Admissions: Application Requirements

EVALUATIONS AND STANDARDS

Applications for admissions are evaluated by the GGU Law Admissions Committee. The review process is holistic and the Committee takes many factors into account during the review process. While we recognize that LSAT and GPA will play a factor in rendering a decision, no one element weighs more heavily than another. Our comprehensive file review incorporates your resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, LSAT writing sample, work experience, and life experience into consideration. We also accept addenda that allow you to expand on special academic achievements and professional opportunities or that may give us greater context on matters of character and fitness.

We review all applications on a rolling basis and evaluations take approximately 6-8 weeks. All decisions are communicated via e-mail as well as posted on the LSAC Online Status Check.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. Applicants must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and submit applications via the LSAC website. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis. Foreign-educated students must submit their official transcripts to LSAC for evaluation. LSAC does not accept evaluations from other credential review services.

 

A complete JD program application consists of the following:

• Completed and signed Application Form;
• Personal Statement;
• Current Résumé;
• Additional Statement of Interest (if applicable);
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation;
• A current LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report including a valid LSAT score, all post-secondary transcripts, and any transfer and/or foreign-earned credits; and
• Non-U.S. applicants must submit additional documents

 

FEES & DEADLINES

There is no fee to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as admission and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• April 15 is the priority application deadline
• July 15 is the application deadline

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ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Applications are complete when they contain all of the required materials detailed below. Once an application is complete, it is forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. A decision is typically rendered four to six weeks after an application is forwarded to the Committee, but may be reached sooner. Applicants will be notified of decisions through email and LSAC's Online Status Check (see below). All admission decisions are final.

 

APPLICATION FORM

Applicants must use the electronic application form available through the LSAC website. Applicants are advised to read the application form thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully. 

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Applicants must submit a personal statement. The statement must be no more than two double-spaced, typed pages in 12-point font. The statement should specifically address: the applicant's motivation for attending law school; why the applicant will make a successful law student and lawyer; and why the applicant wishes to attend Golden Gate University School of Law. The statement may also address the applicant's ethnicity/race, employment history, volunteer experience, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, socioeconomic and cultural background, or any unique personal characteristics that would contribute to the university's law school community. Applicants MUST certify their authorship of the statement, and the fact that they did not receive undue assistance in its preparation.

 

RESUME

Applicants must include a current résumé detailing educational and work history along with any current or past community service or volunteer experience.

 

STATEMENT OF INTEREST

Applicants interested in the Public Interest Scholars Program (PISP) or Environmental Law Scholars Program (ELSP) must indicate their interest on the application form and submit an accompanying Statement of Interest. The PISP statement should describe any of the applicant's relevant professional, educational, and/or volunteer experience. It should also include any plans to pursue a career in public interest law. The ELSP statement should also describe any of the applicant's relevant professional, educational, and/or volunteer experience. It should also include any plans to pursue a career in environmental law. If applying to both, please submit a different Statement of Interest per program.

 

CHARACTER & FITNESS ADDENDUM

If an applicant answers "Yes" to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section, an addendum is required. Applicants must provide a statement that includes the date(s) of occurrence, an explanation of relevant circumstances, and how the matter was resolved for each "Yes" response in that section. If an applicant has questions or is uncertain about how to answer, the applicant is strongly encouraged to consult our Office of Admissions and/or the Committee of Bar Examiners in the state in which the applicant intends to practice law.

 

OPTIONAL ADDENDUM

Applicants may include an optional addendum to highlight, for example diversity, or address any issues not included in their personal statement. Applicants should also include an addendum to address significant disparities in their Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. The personal statement, résumé, and any addenda must be uploaded to the LSAC website as part of the online application.

 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors, professional colleagues, and/or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's intellectual and professional attributes are most effective. Letters from friends, family members, and other such acquaintances are not advisable. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommender directly to LSAC. Read more about submitting letters of recommendation.

 

CREDENTIAL ASSEMBLY SERVICE (CAS) REPORT

LSAC will consolidate each applicant's LSAT score(s), post-secondary transcripts, and letters of recommendation into a single CAS Report, which is sent to each law school indicated by the applicant.

