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All the details you need to apply

Applying to Washburn Law is a straightforward process designed to welcome a diverse range of students. Whether you’re pursuing a J.D., LL.M. or M.S.L., we provide clear steps and personalized support to help you succeed. For those interested in our J.D. program, we offer flexible options for transfers, visiting students and applicants submitting both GRE and LSAT scores. If you’re reapplying, we’re here to guide you through that process as well. At Washburn Law, we are committed to making legal education accessible to all, ensuring you have the resources and information you need to start your law school journey with confidence.
How to apply to Washburn Law

Your application will be processed when all items listed have been received by Washburn Law. LSAT or GRE scores can be used to apply.  

LSAT Applicant Steps

  1. Apply online via LSAC.
    Please note: Washburn Law does not charge an application fee.
    1. Complete the Washburn Law application. 
    2. Attach your personal statement and resume
    3. If you disclosed a character and fitness issues on your application, attach a character and fitness addendum
    4. If you choose to include one, attach your diversity statement. 
  2. Submit to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
    The following items are included:
    1. Official Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. 
    2. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
    3. At least one letter of recommendation. No more than three will be accepted.  

GRE Applicant Steps

  1. Apply online via LSAC.
    Please note: Washburn Law does not charge an application fee.
    1. Complete the Washburn Law application. 
    2. Attach your personal statement and resume
    3. If you disclosed a character and fitness issues on your application, attach a character and fitness addendum
    4. If you choose to include one, attach your diversity statement. 
  2. Submit to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
    The following items are included:
    1. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
    2. At least one letter of recommendation. No more than three will be accepted.
  3. Submit a request to ETS to send your GRE score. 
    Washburn Law's school code is 3277.

The Washburn Law LL.M. program is designed for foreign-trained lawyers who seek to learn a particular area of U.S. law or who seek to prepare to take the bar exam in a U.S. jurisdiction that permits LL.M. graduates to sit for the bar.  This program is open to applicants who have earned, or will earn by the time they begin the program, a law degree. 

Initial application step

Apply to the Washburn Law LL.M program via the free online application form.
The following items will need uploaded with the online form:
  1. Resume (uploaded in the Biographical section) 
  2. Law degree transcript (uploaded in the education section) 

 

Application through LSAC

  1. Only if directed to do so by Washburn Law after they review your initial application. 
    Create an LL.M. account on the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website. 
    Please note: The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is not required for admission to the LL.M. program.
    1. Complete the Washburn Law LL.M application. 
    2. Include a personal statement of 300 to 1,000 words, written in English, explaining your reasons for wanting to purse an LL.M. at Washburn Law. 
  2. Submit to LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
    The following items are included:
    1. Official transcript from the law school or university granting your law degree. Your transcript must be submitted through LLM CAS where a Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, which will then be incorporated into your CAS report and forwarded to Washburn by LSAC. Additional fees, separate from the non-refundable application fees, will be charged for these services. 
    2. At least two letters of recommendation from law professors, employers or others who can attest to your ability to pursue advanced graduate work and who have personal knowledge of your intellectual ability, character and work ethic.
    3. Proof of English proficiency (see information below). 
  3. Apply to the Office of International Programs. 
    International students who plan to attend Washburn University on an F-1 visa are required to submit the following to international@washburn.edu:
    1. Original financial supporting documents from the student/student's sponsor, such as bank statements, etc. 
    2. Complete and signed Financial Disclaimer Form.
    3. Copy of your passport ID/picture page, if available. 

If you are already in the U.S. attending a language program, college or university, please also submit the following:

  1. Copies of current F-1 visa and Form I-20
  2. Completed and signed Transfer Eligibility Form.
Questions regarding the Office of International Programs application process should be sent to international@washburn.edu or see the Office of International Programs website. 

Proof of financial resources for visa purposes

  1. Upon application to the LL.M. program, you must verify in a written statement that you have sufficient liquid assets to cover the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, living expenses and mandatory health insurance) during the academic year in which you will be enrolling. 
  2. Upon admission, you will be required to submit documents verifying your financial statement. These documents can consist of a copy of your bank statement or a letter from your sponsor with a copy of their bank statement.

Documents should be sent to by:

  1. Postal mail to Washburn University, ATTN: Law Admissions LL.M., 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621
  2. Or email attachment to admissions@washburnlaw.edu.

Please note: You are required to submit these documents before an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students) will be mailed to you. 

Proof of English proficiency

Proficiency in English is a requirement for all LL.M. candidates.
LSAC's TOEFL code for the CAS is 0058.

