JD Application Information

Admissions

Denver Law accepts applications for first-year JD, including part-time students, and advanced standing JD students for the Fall semester. Transfer JD and visiting JD students can apply for any semester. Information on this page is for applications to our JD program, if you are interested in a different Graduate or LLM program, please visit the Office of Graduate Admissions.

In order to submit your JD application for admission to Denver Law, you will need to create an account with LSAC and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Rather than submitting your application materials directly to Denver Law, you will submit your transcripts and letters of recommendation directly to the CAS.

Please note that our primary form of contact is email. Emails will be sent when your application is received by our office, when your application is incomplete, when your application is complete and ready for review, and for your admission decision.

female law student working on computer

Application Options

As prescribed by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (“Council”), the Sturm College of Law requires every applicant for admission as a first-year JD student to take a valid and reliable admission test. 

As part of its holistic admissions process, and in the interest of recruiting an outstanding student body with a range of skills, experiences, and perspectives, the Sturm College of Law permits applicants to take any of the following three admission tests: (1) the Law School Admission Test (LSAT); (2) the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); or (3) the JD-Next exam. Details relating to these three application options are set forth below. Students who wish to discuss their application options are invited to reach out to the Admissions Office at Law-Admissions@du.edu. 

  • Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

    The Law School Admission Test (LSAT), administered by the Law School Admission Council, is the only admission test accepted by every U.S. law school. The overwhelming majority of students admitted to the Sturm College of Law in recent years have elected to submit an LSAT score. There is no minimum LSAT score required for admission. 

  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

    The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), administered by the Educational Testing Service, is accepted as an admission test by graduate schools, business schools, and more than 100 U.S. law schools – including the Sturm College of Law. In recent years, the Sturm College of Law has accepted a small number of applicants per year who have submitted a GRE score in lieu of an LSAT score. There is no minimum GRE score required for admission.

  • JD-Next Exam

    The JD-Next exam, administered by Aspen Publishing, is an admission test taken after the completion of an eight-week online course. At the outset of the current 2024-25 application cycle, more than 60 law schools – including the Sturm College of Law – have been granted permission by the Council to use the exam in lieu of the LSAT or GRE exam. The Sturm College of Law received approval from the Council to use the JD-Next exam in August 2024 and will accept the exam for the first time during the 2024-25 admissions cycle, in lieu of either an LSAT or GRE score. The Sturm College of Law anticipates accepting a limited number of applicants who have submitted JD-Next scores in lieu of LSAT or GRE scores. There is no minimum JD-Next score required for admission.

welcome to Denver law

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in Denver Law. Below, you will find the information you need to get started on your law school journey.

  • First-Year Students

    First-year students are those that have not previously attended law school.

    To be admitted to the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. No undergraduate field of study is favored, based on evidence that a strong student in any major can develop the skills of writing, analysis, and persuasion necessary for success in law school.

    First-Year JD Application Requirements

    • Completed online application. The application will include your:
      • Resume – should list employment experience, educational background and extracurricular and community activities. It should also include any honors and awards you have received. Please include dates for all items on your resume.
      • Personal Statement – please submit a personal statement describing the circumstances that have led you to pursue a law degree. Among other topics, you may wish to highlight your unique personal and professional experiences, any specialized talents and skills you possess, challenges you have had to overcome, and/or opportunities you have had to exemplify leadership, determination, or courage. Your statement should be no more than 500 words.
      • Optional Materials – in addition to your personal statement, you are welcome to submit one or more additional statements that provide additional insight into you, your commitments, or your life experiences. For example, you may choose to submit a statement that highlights how you hope to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. You may also choose to submit a statement that provides context about your grade point average, your LSAT score, or other aspects of your application materials. Please limit any optional statement that you elect to submit to 250 words.
      • $65 non-refundable application fee.
    • Completed Credential Assembly Service Report from LSAC. This requires the following items:
      • Valid Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score and LSAT Writing
      • All transcripts from any post-secondary schooling completed.
      • Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers evaluating your analytical skills, writing ability, and/or personal integrity.
         

