Download App | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
United States

University of The Pacific - McGeorge School of Law

MAILING ADDRESS
3200 Fifth Ave
Sacramento, CA 95817
MAIN PHONE
916-739-7191
WEBSITE
http://www.mcgeorge.edu
ADMISSIONS EMAIL:
mcgeorge@pacific.edu
REGISTRAR'S PHONE/FAX/EMAIL:
916-739-7106/916-739-7254/
sacregistrar@pacific.edu
CAREER SERVICE PHONE/FAX/EMAIL:
916-739-7011/000-000-0000/
lawcareers@pacific.edu

An Overview


The Dean of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law believes that to become the leader of an accomplished law school in one of our country's most important state capitals is energizing. "I have joined a team of talented and engaged faculty and staff that is working to refine our school to address the challenges and changes confronting legal practice and legal education. Change and innovation has been the legacy of this great law school: beginning as an evening school to fill a need in Sacramento, transitioning to a full-time ABA-accredited law school, and then becoming part of the University of the Pacific. We are committed to providing our students with an outstanding legal education that includes a strong experiential component. As the legal profession rapidly changes, we provide education that students will need to flourish as attorneys."

Pacific McGeorge School of Law is widely recognized for excellence in the key areas of imparting lawyering competence. The communication skills developed in our nationally ranked Global Legal Skills curriculum provides the basis for students to excel in our acclaimed Advocacy and Dispute Resolution programs. These core competencies expand the university's focus on inter-cultural learning through the programs offered by our Global Center, which is ranked the international programs from the nation's most elite schools. Students are given the building blocks for success in the increasingly complex global world in which lawyers practice.

Degrees Offered
  • LL.M. in Transnational Business Practice
  • LL.M. in U.S. Law & Policy
  • LL.M. in Water Resources Law

Admission Information


Requirements Details
Eligibility Graduation from a school of law approved by the American Bar Association; or Admission to the Bar of a state in the United States; or Graduation from a faculty of law in a foreign country whose educational authority has authorized that faculty to issue degrees in law.
Transcripts Original official transcripts from colleges, universities, and graduate or professional schools attended, including a current law school transcript;
Letters of Recommendation Two letters of reference, preferably from law school professors or legal employers.
Personal Statement Applicants' personal statement should contain all information that they believe is relevant for the admission committee to make a decision. Generally, a personal statement that exceeds four (4) pages would be considered too lengthy.
Proof of Competency in English Receipt of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an English language institution; Multi-year employment in a position in which English is the primary language of communication; or
A minimum test score of 88 (Internet-based) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Application Fee No Application Fee.
Law School Admission Test There is no entry or LSAT type exam that must be taken prior to applying to the LL.M. programs at Pacific McGeorge.
Curriculum Vitae Curriculum vitae (resume)

Other Information


Criteria Details
Nature and Tenure of Courses Offered One-year course
Application Procedure/Time to apply/Application deadline Students are encouraged to submit their application no later than May 15 to allow sufficient time for processing.
LL.M. Degree Requirements Students who earned an LL.B. from a common law country, as well as students who are already licensed in their home country, may qualify for the California Bar exam.
To earn an LL.M. degree in the Specialized Programs, students are required to get:

Course Requirement
LL.M. in Transnational Business Practice This program is ideal for a recent law graduate who seeks to augment his or her LL.B. study with an additional program of graduate work focused on transnational and international business law.

Students might have to study for two semesters or more at Pacific McGeorge. The program requirements are as follows:
  • 24 units of study
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.33 on a 4.33 scale
LL.M. in U.S. Law & Policy
  • 24 units of study
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.33 on a 4.33 scale
LL.M. in Water Resources Law
  • 24 units of study
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.33 on a 4.33 scale

Details of Courses Offered


The LL.M. in Transnational Business Practice trains lawyers to practice in the field of international business law. Whether trained in civil or common law, an LL.M. program in Transnational Business Practice from McGeorge School of Law prepares lawyers for a career in the global economy.

