translation and evaluation services.

There is no application fee for the LLM program at Willamette.

Submit an official certified copy of your law school transcript, along with certification of your law degree (such as a bar association ID number). All records must be official documents bearing the registrar's signature or institution's seal. For non-English documents, a certified English translation must accompany the originals. Use the LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service to submit these records. Alternatively, WES (World Education Services) and AACRAO also provide transcript evaluation services.

Two letters of recommendation are required, written in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. These should be submitted through the LSAC CAS report and should come from individuals who can attest to your legal aptitude and professional accomplishments.

Submit a personal statement outlining your qualifications, career goals, and reasons for pursuing an LLM degree from Willamette. This is your opportunity to highlight your experiences and explain how the LLM program aligns with your aspirations.

A current resume is required and should be attached to your electronic application. The resume should complement but not replace the personal statement, providing a detailed account of your professional and academic history.

All applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited American college or university or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. You must submit official transcripts with your degree conferred. These transcripts should bear the registrar's signature or the institution's seal. If your transcripts are not in English, you must provide a certified English translation along with the original. Services like WES and AACRAO offer transcript evaluation and translation services.

A personal statement is required and should discuss your qualifications, career goals, and reasons for pursuing an MLS degree from Willamette University. This statement must be written in English and should reflect your motivation and how the program aligns with your professional aspirations.

A current resume or CV is a mandatory part of your application. This document should detail your professional experience, academic background, and any relevant achievements. Note that the resume is not a substitute for the personal statement.

You must submit at least one, but no more than two, letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who can speak to your intellectual capability and readiness for an academically rigorous program like the MLS.