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The submission of false or misleading information of any kind in support of an application for admission to the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, may result in the permanent cancellation or rescission of admission by the law school. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
Ethical conduct is expected and required in all of an applicant’s interactions with Berkeley Law (staff, faculty, students, and other community members), the University of California, Berkeley, and the Law School Admission Council. Misconduct and irregularities in the admission process can have serious consequences. For more information, see https://www.lsac.org/llm/application-process/misconduct-and-irregularities.
Berkeley Law seeks to admit students who have the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity; who will bring vision, creativity, and commitment to their professional endeavors; and who will contribute to the learning environment of the law school by sharing their unique perspectives. In evaluating LL.M. applicants, substantial consideration is given to grades and English language exam scores. We also consider personal statements, letters of recommendation, legal experience, and other significant professional achievements. LL.M. applications are reviewed by the Advanced Degree Admissions Committee which consists of faculty and staff, and the Committee does not provide feedback on the reasons for an applicant’s admission decision to the applicant. Admissions decisions are sent by email, and will not be released over the phone. Creation of a Student ID or the ability to create a CalNet ID alone does not constitute an offer of admission. The Committee does not reconsider decisions under any circumstance. All applications and supporting documents become the property of Berkeley Law and will not be returned to the applicant.
Admitted applicants may request a one-year deferral of admission by emailing the LL.M. Admissions Office. Deferral requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are usually granted only for unforeseen changes in circumstance, such as a medical emergency. Deferrals are usually not granted solely for financial reasons. Decisions are at the sole discretion of the Senior Director of Admissions. Deferrals are granted for one year only; if a deferred applicant cannot enroll after one year, they may reapply to the LL.M. program. The $1,000 deposit is required to finalize admission to the LL.M. program, and under normal circumstances would be applied toward tuition fees for the student’s first semester. If a student accepts deferral, they will not be refunded the $1,000 deposit, which will be used to offset the administrative costs of processing deferrals. When the student is admitted for the next year’s program they will again be required to submit a $1,000 deposit, which will be credited toward their tuition and fees for the first semester they enroll.
The State of California Information Practices Act of 1977 requires the university to inform applicants for admission who are asked to supply information about themselves that the principal purpose for requesting information if to process their application. Maintenance of this information is authorized by university policy. Furnishing information that is not designated voluntary or optional is mandatory. Failure to provide such information will delay or may even prevent completion of the admission process. Information furnished may be used by various university departments for admission and other student-related purposes, such as housing and financial aid. This information will be transmitted to the state and federal governments if required by law. Individuals have the right of access to this information as it pertains to them. The official responsible for maintaining the information is the Dean of the UC Berkeley Graduate Division.
The university is required by federal law to report Social Security numbers and other pertinent information, for applicable applicants, to the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to the reporting requirements imposed by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The university will also use applicants’ Social Security numbers to verify their identity. Social security number disclosure is mandatory for those applicants who have a Social Security number. This notification is provided as required by the Federal Privacy Act of 1974.
The law school is required to provide reports to various federal and state agencies on the ethnic composition of the applicant population. Therefore, the LL.M. program application form includes an optional question regarding the ethnic identity of applicants. The university treats such information as confidential. The information will not be used for purposes of determining admission to the law school.
The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and the university’s nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran.This nondiscrimination policy covers student admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. It also covers faculty (Senate and non-Senate) and staff in their employment. Inquiries may be directed as follows – age discrimination or disability discrimination and access: Derek Coates, 510-642-2795; sex discrimination and sexual harassment: Denise Oldham, 510-643-7985; other inquiries: Equity Standards and Compliance Office, 510-642-2795.
The university maintains a reference guide of safety information and procedures, annual campus crime statistics, and emergency disaster preparedness information. To view or request a copy of the Annual Report and Crime Statistics, visit the UCPD website at ucpd.berkeley.edu/.
Inquiries about disability accommodations should be directed to the Disabled Students’ Program at www.dsp.berkeley.edu (510-642-0518; 510-642-6376 TTY).
Each matriculated student is entitled by law and university policy to examine and challenge most of the records maintained by the university on that student. These records are confidential, and in most circumstances may be released to third parties only with the prior consent of the student. Such matters are detailed in the U.C. Berkeley Campus Policy Governing Disclosure of Information from Student Records. For a copy, please write to the University of California, Berkeley; Office of the Registrar; 119 Sproul Hall; Berkeley, CA 94720-5404.
The University of California, Berkeley, reserves the right to add, amend, delete or otherwise modify its policies, information, rules, and regulations.This includes, but is not limited to, the modification of its degree programs or courses of study; its rules affecting the admission and retention of students, or the granting of credit and degrees; the academic calendar, course offerings or course content; and its fees, tuition and other charges, whenever it deems such changes desirable or necessary.