Admissions (Overview)

Thomas Jefferson School of Law offers students a variety of stimulating, intellectually rich programs taught in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere that features distinguished and accessible faculty. Students can apply for Student Fellowships that specialize in Criminal Law or Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment Law.

Our experiential learning opportunities provide students with hands-on experiences while serving the community: Pro Bono, Patent and Trademark clinics, Non-profit & Small Business Clinic, Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic, and a variety of externship placements. The programs are engaging and interactive, offering a balanced, comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for practice in various fields, such as law, government, business or social service. 

Not to mention the location! Nestled in the heart of downtown San Diego, America's Finest City, the law school's prime location provides the perfect environment for learning, life & culture and legal practice.

For an admissions counselor to follow up with more information on the many benefits of attending Thomas Jefferson School of Law, please complete the form here.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law offers graduate law programs for foreign and American practicing lawyers enabling them to expand their knowledge and hone their practice skills. The residential program can also enable foreign lawyers to obtain a license to practice in California. The on-line programs are accessible to students anywhere in the world and courses are open to non-lawyers.

Except as provided in rule 4.30 of the Admissions Rules (Legal education in a foreign state or country), completion of a professional law degree program at this law school other than for the Juris Doctor degree does not qualify a student to take the California Bar Examination or satisfy the requirements for admission to practice law in California. It may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or to satisfy requirements for admission to the practice of law in any other jurisdiction. A student intending to seek admission to practice law should contact the admitting authority in the jurisdictions where the student intends to qualify to sit for the bar examination or to be admitted to practice for information regarding their legal education requirements.

Scholarships 

La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship

http://www.sdlrlascholarshipfund.org/bar-stipends.html

Tom Homann LGBT Law Association San Diego Foundation Scholarship

www.thla.org.<https://thla.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a81b3fd75b38a830ed14e83d9&id=0258eb4d1b&e=b68c7fdba5

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Scholarship Search Engines
The following websites may help with your search.

• Fastweb
• Federal Student Aid
• Law School Scholarship Finder
• The Best Scholarship Search Platforms
• Financial Aid for Women

Congratulations on your admission to the incoming class of 2023! As the newest members of our community, you are cordially invited to attend both the Admitted Student Ask Me Anything Forums (AMA) or the  Admitted Student Open House.  AMA’s and Open House events are scheduled on various days throughout the Spring and Fall.  Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Admitted Student On Campus Open House Saturday, March 25, 2023

To RSVP, please log into The Courtyard, which is your admitted student portal account.  To access The Courtyard, you will need to use the login credentials sent to you via email from the Admissions Office.  To have your credentials resent, please contact Admissions via at Admissions@tjsl.edu.

These event are tailored to students who have already been admitted to the 2023 class. Students who are either waiting for a decision on their application, or have not yet applied, please RSVP for a Prospective Student Information Session.

Plan Your Visit

• Hotels
• Parking
• Things To Do In San Diego

Download the TJSL Fact Sheet - Fall 2012

Admissions Requirements for LL.M. in International Trade & Investment and American Legal Studies

Thomas Jefferson does not provide conditional admission to its programs. In order to apply to the program LL.M., you must complete and submit the following information:

1. An application
   1. Please complete and submit an LLM application.
   2. Deadlines
      1. Fall Admission – August start
         • Must submit application by June 1st
      2. Spring Admission – January start
         • Must submit application by November 1st
2. Application Fee - $50

3. An official and English translated and evaluated copy of your transcripts. – Students are encouraged to submit their transcripts to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC - www.lsac.org) or the World Education Services (WES - www.wes.org). You must have your transcripts evaluated and sent to us. In most instances, to have your transcripts evaluated may take up to 5 weeks.

   NOTE – you must have your transcript sent to an outside evaluation company who will not only translate your transcript to English (if necessary), but will also evaluate the degree and grade equivalency to the US grading system. Transcripts not formally evaluated by an outside company will not be accepted.

4. A resume.
5. A personal statement / statement of interest. The statement should be generally 2-3 pages double spaced.
6. Two (2) letters of recommendation.
7. LSAT – An LSAT score is not required for the LLM program.
8. Interview – All students will be required to interview. Interviews may be done in person or via Skype.
9. International Students
   1. TOEFL score - Average test scores:
      1. 92 (internet based);
      2. 240 (computer based);
      3. 590 (paper based)
   2. IETLS score – Average test scores:
      1. (6.5) Reading
      2. (6.5) Writing
      3. (6.0) Listening
      4. (6.0) Speaking

      NOTE – if you received your college / university degree from a foreign school, you are required to submit a TOEFL, regardless of citizenship or residency, unless you seek permission to waive the requirement. To waive the requirement, you must request a telephone or SKYPE (http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home) meeting with an admissions counselor.

Applicants applying to either the LL.M. program in International Trade and Investment or American Legal Studies should submit all application documents to the following:

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

c/o Michelle Allison – Residential LL.M.

1155 Island Avenue

San Diego, CA

92101