    Bar Admission Info

    In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    • LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
      • If you have completed any post-secondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, these transcripts must be submitted to the LSAC to be translated and evaluated. A foreign credential evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and included with your CAS report.
        • We will not accept any other translation or evaluation services for the admissions process.
        • If you have questions, contact LSAC at LSACINFO@LSAC.org or 215.968.1001
    • English Language Proficiency

      • Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or C1 Advanced are required of all applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Request that your test scores be sent from the testing organization to LSAC or to the Office of Admissions.

        The requirement can be waived if you have completed a post-secondary degree at an institution whose language of instruction and tests is English. The whole program of study must have been completed in English.

        TOEFL
        The minimum TOEFL score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 95 (internet-based test) or 587 (paper-based test).
        - LSAC TOEFL Code: 0058
        - University of Denver Institution Code: 4842

        IELTS
        The minimum IELTS score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 7.0.

        C1 Advanced
        The minimum C1 Advanced score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 185.

  • Transfer Students

    Law students who have satisfactorily completed one year of work at another American Bar Association-accredited school can apply for transfer to the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. 

    Typically, up to 30 hours of course credit from another law school can be applied to your University of Denver law degree. In some circumstances, by petition to the Faculty Admissions Committee, up to 45 credit hours of coursework from another law school can be transferred.

    Transfer Application Requirements:

    • Completed online application. The application will include:
      • Resume – should list employment experience, educational background and extracurricular and community activities. It should also include any honors and awards you have received. Please include dates for all items on your resume.
      • All Transfer applicants are required to attach a double-spaced, typed statement, which, generally, should not exceed two pages. Therefore, take this opportunity to explain to the Committee why you should be selected for admission as a Transfer student to Denver Law. Topics that the Committee may consider helpful in evaluating qualifications may include:
        • Reason(s) for desiring transfer to Denver Law
        • Significant personal experiences beyond what may be reflected on the transcripts and on the résumé, especially experiences associated with the law
        • Long-range career plans and goals that you intend to pursue with your law degree
        • The intellectual contribution you will make to the classroom
      • $65 non-refundable application fee
    • A Copy of your original Credential Assembly Service Report, sent directly from LSAC, including:
      • LSAT score(s) and LSAT Writing(s)
      • Transcripts from any post-secondary schooling completed prior to law school
    • The following three items sent directly to Denver Law:
      • Official transcript from your current law school.
      • Letter of good standing from your current law school, which should include your first-year ranking.
      • Letter of recommendation from a professor at your current law school from whom you have taken a class.
      • Documents can be sent to:

    Denver Law Office of Admissions
    2255 E. Evans Ave, Suite 115
    Denver, CO 80208

    Bar Admission Info

    In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

    Additional Requirements for International Students

    • LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
      • If you have completed any post-secondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, these transcripts must be submitted to the LSAC CAS to be translated and evaluated. A foreign credential evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and included with your CAS report.
        • We will not accept any other translation or evaluation services for the admissions process.
        • If you have questions, contact LSAC at LSACINFO@LSAC.org or 215.968.1001
    • English Language Proficiency

      • Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or C1 Advanced are required of all applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Request that your test scores be sent from the testing organization to LSAC or to the Office of Admissions.

        The requirement can be waived if you have completed a post-secondary degree at an institution whose language of instruction and tests is English. The whole program of study must have been completed in English.

        TOEFL
        The minimum TOEFL score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 95 (internet-based test) or 587 (paper-based test).
        - LSAC TOEFL Code: 0058
        - University of Denver Institution Code: 4842

        IELTS
        The minimum IELTS score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 7.0.

        C1 Advanced
        The minimum C1 Advanced score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 185.

  • Advanced Standing Students

    To be admitted to as an advanced standing student you must have obtained a law degree from another country.

