J.D. application requirements

Components of your application

1. Application for admission

We strongly recommend that all applicants apply electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Flexible Application, which is accessible to the visually impaired. However, if you need a paper application, contact us, and we will send you a downloadable one. Remember that paper applications will take longer to process and require payment via check or money order. 

2. Credential Assembly Service Report

Transcripts from each college or university you have attended should be forwarded to LSAC, which will prepare and transmit a Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report to Fordham Law School. In addition, applicants who have received academic credit for coursework taken abroad must request that the issuing institution send their international academic records directly to LSAC. To register for the CAS service, visit LSAC. 

3. Two letters of recommendation

Submit at least two letters of recommendation through LSAC’s CAS service. Letters from current or former professors are preferred. If you graduated five or more years ago, professional letters are acceptable. While we require two letters, you can submit up to four.

4. Personal statement

Submit a personal statement along with your application. This should demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and concisely. While the topic is up to you, experience shows the most successful personal statements are the ones that develop a sense of the person and their values, aspirations, and concerns. A discussion of the unique contributions you would likely make to the student body, the legal profession, and ultimately the larger society would also be well received. Personal statements should not exceed two double-spaced pages. We cannot consider additional materials, such as video/audiotapes, term papers, theses, dissertations, articles, memoranda of law, legal briefs, etc.

5. Standardized test scores 

We accept both the LSAT and GRE.

LSAT scores are transmitted through LSAC’s CAS service. If you apply without an LSAT score, we will hold your application until we receive one. The last LSAT we’re accepting for Fall 2022 applications is February 2023. If you are registered for a future LSAT (up to February 2023), we will hold your application until we receive the new score. If you do not want us to keep your application for a future LSAT score, please email [email protected], and we will release the hold.

GRE scores can be submitted directly through ETS. Fordham Law’s GRE Code is 3329.

Please note that if you have any reportable LSAT scores on your file, we will use that score in evaluating your application, even if you submit a GRE score.

6. Resume

Submit a resume along with your application. Your resume should highlight your professional and academic achievements, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular involvement. While one page is preferred, you may submit a longer resume. Please use discretion when determining your resume length.

7. Application addendum (optional)

You're also welcome to submit an optional statement and/or appendices. If you choose to submit an optional statement, it should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

Application eligibility

Applicants for admission as candidates for the degree of Juris Doctor at Fordham Law School must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age upon entering the first-year class.

2. Have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) — administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) — within the past five years (in or after June 2016 but no later than March 2022). Every applicant must also register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

3. Not have been dismissed from another law school regardless of the time elapsed since the dismissal.

4. Have graduated from an American college or university accredited by an agency approved by the American Bar Association.