JD Admission Requirements

The University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service is committed to attracting qualified applicants from a wide variety of educational and career backgrounds. Since our introduction in 1970, we have trained generations of leaders and lawyers who go out and serve their communities with distinction. Our law school admission requirements mirror this vision; regardless of whether you have completed a bachelor’s degree, we seek individuals passionate to promote  justice and reflect the University of La Verne’s core values of diversity, inclusivity, and civic engagement.

The University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service reviews applications on a continual basis and accepts JD candidates until the class is full. The priority deadline for Fall 2024 is July 31, 2024; for Spring 2025, the deadline is December 1, 2024.

As you complete your application, be mindful of the following requirements and prerequisites:

Standard Law School Application Requirements

  1. Complete the College of Law and Public Service application.
  2. Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
    The California Committee of Bar Examiners, in accordance with Rule 4.25, requires applicants to have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college work. This completed work must be equivalent to at least half that required for a bachelor’s degree from a college or university that has degree-granting authority from the state in which it is located and must be completed with a grade average adequate for graduation. To pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, the State Bar of California does not require candidates to have completed a bachelor’s degree to begin a program of study at an accredited law school. Due to the program’s rigor, completing or starting a bachelor’s degree is recommended; however, the La Verne College of Law and Public Service evaluates candidates on a case-by-case basis.
  3. Applicants who have taken the LSAT are required to submit their scores. Students who have not taken an LSAT may submit another graduate test score such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, DAT or request consideration of their file absent such a score based on demonstrated academic excellence or professional achievement. The dean and the law school admission committee may choose to admit such a candidate, or may notify the candidate that submission of a test score is required for consideration. If taking any of the previously listed exams, make sure to use school code 004831 for the University of La Verne.
  4. Include the following documentation:
    • At least one (1) letter of recommendation.
    • Personal statement.
    • Resume.
    • Relevant addenda addressing issues pertaining to: criminal background; academic background; and/or prior law school enrollment.

JD Admission Requirements for International Applicants

If you’re applying to the La Verne College of Law and Public Service from overseas or as a non-citizen living in the United States, follow all standard application requirements and then include:

  • Transcripts and degree certificates: J.D. applicants bearing undergraduate and graduate coursework and degree(s) received from foreign institutions outside the US (including its territories) and/or Canada should send their records to: Law School Admission Council, 662 Penn Street, Box-2000M, Newtown, PA 18940-0993.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose native language is not English must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test.
    • A passing TOEFL iBT score is: 100 or above with 20 or above in each section.
    • A passing IELTS score is: 7 or above with 7 or above in each band.
    • A passing Duolingo English Test score is: 120 or above
    • Individuals who meet one of the following conditions are exempted from the English language proficiency requirement: US Citizens; US Permanent Residents; International students who completed the entirety of their baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited school located in the US; and international students who are native English speakers or hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction.

JD Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Candidates who have completed some law school may transfer to the College of Law and Public Service if they have completed one year at an American Bar Association (ABA) or State Bar of California–accredited program and are in good academic standing.

To apply, review all requirements for law school transfer students. Understand that the College of Law and Public Service admits transfer candidates on a conditional basis, provided you agree to all terms and conditions, including which credits will transfer. La Verne accepts up to 29 credits from Cal Bar–accredited law schools and up to 44 from ABA-approved institutions. During the application process, your previously completed coursework will be evaluated against the College of Law and Public Service’s curricular requirements and subject matter.

Admission Requirements for All Dual-Degree Candidates

The College of Law and Public Service has partnered with the College of Business to offer two dual-degree programs: a JD/Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a JD/Master of Business Administration (MBA) .

Candidates interested in these programs must fulfill admission requirements for both schools. In addition to all documentation for the College of Law and Public Service’s application:

After Submitting Your Application

After your materials are submitted, the faculty of the College of Law and Public Service will evaluate your file. You may be invited to interview by our admissions committee. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis starting in April and are issued through August. Contact the College of Law and Public Service for information about transfer admissions.

Check your application status using our status checker. If something is missing, you can submit it to lawadm@laverne.edu. Be sure to include your La Verne student ID number.

Learn More About JD Application Requirements

If you have any questions about the application process, test scores, or required documentation, reach out to the College of Law and Public Service’s Office of Admissions by email or by phone at (877) 858-4529, or request more information today.