• LSAT Score -- Applicants must have a valid LSAT score. LSAT scores that are less than three years old are preferred, and scores that are more than five years old will not be considered (no exceptions). Read more about the LSAT.
• Transcripts -- Applicants must provide all undergraduate and graduate (if any) school transcripts directly to LSAC for inclusion in the CAS Report. AT MINIMUM, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A BACHELOR'S DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION. Admitted students are required to submit an official transcript reflecting the bachelor's degree and conferral date. GGU Law will withdraw offers of admission from admitted students who cannot show proof of a conferred bachelor's degree. Read more about requesting transcripts from LSAC.

 JD FLEX ONLINE APPLICANTS (ONLY)

• Two short answer essay questions, as listed on the apllication.

ONLINE STATUS CHECK

Through the LSAC website, GGU Law provides an Online Status Check for applicants to check the progress of their application. We encourage applicants to check their status via this service, as it provides the most up-to-date information. Once the Admissions Office receives an application, the applicant is emailed a confirmation, which includes a unique username and password to access the Online Status Check.

Read more about our MLS Program.

Read more about our LLM Programs.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.

 

A complete LLM program application consists of the following:

• Completed LLM Application, available at www.lsac.org 
• Personal Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation;
• Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English);
• Interview (if applicable); and
• Non-US applicants must submit additional documents, including English proficiency demonstrated with either the TOEFL, IELTS, interview with Program Director, or waived for the exceptions

 

FEES & DEADLINES

There is no fee to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as admission and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Fall (August), deadline extension to June 1
• December 1 is the application deadline for starting the program in the Spring (January)
• April 1 is the application deadline for starting the program in the Summer (late May) -- limited to Taxation and Estate Planning programs ONLY.

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ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Applications are complete when they contain all of the required materials detailed below. Once an application is complete, it is forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. A decision is typically rendered four to six weeks after an application is forwarded to the Committee, but may be reached sooner. Applicants will be notified of decisions through email and LSAC's Online Status Check (see below). All admission decisions are final.

 

APPLICATION FORM

Applicants may use the electronic application form available through the LSAC website. Applicants are advised to read the application form thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully. Applications are open one year prior to the start of the term.

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Applicants must submit a personal statement. The statement must be no more than 10 double-spaced, typed 8.5-11-inch (or A4) pages. The statement is the applicant's opportunity to present credentials in non-statistical terms and may include reasons for seeking the degree. The statement may also address the applicant's experiences as a law student or practitioner in the subject area of the specific LLM program. The applicant is encouraged to describe the impact of these experiences in the decision to undertake graduate legal study. The statement should be in narrative form. Applicants MUST certify their authorship of the statement, and the fact that they did not receive undue assistance in its preparation.

 

RESUME OR C.V.

Applicants must include a current résumé or C.V. detailing educational and work history along with any current or past community service or volunteer experience.

 

CHARACTER & FITNESS ADDENDUM

If an applicant answers "Yes" to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section, an addendum is required. Applicants must provide a statement that includes the date(s) of occurrence, an explanation of relevant circumstances, and how the matter was resolved for each "Yes" response in that section. If an applicant has questions or is uncertain about how to answer, the applicant is strongly encouraged to consult our Office of Admissions and/or the Committee of Bar Examiners in the state in which the applicant intends to practice law.

 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors, professional colleagues, and/or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's intellectual and professional attributes are most effective. Letters from friends, family members, and other such acquaintances are not advisable. Required (at least 2, but 4 encouraged) for the LLM Programs in US Legal Studies, International Legal Studies, Intellectual Property, and Environmental Law. Recommended for the Taxation and Estate Planning Programs. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommender directly.

 

LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Applicants must provide all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts. AT MINIMUM, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A JD, LLB, OR EQUIVALENT LAW DEGREE FROM A LAW SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION. Applicants are required to provide original, official transcripts or certified true copies of their academic record, whether from a U.S. institution or non-U.S. institution. These records must be in the original issuing language and come directly from the issuing academic institution. If that issuing language is not English, a certified English translation must accompany the record. If these records are included with the applicant's submission, academic records should be in an official, sealed envelope from the institution. GGU Law will withdraw offers of admission from admitted students who cannot show proof of a conferred law degree.

 

INTERVIEW

Although an interview is not required, one may be scheduled upon request.