  • International students who speak English as a first language, or who obtained a law degree from an institution where all courses were taught in English, may have the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived. 
  • All other students must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score report, or an equivalent test. Students with an iBT TOEFL score above 80 (or equivalent) are presumptively proficient, but each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Students that are marginal may be required to attend English language classes prior to and/or during their enrollment. 

To qualify for admission, you must have completed a four-year college course of study and hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association. Preference will be given to students who have a strong undergraduate record and substantial prior professional experience.

Required application materials

  1. Completed Washburn Law M.S.L. application form.
    Please note: It is always better to err on the side of disclosure when answering questions. An answer of "yes" on any of the Character and Fitness items in question 11 does not preclude you from being admitted to the MSL program. 
  2. Personal statement
    Statement should be 300-1,000 words explaining how Washburn Law's MSL program would relate to your chose career path, work experience or personal or professional goals. 
  3. Two letters of recommendation
    Letters should come from individuals, unrelated to you, who can evaluate your academic potential, sent directly to: Washburn University School of Law, ATTN: Law Admissions MSL, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, KS 66621. 
  4. Official transcripts
    Transcripts should be from ALL universities, colleges or professional schools you have attended, whether or not you graduated sent directly to: Washburn University School of Law, ATTN: Law Admissions MSL, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, KS 66621. 
  5. Standardized test score or equivalent
    A score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) OR one of the following:
    1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, 
    2. Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score
    3. an advanced degree, or
    4. a minimum of five years of experience related to the projected field of study. 

Please note: If you are seeking a waiver of the standardized test score requirement, one of your recommenders must be a current or former employer with personal knowledge of your intellectual ability, character, work ethic, and substantial work experience.

How to submit application materials

  • Submit by postal mail to: Washburn University Washburn University School of Law, Attn: Law Admissions MSL, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621 
  • Submit by email attachment to: admissions@washburnlaw.edu
    (in Subject line include: M.S.L. Application for [your name]) 

Interview

All applicants for Washburn Law's M.S.L. program will be interviewed, either in person or through teleconference technology, by a member of the M.S.L. Admissions Committee.

Advanced standing and transfer policy: Students in good standing who have completed one semester of study at an American Bar Association accredited law school may be admitted to Washburn University School of Law with advanced standing. Students may transfer up to 30 credit hours of coursework to Washburn Law. A grade equivalent of C or better is required in order for course credits to be eligible for transfer. 

Other than our established dual degrees, and our study abroad programs, with the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands and the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, we have no agreements between schools governing the transfer of credit (articulation agreements). 

Steps

Your application will be processed when all items listed have been received by Washburn Law. 

  1. Apply online via LSAC.
    Please note: Washburn Law does not charge an application fee.
    1. Complete the Washburn Law application. 
    2. Attach your personal statement and resume
    3. If you disclosed a character and fitness issues on your application, attach a character and fitness addendum
    4. If you choose to include one, attach your diversity statement. 
  2. Submit to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
    The following items are included:
    1. Official Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. 
    2. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
    3. At least one letter of recommendation. No more than three will be accepted.  
  3. Submit the following items directly to Washburn Law.
    Mail to Washburn University School of Law, Attn: Law School Admissions Office, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621
    1. Letter of recommendation from current or former law professor. 
    2. Letter verifying good standing from your prior law school.
    3. Final official transcript for all law classes completed at your prior law school.
    4. Law school class rank. 

Applicants in this category have previously attended law school and wish to visit at Washburn Law for a semester to take courses. 

Steps

Your application will be processed when all items listed have been received by Washburn Law. 

Submit the following items directly to Washburn Law.
Mail to Washburn University School of Law, Attn: Law School Admissions Office, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621
  1. A completed Application for Enrollment as a Visiting Student at Washburn Law. 
  2. An official copy of your law school transcript. 
  3. A copy of your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report received by your law school when you applied. If you did not use the CAS when you applied, you will need to contact the Law School Admission Council to make arrangements. 
Deadlines designed with flexibility in mind

J.D.

Fall Start: Priority application date is April 1, but applications are accepted beyond this date.

Spring Start: Priority application date is November 15 for January start, with continued acceptance of applications after this date.

LL.M.

Fall Start: Application deadline is June 1.

Spring Start: Application deadline is November 1.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications are processed once all materials are received.
Students needing a visa should apply well before the deadline to allow time for visa processing.

M.S.L.


We do not have a strict deadline, but priority is give to applications received by March 15.

