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Admission

Ed Murillo

 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the school’s admission requirements?

All candidates who apply to The John Marshall Law School must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrolling. The John Marshall Law School admission committee will take the following criteria into consideration when reviewing your application:

  • Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores

  • Undergraduate cumulative grade point average (g.p.a.) as well as trend in grades

  • College major and rigor of coursework

  • Well-written personal statement

  • Background including but not limited to personal and professional experiences

  • Demonstration of leadership in academic, social, professional and community organizations

  • Letters of Recommendation (optional)

Candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic coursework and on the Law School Admission Test have a higher likelihood for success in the admission process at The John Marshall Law School.  It is important to provide truthful and complete answers to all questions on the application for admission. Failure to disclose any changes to your application during the admission process or during your studies at The John Marshall Law School may result in revocation of admission, disciplinary action, or rejection for admission to the practice of law.

There is not a minimum LSAT or GPA applicants need to be admitted as we look at the application as a whole and take into account all scores, experienes, work history, background, etc.  For statistics of students accepted into John Marshall for fall 2009 and the fall 2009 entering class, click here to view John Marshall Fast Facts.

What is the application procedure?

Submit the following:

  • A completed application that is signed and dated by the applicant.  We prefer that applicants use the online E-app.  This electronic application form requires an electronic certification as a "signature" and payment using a credit or debit card.

  • A personal statement and any additional statements of explanation that may support your admission to law school. Your personal statement should be a 2-4 page typed and double-spaced document that provides additional information about yourself and your experiences.

  • Submit an application fee in the amount of $60.00.  The fee can pe paid with a credit card with an electronic signature on the electronic application.  This fee cannot be waived and is not refundable.

  • All applicants must register for the Law School Admission Test. The Admissions Committee will not accept test scores more than five years old.

  • All applicants must register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) that prepares and provides a report for the law school. Your CAS report includes an undergraduate academic summary; copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and law school transcripts; LSAT scores and writing sample; and letters of recommendation processed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

  • Letters of Recommendation are not required to complete your application but are viewed favorably.  Students who desire to have recommendations sent  on their behalf are encouraged to use the Law School Admission Council's recommendation service. Your letters will be copied and sent to us along with your CAS Report. To use this service, follow the directions for submitting letters of recommendation with CAS and on the LSAC Web site.

  • Upon acceptance, an applicant must submit a non-refundable tuition deposit. Prior to enrollment, applicants must forward to the law school an official transcript verifying the award of the bachelor’s degree.

Your application is not considered complete until we are in receipt of all items described in the application procedures. It is your responsibility to assure that your LSAC Credential report is complete with the LSAC. The processing of your application may be delayed as a result of an incomplete report. Students may register for the LSAT/CAS by contacting the Law School Admission Council. Students may also check their  report status as well as receive activity updates via the Web, telephone, and by mail.

Internet:             http://www.jmls.edu/ / http://www.lsac.org/

Telephone:         215.968.1001

Mail:                  Law School Admission Council
                          661 Penn Street, Box 2000
                           Newtown, PA 18940-0998

For applicants using the paper application form, mail your complete application and supporting documents to:

Office of Admission
The John Marshall Law School
315 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, Illinois 60604

Please visit http://www.jmls.edu/admission/jd_approcedure.shtml for more information.

 

Is there someone I can talk to about admission?

Most admission questions can be answered simply by contacting the Office of Admission by phone or email. Please contact the Office of Admission by calling 312.987.1406 or 800.537.4280. Questions may be emailed to: Admission@jmls.edu An appointment may be scheduled to speak with a counselor as well.

 

How do I apply for financial aid?

  1. Financial aid application packets are mailed to accepted applicants after March 1 for fall applicants or after October 1 for January applicants.

  2. The financial aid application packet includes the  FAFSA and the JMLS Financial Aid Application.  Both forms must be completed before the Financial Aid staff can determine your aid eligibility.  Please do not submit a JMLS Financial Aid Application until after you are accepted for admission.  Doing so will only delay the processing of your financial aid.

  3. After all Financial Aid applications have been received, we will send you a Financial Aid award letter, including instructions on how to apply for the Federal Stafford Loan and other private educational loans.

Click here for more information.

What is the admission procedure for transfer students?

Only students in good academic standing with at least a 2.75 grade point average from an ABA-approved law school will be considered for admission. In addition to the application and personal statement, all transfer applicants must provide a copy of the LSDAS Report, a complete official transcript, and a letter of good standing from the dean of the law school previously attended. For more information, please visit the application procedures.

How much is JD, MS and LLM tuition?

During the registration period each semester, students must enroll in an academic program of required or elective courses. Specific procedures are provided by the Associate Dean for Academic Services prior to the registration period for that semester.

Please click here for JD tuition and fees information, and here for MS and LLM information.

 

Does the school have student organizations in my areas of interest?

More than 30 student organizations exist at The John Marshall Law School. Each focuses on a specific aspect of the law.  However, since the first year of law school is extremely demanding, first-year students are advised to minimize "active" organizational participation until after completion of the second semester of law school. For more information, visit http://www.jmls.edu/students/organizations/index.shtml.

 

How do I join an organization?

Every semester, the Student Bar Association hosts a “Student Organization Day” in which students receive an opportunity to learn about a variety of student organizations offered. You may also learn about joining an organization by contacting the Student Bar Association. 312.427.2737 ext. 579

 

Does the school have competitions in my areas of interest?

The school engages in a number of inter- and intra-scholastic competitions, including various moot court and trial advocacy competitions.  Visit these organizations' pages for more information.

 

Does the school have wireless access?