    Advanced standing students take the same required first-year courses as do our first-year students and they can receive up to 30 credit hours of transfer credit from their prior degree. The amount of transfer credit will be determined by our Academic Dean and Registrar.

    Application Requirements:

    • Completed online application. The application will include your:
      • Resume – should list employment experience, educational background and extracurricular and community activities. It should also include any honors and awards you have received. Please include dates for all items on your resume.
      • Submit a personal statement describing the circumstances that have led you to pursue a law degree. Among other topics, you may wish to highlight your unique personal and professional experiences, any specialized talents and skills you possess, challenges you have had to overcome, and/or opportunities you have had to exemplify leadership, determination, or courage. Your statement should be no more than 500 words.
      • $65 non-refundable application fee
    • Completed Credential Assembly Service Report from LSAC. This requires the following items:
      • Valid Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score and LSAT Writing
      • All transcripts from any post-secondary schooling completed in and outside of the US. A foreign credential evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and included with your CAS Report.
      • Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers evaluating your analytical skills, writing ability, and/or personal integrity.

    • English Language Proficiency: Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or C1 Advanced are required of all applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Request that your test scores be sent from the testing organization to LSAC or to the Office of Admissions.

      The requirement can be waived if you have completed a post-secondary degree at an institution whose language of instruction and tests is English. The whole program of study must have been completed in English.

      TOEFL
      The minimum TOEFL score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 95 (internet-based test) or 587 (paper-based test).
      - LSAC TOEFL Code: 0058
      - University of Denver Institution Code: 4842

      IELTS
      The minimum IELTS score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 7.0.

      C1 Advanced
      The minimum C1 Advanced score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 185.
       

    Bar Admission Info

    In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

  • Visiting Students

    Law students currently enrolled at another American Bar Association-accredited school may apply for admission as a visiting student at the University of Denver. Individuals admitted as visiting students will receive their degrees from their home law school. The visiting student option is particularly attractive for students whose spouses are transferred to Denver or for students from other law schools who wish to begin interviewing and networking in order to practice in Denver.  

    Visiting Application Requirements:

    • Completed online application. The application will include your:
      • Submit a typed double-spaced statement which, generally, should not exceed two pages using the prompt below:
        A recent survey of 24,000 practicing lawyers by the University of Denver-based Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) has determined that the professional competencies of early-career lawyers are as important as the legal skills that they develop in law school. Describe how your distinctive life experiences have shaped two (2) of the following competencies identified by IAALS as meaningful to the successful practice of law: resilience; perseverance; integrity; resourcefulness; passion; compassion.
      • $65 non-refundable application fee
    • A copy of your original Credential Assembly Service Report, sent directly from LSAC, including:
      • LSAT score(s) and LSAT Writing(s)
      • Transcripts from any post-secondary schooling completed prior to law school
    • The following three items, which need to be sent directly to Denver Law:
      • Official transcript of all prior law school courses
      • Letter from your current law school granting you permission to attend as a visiting student and stating the conditions under which you will be given credit for grades received at the University of Denver
      • Letter of good standing from your current law school
      • Documents can be sent to:

        Denver Law Office of Admissions
        2255 E. Evans Ave, Suite 115
        Denver, CO 80208
        Law-Admissions@du.edu
         

    Bar Admission Info

    In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

  • Review Process

    First-Year and Advanced Standing Students

    The University of Denver Sturm College of Law admits first-year and advanced standing students for matriculation in the fall semester.

    Our primary form of contact is email. Emails will be sent when your application is received by our office, when your application is incomplete, when your application is completed and ready for review and for your admissions decision. You will also be provided with information to check your application status online.

    All application requirements must be met before your application will be reviewed. Once your application file is complete, it typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive a decision from the Faculty Admissions Committee.

    The application is available starting September 1. We follow a rolling admission procedure, meaning we have no official deadline. However, we recommend that you submit your application by March 1. While March 1 is the suggested deadline for submission, applications are reviewed for admission and scholarship on a first-come, first-serve basis. The timing of when you submit a complete application will impact your admissions decision. Applying earlier in the application cycle (November/December) is strongly encouraged.