One of the program highlights is that students gain access to the Pacific McGeorge Global Center for Business & Development which stands as the interface between the global economy and the legal profession. The Global Center facilitates scholarship and curricular innovation, as well as hosts a number of international events every year, such as distinguished guests of Pacific McGeorge's International Jurist Series.
  • LL.M. Transnational Business Practice without Internship - A traditional LL.M. focusing on transnational business practice.
  • LL.M. Transnational Business Practice with Internship - Course selection focusing on transnational business practice coupled with 12-week internship with international legal entity.
  • Pacific McGeorge offers a unique program, leading to a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in U.S. Law or in Public Law & Policy.
  • Public Law & Policy Track for U.S.-trained Attorneys - a post-J.D. course of study and experiential learning specially designed to equip attorneys with the skills and knowledge base to succeed at working in government entities, private law firms, and nonprofit organizations.
  • U.S. Law Track for Foreign-trained Attorneys - a course of study specially designed to equip foreign-trained attorneys with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a global lawyer. Students will gain a firm foundation in American law and valuable insights about how attorneys in the United States get training.

To enhance the skills and understanding of lawyers at all levels, the Pacific McGeorge School of Law offers LL.M. and J.S.D. degrees in Water Resources Law. These will prepare them to serve the diverse needs of businesses and developers, farmers and ranchers, non-profit organizations, and public agencies at every level from local to international.

The Water Resources Law graduate program emphasizes interdisciplinary natural resources classes; simulations and case studies; a robust field placement experience; and advanced substantive law course work. This combination of natural resources science, technology and economics, with strong legal coursework and hands-on training, makes the program unique among other natural resources law graduate degrees.
Both tracks of the LL.M. in Water Resources Law involve one-year (two semesters) to two-year (three or four semesters) courses of study.

  • U.S. Law Track - this track focuses on issues affecting the United States. This is for students with a law degree to gain expertise in the growing field of environmental and natural resources law.
  • International Track - this program focuses on the unique laws, policies and political dynamics applying to watercourses shared by two or more nations. It is for attorneys pursuing careers in government, non-governmental organizations or private law firms dealing with international water issues.

Pacific McGeorgeis dedicated to helping their students succeed in whichever program they choose. Both tracks can explored. An academic advisor is always available to help them with their decision.

Financial Aid


Pacific McGeorge awards some merit and academic based scholarship to LL.M. and J.S.D students. Many of these awards are available because of the University's general funds allocation, also with the generosity of donors by endowed funds and alumni contributions. To apply for scholarships the scholarship application form needs to be filled out. These scholarships are open to all applicants, whether they are international or domestic applicants.

For U.S. citizens of Legal Permanent Residents, they may also qualify for federal loans, often referred to as Financial Aid. For more information, the university's Financial Aid Office site can be visited. Private loans might also be an option.

For International Students

In addition to their own scholarship program, students may qualify for some outside scholarship opportunities. They can find many of these opportunities at their local embassy or consulate office.

Cost of Attendance

LL.M. - 2013-2014 Academic Year:

Item Fall Spring Total
Tuition: Per-Unit Rate - $1,200 $14,400 $14,400 $28,800
Student Bar Association Fee $50 $50 $100
Health Insurance* $941 $941 $1,882
Living Expenses $6,570 $6,570 $13,140
Books $850 $850 $1,700
Totals $22,811 $22,811 $45,622
* Health Insurance is mandatory for students enrolled in six (6) or more units. Students may opt out of the Pacific Student Health Insurance Plan.

Career Development/Services Offered


The University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law is committed to preparing students to enter the work world and put their education to use.

The Career Development Office (CDO) serves as a bridge between the law school and the legal community by providing students and alumni tools and resources for lifelong professional development.

Whether they are students exploring the wealth of legal opportunities available to them, graduates making a lateral move or an employer searching for the perfect hire, Pacific McGeorge are committed to partnering with them to make it happen.

At the CDO, Pacific McGeorge eagerly assists its students and graduates to develop their personal careers. It helps students and graduates to discover and expand their options, and it teaches them how to be their best when looking for a job. Students are encouraged to visit their career advisors regularly throughout their time at Pacific McGeorge so that they become comfortable using the tools and resources that will result in their lifelong professional success.

Throughout the year, the CDO presents programs on topics ranging from practice areas, to job search strategies, to how to dress for one's first interview. The university sponsors on- and off-campus job fairs as well as alumni and community networking opportunities. Finally, they provide 24-hour access to hundreds of job postings along with the ability to apply for jobs online through their Web-based career management system.

CDO's staff is skilled, with five Juris Doctors and a Masters in Career Counseling. The staff is also well-rounded, with practical experience in private law firm, government, public interest, academic, and corporate settings. Staff members are eager to work with students and graduates in one-on-one training and counseling sessions.

References