Future LLM StudentsLLM
Southern Illinois University School of Law
1150 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901-6804, USA
Phone: 800.739.9187 | Website: www.law.siu.edu
Introduction
The Southern Illinois University School of Law's mission to serve the public good began in 1972, when it was established by the Illinois state legislature. The primary mission of the law school is to train lawyers who will be competent to practice law now and in the future, exhibit leadership, and adhere to the ethical standards of the legal profession. SIU provides ample opportunities for students to learn through experience. Students have access to federal, state, county, city, and local agencies, courts, correctional facilities, law firms, and legal aid organizations in the Carbondale area. Facilities of special interest to law students consist of numerous law firms; state, local, and federal law offices; nonprofit organizations; and courts in southern Illinois where students can get legal experience and training.
Its first class started in August 1973. The 3,290-acre campus in Carbondale, Illinois, is in a rural area 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The school resides in the Lesar Law Building, named for its first dean, Hiram H. Lesar.
Carbondale is a town of approximately 27,000. A classic university town, the population grows each year with the instillation of approximately 20,000 university students of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. Students at the School of Law can enjoy the advantages that come with living in a larger city with a major research-level institution. Amenities include a shopping mall, many chain restaurants, and other popular stores. Also, as students of Southern Illinois University, law students can take part in a variety of cultural, athletic, educational, and recreational events and places for a minimal fee.
Law School Enrollment
- Total law school enrollment: 370
Physical Facilities
- Building hours: Law students receive 24-hour access
- Library hours: Law students receive 24-hour access
- 4 full-time librarians; 10 full-time staff
- Full range of electronic journals and databases; 215,239 volumes with an additional 987,541 microform units
- Free campus-wide wireless network
Housing
Limited university housing exists for graduate law students. Inquiries should be directed to University Housing at 618.453.2301. There are also numerous housing opportunities in Carbondale and the surrounding area. Call the Office of Admissions at 618.453.8858 for additional information.
LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization
The SIU School of Law offers the LLM degree in two forms: a general LLM providing customizable specialization and a highly specialized LLM in Health Law and Policy. A JD or equivalent degree is required before entering the program. Foreign-trained attorneys who hold an equivalent law degree from a school located in a non-English-speaking, noncommon-law country may be admitted only upon showing a proficiency in English.
Tailored Specialization
This program requires the completion of 24 credit hours and is an advanced, year-long study of law with curriculum custom-designed between the Director of Graduate Legal Studies and the student. Possible law study includes, but is not limited to, commercial, copyright, environmental, employment, international, antitrust, or administrative. The tuition rate is the same as the rate for the Southern Illinois University School of Law JD program.
Health Law and Policy
This program requires the completion of 24 credit hours, 12 of which must be in health care-related courses, and is an advanced, professional study of law, policies, and regulations affecting the health care industry, health professions, health services and insurance industries, and patients. Possible law study includes, but is not limited to, disability, elder, mental health, public health, bioethics, and medical malpractice. The tuition rate is the same as the rate for the Southern Illinois University School of Law JD program.
Admission Criteria
An applicant must hold a JD degree from an ABA-accredited school or an equivalent degree from a law school located in an English-speaking country that follows the common-law system. Successful applicants will have a proven record of academic achievement, ordinarily having graduated in the upper half of their graduating JD class. Professional experience after receipt of the JD degree, which prepares the applicant for advanced study of law, will also be considered.
A completed application consists of the following documents:
- LLM program application
- $50 fee
- Memorandum to the Graduate Admissions Committee
- Official law school transcripts
- Two recommendations
- Résumé
- TOEFL® or IELTS™ score (non-native-English speakers only)
- LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service evaluation (non-common law, foreign-trained attorneys only)
Program Highlights
- Part-time or full-time enrollment
- Fall/Spring/Summer admission (fall only admission for foreign-trained attorneys)
- Fall preferred deadline: May 1
- Spring preferred deadline: October 1
- Summer preferred deadline: March 1
Contact Information
For additional information about SIU's LLM programs, please visit the School of Law website, or contact:
Director of Graduate Legal Studies
Southern Illinois University School of Law
1150 Douglas Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
USA
Phone: 618.453.8858
Fax: 618.453.8921
E-mail: lawadmit@siu.edu
Career Services
The Office of Law Student Development and Career Services serves as a liaison between employers and students. The office provides on-campus and off-campus interviews, résumé collections, individualized career counseling, and assistance on résumés and cover letters, and offers various workshops.
