Applying

Application Deadline for Fall 2025: March 1, 2025

Required Materials

• Personal statement: In 1-2 pages, double-spaced, explain why you are interested in the S.J.D. program at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
• Resume
• Research proposal: Provide a brief summary of your planned research proposal in at least 6 pages, double-spaced.
• $60 non-refundable application fee
• Letters of recommendation
  • Two (2) letters are required, three (3) are preferred
  • Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can attest to your skills and abilities in an academic or professional capacity.
• Official transcripts
  • Submit official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended (undergraduate, law school, etc.).
  • If transcripts are not in English, submit certified translations with them.
• TOEFL or IELTS score (see English Language Proficiency Test Requirement section below)

Application Instructions

All applicants will apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). You will need to create an LSAC LLM account, if you have not already.

Complete the application by clicking on the LL.M./S.J.D. Application button near the top of the page. Before you submit your application, you will also upload your:

• Personal statement
• Resume
• Research proposal

You will pay the application fee when you are ready to submit your completed application.

Submission of Required Materials to LSAC

Applicants should send the following to LSAC through the LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS):

• Letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• TOEFL or IELTS score

Review information about submitting English Language Proficiency Test scores to LSAC.

English Language Proficiency Test Requirement

All applicants are required to take an English Language Proficiency Test, whose first language is not English, to adequately demonstrate English competency as part of the application process. We accept TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A total score of 92 or higher is recommended
  • We accept MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT^® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A total score of 7.0 or higher is recommended

Applicants with TOEFL or IELTS scores below the recommended score are still encouraged to apply. 

Wisconsin Residency

The Graduate Programs Office will email you instructions to complete the Record of Residence Form online.

Advisors

Applicants who are admitted to the S.J.D. degree program, will have an advisor selected for them by the Graduate Programs Committee based on research proposal topic.