JD Admission Requirements

International and/or foreign-educated applicants (except those from Canada) should submit all application materials so that they are received by January 15 (see Admissions Timeline). 

Application requirements to the JD program are roughly the same as for domestic applicants with some exceptions. Requirements are listed below.

1. Online Application Form (We do not have a paper application. If you are unable to apply online, please contact us). The application for Fall 2024 will be available September 15.

Please note as of November 2023, there is no longer an application fee for students applying to Lewis & Clark Law School.

2. Transcripts

Candidates must have completed a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited university. Transcripts from all university-level schooling are required.

Transcripts from Canadian universities must be submitted through the Law School Admissions Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Applicants who received evaluations rather than grades need to submit their evaluations to the CAS for review.

Foreign-transcripts, other than Canadian, must also be officially evaluated and translated into English through either the Law School Admissions Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) or through World Education Services (WES). If using LSAC, your evaluation will automatically be provided to us. If using WES, you must request that your evaluation be mailed to us.

If you have questions about submitting transcripts, please call the Admissions Office at 800-303-4860 or email us at lawadmss@lclark.edu.

3. LSAT Score

The LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) is required of all applicants. There is no minimum score requirement for the LSAT. To register for the test and to check administration sites, please visit www.lsac.org. LSAT scores older than five years will not be accepted.

4. English Proficiency

Demonstration of English proficiency for international applicants whose native language is not English is required. This requirement can be met in one of the following ways:

1. if English was the primary language of their university education and the official language of the country in which the university is located; or
2. if English was the primary language of their university education and if their university is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency; or
3. a minimum IELTS score of 8; or
4. a minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 100.

5. Personal Statement

There is no page limit, though a typical essay is 2-3 pages. Essays are read for writing ability as well as content. Specific topics may vary, however, the essay provides an opportunity for the Admissions Committee to learn more about you and should include information that is not otherwise apparent in your application. You may write about your background, experiences, interest in law, aspirations, special abilities, or any topic that you feel will help readers of your application get a sense of you as a person and prospective law student. Explaining why you are applying to Lewis & Clark is also helpful.

6. Resume

Include a resume describing all work experience, student activities, community service, and honors and awards. Include dates and titles where appropriate.

7. Letters of Recommendation / Evaluations

Two letters of recommendation are required, but three will be accepted. Letters should be written by people who are well acquainted with you (family and friends excluded) and who can evaluate your academic competence, your professional promise as a lawyer, your ability to relate to people and society, and your ethical character. Professors and employers often are the best sources. Letters from prominent individuals and attorneys who have little knowledge of you are not impressive to the admissions committee.

The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) provides an Evaluation Service where your recommender can rate you on your skills and abilities.  Lewis & Clark will accept up to two of these evaluations, but we do not required them.

8. Supplemental Statements (optional)

You may submit an addendum to address anything in your file you wish the committee to consider when reviewing your file. Such a statement might describe your family, social, ethnic or economic background, or specific challenges you have faced. We do not accept videos, CDs, DVDs, or lengthy writing samples.

9. Supplement for International Law Student Applicants and Certificate of Financial Responsibility

The Supplement for International Law Student Applicants and the Certificate of Financial Responsibility are not required in order to complete one’s application of admission, however, they are required if admitted and you decide to attend L&C. In order for you to have sufficient time to complete the forms, we encourage you to begin gathering the necessary data as soon as possible. Both forms are required before Lewis & Clark can send an I-20 or DS-2019 form.

The Designated School Official at the law school for immigration purposes is Liz Hobbs at the law school. Please send your Supplement for International Law Student Applicants and Certificate of Financial Responsibility to bddavis@lclark.edu. For more information on the immigration process and associated deadlines, please visit http://go.lclark.edu/law/intladmit.

The International Students and Scholars Office is also a helpful resource to all international undergraduate, graduate, and law students once they are admitted to the school.

10. Character & Fitness

You will need to answer some questions on the application about character and fitness. Answers to these questions are required, as are explanations for circumstances and outcomes regarding such things as criminal charges, academic sanctions, and military discharges.

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.

Re-applicants

Application files are kept for one year. If reapplying for the following year, you only need to submit a new application form. We will also request a new CAS report from LSAC if you registered with them. If you wish to submit a new personal statement or resume, please submit them with your new application form. If you are reapplying more than a year from your previous application, you will need to resubmit all required materials.

Additional Questions? Please contact:

Office of Admissions
Lewis & Clark Law School
10101 South Terwilliger Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97219-7799
Phone: 503-768-6613
Fax: 503-768-6793
Email: lawadmss@lclark.edu