J.D. Advanced Standing

The general requirements and process for admission are found here. Students requesting advanced standing for prior legal studies must submit a letter to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid when applying for admission. The letter should contain the following reference line: “Re: Addendum to Application; Request for Advanced Standing for Prior Legal Studies.”

Transcripts from outside the United States must be submitted for evaluation and translation, if necessary, to the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council for transcript authentication and evaluation. To become a candidate for the JD degree, students must have either a bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an international institution. This process will determine if your international degree satisfies this requirement. Visit the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council.

All applicants must take the LSAT. Scores are submitted to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Some applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates for whom English is not their first language must take the TOEFL if their LSAT score is under 156. Candidates must request that scores be sent directly to the FIU Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Candidates who receive a score of 156 or higher on the LSAT may request a waiver of the TOEFL from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Information on the TOEFL may be found here.

Full-time students will take Torts, Contracts, Constitutional Law, Legal Skills and Values I & II, Property, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, and Introduction to International and Comparative Law and Legal Skills in their first two semesters. Part-time students will take these courses over three semesters, usually in evening classes. Depending on their prior studies, students with advanced standing may seek a waiver of Introduction to International and Comparative Law.

With focus on the goals of practicing law and success on the bar exam, students should consider the following courses to finish their degree: Administrative Law, Business Organizations, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Federal Courts, Federal Income Tax, First Amendment, Florida Civil Practice, Florida Constitutional Law, Immigration Law, Real Estate Transactions, Sales, Secured Transactions, and Wills and Trusts. Students with advanced standing should consult with the Office of International and Graduate Studies when selecting courses to complete the requirements for their JD.

To qualify for federal financial aid, students must be United States citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise eligible for financial aid. Contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 305.348.8006.

The FIU Office of International Students and Scholar Services maintains information for international students about other sources of funding such as private loans. This office is located in FIU’s Graham Center, room 355 or call  305.348.2421.

Once admitted as a JD candidate, students with advanced standing have equal status with all other JD students and are subject to all the same regulations and requirements. International students may also have additional regulations and requirements administered through the FIU Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Once admitted as a JD candidate, students with advanced standing may take advantage of all the benefits and activities offered students in the College and University. The FIU Housing office can supply information about living on campus or elsewhere. Campus Dining has a number of plans for eating on campus. The College’s Career Placement Office will provide information and offer assistance in finding employment upon graduation.

Finishing your JD is just one step to being able to practice law in the United States.  You will have to pass all aspects of admission to the state bar where you hope to practice. If you are an international student, your ability to work in the United States will depend on your immigration status and you should investigate this fully and consult with a United States Consulate before undertaking study. Many law students also accept summer employment in legal fields. Employment rules vary depending on your immigration status and special employment rules apply to students in the United States on F-1 visas. To determine if you are eligible to accept summer legal employment under your visa, contact a United States Consulate.