In 1999, The John Marshall Law School was the first law school in the Chicago area to go "wireless." This means that any student with a notebook computer that has 802.11b wireless networking (either through a plug-in card, or built-in) can connect to the JMLS wireless network and get access to the Internet, World Wide Web, and email from just about anywhere in the law school.

Wireless networking has become extremely popular with the student body. Amlost 60% of the student body are using the wireless network at JMLS. For more information and instructions, visit the  Information Technology Service Intranet Wireless page.

 

Where can I learn about scholarships?

You may contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 312.987.1403; or view select scholarships online here.

 

Do you have directions to the school?

The John Marshall Law School is conveniently located in the heart of the South Loop. The school is easily accessible from all expressways. Click here for a map and directions to the school.

 

Is The John Marshall Law School accredited?

The John Marshall Law School is fully accredited by the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar and  The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Please click here for more information.

 

What honors programs does the school offer?

The school offers the following honors programs: Law Review, Journal of Computer and Information Law, Moot Court, Trial Advocacy, and Review of Intellectual Property Law. For details and examples, please visit the Honors Programs pages.

 

Do you offer help in finding student and alumni employment?

The Career Services Office helps students and alumni meet employers, find full-time and part-time internships and employment, and develop job search tools. For details on current students services, please click here; and for alumni services, please click here.

 

What is the school’s library like?

The Louis L. Biro Law Library serves to support the research needs of the students, faculty, and alumni of The John Marshall Law School as well as members of the Chicago Bar Association.  The Library is located on Floors 6 through 10 in the East Building of the Law School. The collection is housed on five floors and two mezzanine floors. Over 45,000 square feet of library space provides 624 seats, including 250 study carrels.

The Library currently contains over 380,000 volumes, including the equivalent of 145,000 volumes in microform.  A full-time staff of 24, including 8 professionals and 8 support staff, keep the Library running smoothly.  Each reference librarian holds both a law degree and a library science degree.

 

Where can I find out about your faculty?

Our faculty biographies and other information can be found online and our adjunct faculty listing appears here. In addition, the same information exists in our online school catalog, which you can view, print or download.

 

Is there a bookstore on your premises?

The John Marshall Law School bookstore, Beck's Bookstore, Inc., is located on 2 East, across from the elevator bank. Please visit the bookstore page for more information.

 

Can students get help with writing, outside of class?

The John Marshall Law School has an in-house writing center, staffed by two writing advisors and directed by a full-time writing advisor. Writing advisors in the Center assist faculty members with their writing instruction and help students develop their writing skills by conducting group workshops and individual conferences. Please visit the Writing Resource Center pages for more information.

 

Do you have a Student Handbook?

Yes. The John Marshall Law School Student Handbook provides members of the student body a resource about the law school’s rules and regulations, academic programs and departments, as well as a comprehensive list of student activities. Each section of the handbook contains useful information that will increase your opportunities for a well-rounded educational experience here at John Marshall.

 

Are there special requirements for foreign students?

Foreign students need to submit the Foreign Application Supplement form along with their application. They also need a letter of recommendation. If their transcripts are not in English, they must be evaluated by an agency such as WES. Even if the transcripts are in English, it is recommended that students have their transcripts/ credentials evaluated, so that the equivalent courses can be noted.

Foreign students who plan to attend The John Marshall Law School  with an F-1 student visa also need to submit proof of finances: enough funds or support for one year of attendance at the school.  Details are listed on the foreign student supplement.

 

What are the school’s academic programs?

Specific subjects include: advocacy and dispute resolution, global legal studies, tax law, employee benefits law, fair housing, information technology and privacy law, intellectual property law, international business and trade law, and real estate law. Please visit our Academic Programs pages for more information.

 

What LL.M. programs does The John Marshall Law School offer?

The John Marshall Law School offers LL.M. degrees in the following: global legal studies, tax law, employee benefits law, information technology and privacy law, intellectual property law, international business and trade law, and real estate law. Please visit our Advanced Degrees page for details.

 

What M.S. programs does The John Marshall Law School offer?

The John Marshall Law School offers M.S. degrees in the following: information technology and privacy law, employee benefits law, and tax law. Please visit our Advanced Degrees page for details.

 

Where can I learn about your wireless, laptop and network capabilities?

Please visit the Information Technology Services Intranet for this and other important information.

 

Is there a computer help desk?

Yes. The help desk is located on the second floor, behind the book store. The extension is 550.

 

When is orientation?

Please contact the Admission Office: 1-800-537-4280 or 312.987.1406, or e-mail admission@jmls.edu.

 

Can I take a tour of the school?

Yes. To schedule a tour, please contact the Admission Office: 1-800-537-4280 or 312.987.1406, or e-mail admission@jmls.edu.

 

Do you have a list of courses and their descriptions?

Yes, both current course listings (for all degrees) and schedules appear on the web site.

 

Do you have an evening division?

Yes. The evening division offers a part-time course program requiring at least four years and one summer session for completion. Evening division classes for first year students are held Monday through Thursday between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and some classes are offered on Saturday mornings for those who find this schedule more convenient.

 

When do classes start?

Please visit the Academic Calendar page for important dates and events.

 

What is the school’s refund policy?

Please see The John Marshall Law School refund policy.

 

Where can I find registration materials?

For continuing John Marshall students, registration materials are online and also are available in the Registrar’s office on the third floor.  First semester registration materials will be mailed to newly admitted students several weeks before the start of the JD orientation program.

 

Can I view the school’s catalog online?

Yes, the catalog is online here.

 

 

Does the school have student organizations in my areas of interest?

 

 

 


 


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The John Marshall
Law School

315 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
312.427.2737 ph

 


Last Updated On: 2/17/10