Rutgers logo
Rutgers logo
Rutgers logo
Rutgers logo
Woman sharing information with other woman across red table

Foreign-Trained Lawyer Applicants

Did you know we offer foreign-trained lawyers the opportunity to earn their J.D. at an accelerated pace? Our Foreign-Trained Lawyer Program offers the ability to achieve a J.D. degree to those who have earned a law degree abroad and practiced law internationally.

Earning a J.D. in the U.S.: Our Foreign-Trained Lawyer Program

The Foreign-Trained Lawyer Program offers an opportunity for those who have earned a law degree abroad and practiced law internationally to get up to 28 advanced standing credits and achieve a J.D. degree by completing 56 credits at Rutgers Law School. Once a participant in the Foreign-Trained Lawyer Program receives a J.D., they are qualified to sit for the bar exam in any American jurisdiction. 

Typically, program students begin with mandatory first-year courses. Those with suitable prior academic experience might receive exceptions based on the vice dean’s discretion. The remaining credits are fulfilled in upper-level courses. 

While credits from foreign law degrees are accepted, the law school doesn’t transfer credits from other international schools. However, this doesn’t apply to credits earned through U.S. or Canadian-sponsored study abroad, consortium, or exchange programs, as indicated on the home campus transcript.

 

Streamlined Admission for International Students

 

To apply for regular admission to Rutgers Law School as an international student, you must follow these steps. This process ensures that international students meet the requirements for admission.

  •  

    1. Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
    2. Submit a law school application in person or apply online
    3. Provide your foreign transcripts through the LSAC J.D. Credential Assembly Service.
    4. Include two letters of recommendation in your application through LSAC as part of the CAS service.

  •  

    1. Complete and return the Affidavit of Support form (I-143) 
    2. Obtain an I-20

  •  

    If you currently hold an F-1 visa, you must also:

    • Submit a photocopy of your I-94 card
    • Complete the necessary paperwork with an authorized official at your present institution for an F-1 transfer