Program structure

The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program designed to prepare attorneys for roles in clinical teaching, social justice, and systemic change. This two-year program emphasizes experiential learning and public service, aligning with UDC Law's commitment to social justice.

Program Highlights:

• Experiential Learning: Students engage in hands-on legal practice through clinics and community service projects.
• Public Service: The curriculum integrates public service, reflecting the school's mission to promote justice and change lives.

For the most current information on application deadlines, tuition fees, and specific course offerings, please visit UDC Law's official website or contact the Office of Admission directly. Read more

Fees and Funding

The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program with tuition rates based on residency status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition fees per credit hour are as follows:

• District of Columbia Residents: $422 per credit hour.
• Metropolitan Area Residents: $631 per credit hour.
• Non-Residents: $843 per credit hour.

These rates apply to part-time, visiting, and non-degree students. In addition to tuition, all enrolled students are required to pay annual fees totaling approximately $1,000. (law.udc.edu)

For the most current information on tuition and fees, please visit UDC Law's official website or contact the Office of Admission directly.

Scholarship Guidance

Scholarships for Entering Students:

• Incoming Merit Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admission process. These awards are based on factors such as academic record, LSAT score, career goals, community involvement, and commitment to public service.

• Named Scholarships: UDC Law offers several named scholarships funded by foundations, law firms, and individuals. These scholarships vary in their frequency, amounts, and eligibility requirements. Entering students are considered for all available named scholarships for which they are eligible based on the information provided in the application for admission.

• Need-Based Institutional Scholarships: Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Applicants must apply annually by submitting a Need-Based Scholarship Application.

Scholarships for Continuing Students:

• Institutional Merit Scholarships: Annual scholarships of varying amounts awarded based solely on GPA and applied directly to tuition.

• Named Scholarships: Continuing students are eligible for named scholarships based on factors such as law school grades, contributions to the UDC Law community, outstanding work in clinics, and service to the Washington, D.C., community. The Office of Financial Aid notifies students of application availability and deadlines for these scholarships.

• Need-Based Institutional Scholarships: Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Applicants must apply annually by submitting a Need-Based Scholarship Application, with a priority deadline of April 1st.

External Scholarship Opportunities:

Students are encouraged to seek out merit- and need-based scholarships from external sources. UDC Law provides a periodically updated collection of outside scholarship resources.

For detailed information on scholarships and the application process, please visit the UDC Law Scholarships & Grants page.

Admission Requirements

The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) offers both full-time and part-time Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs. The admission process is the same for both programs.

Admission Requirements:

• Educational Background: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• LSAT Score: Submission of a valid Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score is required.

• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required. If you are still in school or have recently graduated, an academic recommendation is strongly suggested. If you have been out of school for a significant time, professional recommendations may be submitted instead.

• Personal Statement: A personal statement detailing your interest in UDC Law and explaining how attending the institution will allow you to realize your dreams and aspirations.

• Justice Essay: An essay providing insight into the issues important to you and how you have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing social justice.

• Resume/CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining your educational background, work experience, and any relevant activities.

• Optional Addendum: A brief explanation regarding poor grades, gaps in education, low LSAT scores, or character and fitness concerns.

• Character and Fitness: All applicants are required to answer character and fitness questions on the application. Should you answer "yes" to any of these questions, a detailed addendum and supporting documentation must be attached to your application.

Application Process:

Applicants must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) before an application will be considered complete and reviewed by the Admission Committee. All transcripts must be submitted through CAS. UDC Law does not accept transcripts directly from applicants. The LSAC school code for UDC Law is 5245.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission:
  • Application opens: October 1
  • Priority deadline: February 15 (application fee waived for those who apply by this date)
  • Final deadline: June 1

For detailed information on the application process and requirements, please visit the UDC Law Admissions page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law), follow these steps:

1. Register with LSAC:

• Create an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and enroll in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This service compiles your academic records, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation for submission to law schools.

2. Complete the Online Application:

• Access and fill out the First-Year JD application through LSAC. Ensure all sections are accurately completed.

3. Submit Required Documents:

• Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable $40 application fee.
• LSAT Score: Provide a valid LSAT score.
• Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended through CAS.
• Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters. If you are still in school or have recently graduated, an academic recommendation is strongly suggested. If you have been out of school for a significant time, professional recommendations may be submitted instead.
• Personal Statement: Detail your interest in UDC Law and explain how attending the institution will allow you to realize your dreams and aspirations.
• Justice Essay: Provide insight into the issues important to you and how you have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing social justice.
• Resume/CV: Outline your educational background, work experience, and any relevant activities.
• Optional Addendum: Include explanations for any gaps in education, low LSAT scores, or character and fitness concerns.

4. Character and Fitness:

• Answer all character and fitness questions on the application. If you respond "yes" to any, attach a detailed addendum.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission:
  • Application opens: October 1
  • Priority deadline: February 15 (application fee waived for those who apply by this date)
  • Final deadline: June 1

For comprehensive details on the application process and requirements, visit the UDC Law Admissions page.