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City view near Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Two-Year JD for International Lawyers

The Two-Year JD program is designed for foreign-educated attorneys who have a significant amount of practice experience in their home jurisdiction. Students who are admitted to the program receive one year of credit for their foreign law degree. Two-Year JD students exclusively complete the 1L curriculum required for JD students during their first year. The second year is spent taking elective courses to satisfy remaining requirements. Two-Year JD students are completely integrated with students in our regular JD program. Graduates of the Two-Year JD program receive a juris doctor degree from Northwestern Pritzker Law.

Admissions Requirements

Prepare your application by reviewing the admissions requirements below. All required materials must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Applications for the Two Year JD (2YJD) program must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Apply now through LSAC.

A completed LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report is required for all applicants. The CAS Report includes your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores submitted through LSAC.

2YJD applicants must submit a valid LSAT score. The GRE is not accepted. No exceptions can be made.

Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service.

Submit a minimum of one letter of recommendation through LSAC. You may submit up to four letters of recommendation. We encourage you to select recommenders who can speak thoughtfully about your academic ability, professional accomplishments, or potential for success in law school.

Submit a current résumé outlining your educational background, employment history, leadership experience, community involvement, research, military service, honors, and other significant activities or achievements.

The Personal Statement is a required component of the application and provides an opportunity to introduce yourself beyond your academic and professional accomplishments.

Applicants may submit optional essays to provide additional context about their experiences, interests, or circumstances. Submission of optional essays is entirely optional and is not required for your application to be considered complete.

A nonrefundable $75 application fee is required when submitting your application through LSAC. Applicants who are unable to pay the application fee may request a fee waiver before submitting their application.

2YJD applicants are required to conduct a virtual interview through Kira Talent as part of the admissions process. After you submit your application through LSAC, you will receive an invitation with instructions for completing your Kira interview.