 

CREDIT TRANSFERS

For ABA-approved JD or LLM programs, up to twelve (12) completed units may be transferred in at admission. To be considered, the applicant must have taken the course within the last five years; the applicant must have earned grades of B- or better (minimum 2.50 GPA); the course must be equivalent to a required or elective course in that particular LLM program; and the LLM Program Director must determine that application of the the units towards the degree is in the best interest of the student. The application of units is at the discretion of the specific LLM Program Director. Units from any non-law school program, or non-ABA-approved JD or LLM program will not be transferred in at admission.

 

ONLINE STATUS CHECK

Through the LSAC website, GGU Law provides an Online Status Check for applicants to check the progress of their application. We encourage applicants to check their status via this service, as it provides the most up-to-date information. Once the Admissions Office receives an application, the applicant is emailed a confirmation, which includes a unique username and password to access the Online Status Check.

Read more about our SJD Program.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.

 

A complete SJD program application consists of the following:

• Completed and signed Application Form, available at www.lsac.org
• Research Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
• Writing Sample
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation;
• Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English);
• Interview (if applicable); and
• Non-US applicants must submit additional documents

 

FEES & DEADLINES

There is no fee to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as admission and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• March 1 is the priority application deadline

Please note fall semester classes are scheduled August to December, spring semester classes are scheduled January to May, and summer semester classes are scheduled May to July, with most classes held in the evening.

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ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Applications are complete when they contain all of the required materials detailed below. Once an application is complete, it is forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. A decision is typically rendered four to six weeks after an application is forwarded to the Committee, but may be reached sooner. Applicants will be notified of decisions through email and LSAC's Online Status Check (see below). All admission decisions are final.

 

APPLICATION FORM

Applicants may use the electronic application form available through the LSAC website.  Applicants are advised to read the application form thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully. Applications are open one year prior to the start of the term.

 

RESEARCH STATEMENT

Applicants must submit a written research statement. The statement must be no more than 10 double-spaced, typed 8.5-11-inch (or A4) pages. The statement should provide a narrative description of the applicant's reasons for seeking an SJD in International Legal Studies degree. It should also set forth in specific terms the applicant's intended fields of inquiry and research objectives. In addition, the applicant may submit a bibliography in support of the statement. Please not that the bibliography is not an acceptable substitute for the narrative research statement. View the SJD procedural guidelines.

 

RESUME OR C.V.

Applicants must include a current résumé or C.V. detailing educational and work history along with any current or past community service or volunteer experience.

 

SJD WRITING SAMPLE

Applicants must submit one writing sample written in the English language on a legal topic (e.g., published article or LLM thesis).

 

CHARACTER & FITNESS ADDENDUM

If an applicant answers "Yes" to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section, an addendum is required. Applicants must provide a statement that includes the date(s) of occurrence, an explanation of relevant circumstances, and how the matter was resolved for each "Yes" response in that section. If an applicant has questions or is uncertain about how to answer, the applicant is strongly encouraged to consult our Office of Admissions and/or the Committee of Bar Examiners in the state in which the applicant intends to practice law.

 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors, professional colleagues, and/or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's intellectual and professional attributes are most effective. Letters from friends, family members, and other such acquaintances are not advisable. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommender directly.

 

LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Applicants must provide all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts. AT MINIMUM, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS AN LLM OR EQUIVALENT LAW DEGREE FROM A LAW SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION. Applicants are required to provide original, official transcripts or certified true copies of their academic record, whether from a U.S. institution or non-U.S. institution. These records must be in the original issuing language and come directly from the issuing academic institution. If that issuing language is not English, a certified English translation must accompany the record. If these records are included with the applicant's submission, academic records should be in an official, sealed envelope from the institution. GGU Law will withdraw offers of admission from admitted students who cannot show proof of a conferred law degree.

 

INTERVIEW

Although an interview is not required, one may be scheduled upon request.

 

ONLINE STATUS CHECK

Through the LSAC website, GGU Law provides an Online Status Check for applicants to check the progress of their application. We encourage applicants to check their status via this service, as it provides the most up-to-date information. Once the Admissions Office receives an application, the applicant is emailed a confirmation, which includes a unique username and password to access the Online Status Check.

GGU Law's J-1 Visiting Scholar Program is intended to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences. It is also intended to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.

