Transfer/Visitor Admissions Information
Each year, Duke Law School enrolls a number of transfer students who have completed their first year at another law school. The exact number varies, but has ranged between 12 and 20 in recent years. Review of transfer applications begins in late June, and admission decisions are generally made in time for transfer students to participate in most of the On-Campus Interview process for second-year students. In addition, Duke Law journals conduct a write-on competition to allow transfer students to earn staff positions.
Most successful transfer applicants have a law school record that puts them at least in the top quarter of their class. We are particularly interested in admitting applicants who have specific reasons for wanting to be at Duke Law and seem likely to be active members of our community. Transfer applicants must have completed the entire first year of legal study at an ABA-approved law school with membership in the Association of American Law Schools, and must complete at least two years of study at Duke Law School.
In addition, Duke Law School considers applications for visitor status, in which students are admitted to complete their final year of law school at Duke. However, their home school awards the degree and agrees to accept credits from Duke.
2008 Transfer/Visitor Application Procedures
The following materials are required for all transfer/visitor applications, for more detailed instructions on how to apply as a transfer/visiting student.
- Application form (PDF or Word), completed and signed (If applying via LSAC, you have the option of submitting your signature electronically or submitting the Certification Letter separately.)
- $70 non-refundable application processing fee; your name and LSAC # or birthdate (mm/dd) must be noted on the check or money order payable to Duke Law School (If applying electronically, you may submit payment via credit card.)
- Resume (If applying electronically, use the electronic attachment.)
- Personal statement (If applying electronically, use the electronic attachment.)
- *Letter of good standing from current law school
- Two recommendation letters from law school professors
- *Official transcripts reflecting ALL law school courses completed
- *Final semester numerical class rank from current law school (If your institution does not rank students numerically, we must receive documentation directly from them so indicating.)
- Report from LSAC (Although we will receive material electronically, we do not consider material as received until the paper copy arrives from LSAC.)
*Items must be received directly from your law school or submitted with your application in sealed envelope.
The deadline for advanced standing applications is July 1. Indicate whether you are applying as a transfer (2L) or visiting (3L) student. Transfer applicants will receive no more than one year of academic credit toward a Duke Law degree for work completed at another law school. Final decisions are normally made by the end of July. Students with advanced standing are not eligible to apply for application fee waivers or Duke Law scholarships. Transfer and visitor applicants are not eligible to apply for joint degree programs.
Mailing Address
Regular Mail:
Office of Admissions
Duke University School of Law
Science Drive & Towerview Road
Box 90393
Durham NC 27708-0393
For overnight delivery, omit the box number.
