We welcome applications from international students to our three-year J.D. program. To be eligible for admission, a prospective student must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

International students may also be interested in our LL.M. or J.S.D. programs.

As an international J.D. candidate, you will need to determine if your undergraduate degree can be evaluated by the CAS by looking at the criteria outlined in the LSAT/CAS Registration and Information Book.

If your undergraduate degree can be evaluated by the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) a CAS Report (including LSAT scores, college transcript(s) and analysis of college transcripts) is required. See the LSAC website for CAS registration.

If your undergraduate degree cannot be evaluated by the CAS you will need to:

  1. Take the LSAT and have your score(s) sent to us; and
  2. Obtain an analysis of your transcript from a U.S. transcript evaluation service to determine its equivalency of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Translated and certified transcripts should be sent to Maine Law along with the analysis from the evaluating agency when you apply.

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Process

A complete application contains the following:

  1. Application (completed and signed): Applications are available from the Law School Admission Council’s website.
  2. CAS Report: (including LSAT scores, college transcripts and analysis of college transcripts). Your official transcripts of all collegiate, graduate and professional study must be sent directly to the CAS. Once CAS has received your transcript(s) and LSAT score(s), a report will be generated when we request one. Please do not send transcripts to the Law School during the application process in lieu of a CAS report.
  3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants for whom English is not their first language may be required to take the TOEFL. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service.
  4. Letter(s) of Recommendation: Each applicant must submit at least two letters of recommendation. Letters should address your analytical ability, judgment, motivation, communication skills, critical thinking and distinctive talents or experiences. If possible, at least one letter should be from a professor, or an individual who has known you in an academic setting. Letters of recommendation may be sent directly from the recommender and should be submitted through the CAS Recommendation Service.
  5. Personal Statement: A personal statement, written in your own words, is required. This is your opportunity to tell us who you are. Share the experiences, values, motivations and aspirations that will distinguish you from other applicants. Explain why you’re well suited to study and practice law, and why you think Maine Law is the right fit for you.
  6. Optional Statement: You may include an addendum addressing any economic, cultural, and/or societal factors, your academic record, or LSAT results, which would provide the Admissions Committee with additional insight into your application.
  7. Character & Fitness Addendum: If you answer “yes” to any questions regarding character & fitness on your application, you must submit an addendum explaining the situation to the admissions committee.

For Visa Consideration

Non-U.S. students, who are not permanent residents, who are accepted into the J.D. program must demonstrate they have the financial resources to meet tuition and living expenses for the full term of their degree program before receiving a student visa. Individuals should contact USM’s International Exchange Office for all necessary forms and information.