    All first-year students are automatically considered for merit scholarships at the time of admission. If you are awarded a scholarship, the offer will be included in your admission email. Scholarship funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The timing of when you submit a complete application will impact scholarship opportunities.

    If you have questions about the review process or timeline, please make an appointment with the JD Admissions team or contact us (Law-Admissions@du.edu, 303-871-6135).

    First-Year and Advanced Standing Timeline

    • September
      • September 1 – Denver Law begins accepting online applications
      • Applications are reviewed for completion and await Committee review
    • November
      • The Denver Law Faculty Admissions Committee begins reviewing complete applications
      • Decisions begin to be sent via email
    • January
      • January 1 – Recommended deadline to complete your admission application if applying for the Chancellor Scholarship (first-year students only)
      • January 15 – Deadline for the Chancellor Scholarship application (first-year students only)
      • January 15 – Recommended priority deadline for applying for federal financial aid
    • March
      • March 1 – Recommended deadline for submitting your application
    • April
      • 1st Admissions Deposit Due
    • June
      • 2nd Admissions Deposit Due
    • August
      • Orientation
      • Mid-August – First Day of Class

     

    Transfer Students

    The University of Denver Sturm College of Law admits transfer students for matriculation in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

    Our primary form of contact is email. Emails will be sent when your application is received by our office, when your application is incomplete, when your application is completed and ready for review and for your admission decision. You will also be provided with information to check your application status online.

    All application requirements must be met before your application will be reviewed. Once your file is complete, it may take a few weeks to receive a decision. The Faculty Admissions Committee will not make full admissions decisions with law courses/credit pending. Should you choose to apply before the completion of a semester, the Committee will review your file and may either: offer you a provisional decision – or – request final grades for the term before a decision is made.

    We follow a rolling admission procedure, meaning we have no official deadline and will review and admit applicants as applications are received.

    Transfer Timeline

    • September
      • September 1 – Denver Law begins accepting online applications for transfer for spring and fall semesters
    • December
      • December 1 – Recommended Deadline for Spring Transfer applicants
      • Spring Transfer Deposit Due
    • January
      • Mid-January – Spring Semester begins
    • July
      • July 1 – Recommended Deadline for Fall Transfer applicants
      • Fall Semester Tuition Deposit Due
    • August
      • Orientation
      • Mid-August – Fall Semester Begins

     

    Visiting Students

    The University of Denver Sturm College of Law admits visiting students for matriculation in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

    Our primary form of contact is email. Emails will be sent when your application is received by our office, when your application is incomplete, when your application is completed and ready for review and for your admission decision. You will also be provided with information to check your application status online.

    All application requirements must be met before your application will be reviewed. Once your file is complete it may take a few weeks to receive a decision.

    We follow a rolling admission procedure, meaning we have no official deadline and will review and admit applicants as they are received.

    Visiting Student Timeline

    • September
      • September 1 – Denver Law begins accepting online applications for visiting students for spring, summer and fall semesters
    • December
      • December 1 – Recommended Deadline for Spring Visiting Student applications
    • January
      • Mid-January – Spring Semester begins
    • May
      • May 1 – Recommended Deadline for Summer Visiting Student applications
      • Late May – Summer Semester Begins
    • July
      • July 1 – Recommended Deadline for Fall Visiting Student applications
    • August
      • Orientation
      • Mid-August – Fall Semester Begins
  • Check Application Status

    Check your Status

    You can check your application status online through the LSAC website. As your application moves through the review process, the most up-to-date status will be displayed online.

    Please be aware that it can take several business days for documents to be processed and your application status to be updated.

visit us

Visit Us

We encourage you to visit at your earliest opportunity. If we know when you are planning to visit us, we can arrange for your tour to include visits to various classes and meetings with student leaders and faculty members. 

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