 

A complete LLM program application consists of the following:

• Completed and signed Application Form, available at www.lsac.org
• Personal Statement;
• Research Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation (optional);
• Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English); and
• Additional Documents

 

FEES & DEADLINES

There is no fee to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as admission and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Fall (August)
• December 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Spring (January)
• April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Summer (late May)

 

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Applications are complete when they contain all of the required materials detailed below. Once an application is complete, it is forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. A decision is typically rendered four to six weeks after an application is forwarded to the Committee, but may be reached sooner. Applicants will be notified of decisions through email and LSAC's Online Status Check (see below). All admission decisions are final.

 

APPLICATION FORM

Applicants may use the electronic application form available through the LSAC website. Applicants are advised to read the application form thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully. Applications are open one year prior to the start of the term.

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Applicants must submit a personal statement. The statement must be no more than two double-spaced, typed pages in 12-point font. The statement should specifically address the applicant's motivation for attending GGU Law's J-1 Program. The statement may also address the applicant's ethnicity/race, employment history, cultural background, or any unique personal characteristics that would contribute to the university's law school community. Applicants MUST certify their authorship of the statement, and the fact that they did not receive undue assistance in its preparation.

 

RESEARCH STATEMENT

Applicants must submit a written research statement. The statement must be no more than 10 double-spaced, typed 8.5-11-inch (or A4) pages. The statement should provide a narrative description of the applicant's intended fields of inquiry and research objectives.

 

RESUME OR C.V.

Applicants must include a current résumé or C.V. detailing educational and work history along with any current or past community service or volunteer experience.

 

CHARACTER & FITNESS ADDENDUM

If an applicant answers "Yes" to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section, an addendum is required. Applicants must provide a statement that includes the date(s) of occurrence, an explanation of relevant circumstances, and how the matter was resolved for each "Yes" response in that section. If an applicant has questions or is uncertain about how to answer, the applicant is strongly encouraged to consult our Office of Admissions and/or the Committee of Bar Examiners in the state in which the applicant intends to practice law.

 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Letters from current or former professors, professional colleagues, and/or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's intellectual and professional attributes are most effective. Letters from friends, family members, and other such acquaintances are not advisable. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommender directly.

 

LAW SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Applicants must provide all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts. AT MINIMUM, APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A JD, LLB, OR EQUIVALENT LAW DEGREE FROM A LAW SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION. Applicants are required to provide original, official transcripts or certified true copies of their academic record, whether from a U.S. institution or non-U.S. institution. These records must be in the original issuing language and come directly from the issuing academic institution. If that issuing language is not English, a certified English translation must accompany the record. If these records are included with the applicant's submission, academic records should be in an official, sealed envelope from the institution. GGU Law will withdraw offers of admission from admitted students who cannot show proof of a conferred law degree.

 

INTERVIEW

Although an interview is not required, one may be scheduled upon request.

 

ONLINE STATUS CHECK

Through the LSAC website, GGU Law provides an Online Status Check for applicants to check the progress of their application. We encourage applicants to check their status via this service, as it provides the most up-to-date information. Once the Admissions Office receives an application, the applicant is emailed a confirmation, which includes a unique username and password to access the Online Status Check.

The application process is the same for re-applicants as those applying for the first time. Applicants not admitted in a particular year are encouraged re-apply for a subsequent term. Please reference above for the application requirements for each program.

In addition to the bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Please ensure your answers to Golden Gate University School of Law’s Character and Fitness section are consistent with your state and moral character assessment.

In accordance with federal and state law, Golden Gate University policy prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, religion, religious creed, age, veteran’s status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other basis that is protected by law. Under the law, these forms of description are referred to as one’s membership in a “Protected Class” of people. Applicable laws governing these prohibitions include Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

For the purpose of this policy, “discrimination” is any decision, act, or failure to act which interferes with or limits a person’s or group’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, privileges, or activities of the University when such decision, act, or failure to act is based on the person’s status as a member of a Protected Class.

Claims for harassment that are not based on an individual’s membership in a Protected Class shall be handled under the applicable disciplinary process.

The University’s policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment applies to all individuals involved in University operations, including students, faculty and staff; applicants for admission or employment; and any persons doing business with or for the University.