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Frequently Asked Questions

When can one apply to the J.D./LL.M. degree program?

A UHLC J.D. student can apply to the joint degree program only after 30 credit hours have been completed and reported, typically after the first year of the J.D. program. A visiting or transfer student to the UHLC can apply only after a minimum of 12 credits have been completed and reported at UHLC.

Once admitted to the program, when can I earn credits toward the LL.M. specialty?

Specialty courses can be taken at any time. Specialty credits taken before admission to the joint degree program are applied toward meeting the specialty credit requirement. Joint degree students must maintain a 2.50 grade point average in specialty courses counted toward the LL.M. degree.

How is the J.D./LL.M. designation determined?

Students are considered J.D. through the semester in which the 90th credit is earned.

How is tuition calculated?

Tuition is at the J.D. rate through the semester in which the 90th credit is earned. The LL.M. tuition rate is applied in subsequent semesters.

How are grades and honors designations calculated?

A student is classified as a J.D. student, and in the curve, for all courses through the semester in which the 90th credit is earned. This includes courses that meet LL.M. specialty program requirements.

Class standing is calculated based on all courses that are graded under the J.D. curve. Class standing and honors designations will be against whatever class with whom the student graduates.

When do I graduate?

Students graduate with both degrees when all J.D. and LL.M. program requirements are met according to the chart below.

 

Tuition

Included in curve

Degree

Example 1: Student completes 90th and 105th credit in the same semester.

J.D.

Yes

J.D. degree awarded at the end of semester; LL.M. degree awarded the following semester.

Example 2: Beginning with the semester after completion of 90th credit.

LL.M.

No

Receive J.D. and LL.M. degrees concurrently.

Example 1: A student completes both the 90th and 105th credit at the end of the spring semester. Student is considered a J.D. student for tuition purposes and is graded in the curve for all courses taken that semester. There is no distinction between LL.M. and J.D. courses. Receives the J.D. degree in May and the LL.M. degree the following August.

Example 2: A student completes 90 credits at the end of the spring semester. Student registers for 15 credits the following fall semester. Beginning with the fall semester, the student is not included in the J.D. curve and is billed at the LL.M. rate. Student receives both degrees in December.

* Students who complete the 90th and 105th credit in the same semester are considered to be J.D. students (in the curve) for the semester. To comply with University Policy, the student is awarded the JD degree at the end of the semester and the LL.M. degree the following semester.