JD Transfer Opportunities for Foreign Lawyers at American University Washington College of Law

For foreign-trained lawyers seeking to deepen their engagement with U.S. legal education, American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) offers a unique JD Transfer pathway. This program allows LL.M. graduates from ABA-accredited institutions—or from foreign law schools with equivalent academic rigor—to apply for transfer admission into the JD program, building upon their previous studies and transitioning into a full U.S. Juris Doctor degree.

This opportunity is particularly designed for internationally educated lawyers who are interested in immersing themselves in American legal culture, expanding their career options in the U.S., or pursuing licensure to practice law in select U.S. jurisdictions.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

• LL.M. graduates from ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. or foreign institutions with equivalent standards; or

• Graduates of a first law degree program abroad who are licensed to practice in their home country. These applicants may be considered under exceptional circumstances and may receive advanced standing if admitted.

How Many Credits Can Be Transferred?

Admitted JD Transfer students may transfer up to 28 credits from their prior legal education toward the JD degree. The number of transferable credits will be evaluated by the admissions committee upon review of the applicant’s transcript and course content.

Dual Degree Applicants (LL.M. + JD)

Students wishing to pursue both the LL.M. and JD degrees must complete all required admissions procedures and submit necessary documents by the June 15 deadline. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered.

CAS Report & LSAC Procedures

JD Transfer applicants are typically expected to submit a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report through LSAC. However, given that some applicants may have previously applied for LL.M. programs through LSAC—and already submitted transcripts and recommendations—there may be flexibility in certain cases. Applicants are advised to contact the JD Admissions Office directly if they are facing time constraints due to LSAC processing (typically 4–6 weeks for international transcripts).

Direct Submission of Recommendations

If a professor or recommender from American University has advised you to apply and is willing to submit a letter directly, you may inquire whether the school accepts direct recommendations outside the LSAC system in urgent situations.

Closing Thoughts:

American University WCL’s JD Transfer pathway offers foreign-trained lawyers a meaningful route to deepen their U.S. legal expertise. For those facing logistical challenges in assembling materials on short notice, it is critical to reach out to the admissions office early to explore available options.

If you are an international student exploring your options for law school in the U.S., or if you're unsure whether your prior coursework qualifies for advanced standing, Kim Consulting can help you evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the application process step-by-step.