Need help with your application?

Our admissions toolkit has you covered
From understanding what our Admissions Committee looks for when reviewing applications to help with your application materials, find tips and additional details to help put your best foot forward.
Student studies outside law building
J.D. FAQ

You'll follow the same J.D. applicant steps outline above, but the priority date for applying is November 15 with applications being accepted after that as well.

Students must separately apply to and be accepted by both schools. Students will indicate to each school, at the time of application, that they are applying to the dual degree program. Students will pay tuition for law school courses at the normal rate for that school and will pay tuition for their other degree at the normal rate for that school.

Washburn has agreements with several institutions offered law early admission programs. You will need to work with your undergraduate institution to apply through their program. 

Learn more about LEAP. 

You will follow the same procedures outlined above.

You'll follow the same procedures outlined above, but in addition, you will need to complete the following step. 

Complete credential evaluation by a U.S. service:

Applicants who have previously attended law school but do not wish to transfer any previous coursework or were not in good standing at the time they left a previous law school, follow the same procedures outlined above in the J.D. LSAT Applicant Steps, but they will need to add one additional step outlined below. 

Submit the following items directly to Washburn Law. 

  • Letter of recommendation from a former law professor. 
  • Final official transcript for all law classes completed at your prior law school. 

Washburn Law is not able to award advanced standing credit for coursework taken at a law school that is not accredited by the American Bar Association. Your application to Washburn Law will be considered a new student application (i.e., without advanced standing credits). However, in addition to the steps outlined above for a J.D. LSAT applicant, you will also need to complete the following: 

Submit the following items directly to Washburn Law. 

  • Letter of recommendation from a former law professor
  • Letter verifying good standing from your prior law school
  • Final official transcript for all law classes completed at your prior law school. 

Although generally grades received at Washburn University School of Law are recorded on a student's transcript and are included in the cumulative GPA, there are unusual circumstances in which students may be granted academic fresh start.

Academic fresh start includes the following:

  • All previous academic work at Washburn University School of Law is disregarded with respect to graduation requirements;
  • The prior academic record remains on the transcript. However, no credits, hours or grade points are carried forward as part of the student's program. The transcript will indicate "Academic Fresh Start" and the date it was granted;
  • The student will then begin his/her law school study again under the current requirements;
  • This policy applies only to Washburn University School of Law students enrolling at Washburn. A student transferring from Washburn University School of Law to another institution will have to follow the receiving institution's policy.
  • A student may receive Academic Fresh Start only once.

There are only two circumstances in which Academic Fresh Start is applicable. They are as follows:

  • Students in Good Standing
    Students in good standing (GPA of 2.0 or above) who choose to discontinue their studies may re-enroll at the beginning of any semester, including the summer session, if only two years or less have elapsed since the end of the semester in which they were last in attendance at law school and the beginning of the semester in which they re-enroll. If more than two years have elapsed, such students must apply for readmission.

    Such a student readmitted after a two year or greater absence, as defined above, may or may not be given credit for all previous course work, depending upon the preferences of the student, the length of time the student has been out of law school and the student's law school grade point average.

    Upon receipt of an application for readmission from a student in good standing, the Admissions Committee will determine whether the student should be readmitted and whether the student will be required or permitted to retake any or all courses. If such a student is readmitted and required or permitted to retake all courses, the student is granted Academic Fresh Start.
  • Students Not in Good Standing
    Students who perform below a 2.0 in their first year or two and then withdraw or are not immediately readmitted are occasionally readmitted at a later date.

    Upon receipt of an application for readmission from a student not in good standing, the Admissions Committee will determine whether the student should be readmitted in accordance with the ABA standards for readmission of academically disqualified students.

    If the student is readmitted and if at least three years have elapsed between the end of the semester in which the student was last in attendance at law school and the beginning of the semester in which he or she is readmitted the student is required to begin law school over and is granted Academic Fresh Start.

Starting with the September 2019 test administration, test takers will be permitted to take the LSAT:
  • Three times in a single testing year (the testing year goes from June 1 to May 31).
  • Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools).
  • A total of seven times over a lifetime.
  • This policy is forward-looking, not retroactive. Tests taken prior to September 2019 will not count against these numerical limits.

In addition, test takers will not be permitted to retake the LSAT if they have already scored a 180 (perfect score) within the current and five past testing years, the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools. This aspect of the policy will be applied retroactively.

There is an appeals process for test takers who have special circumstances and want to request an exception to this policy. Those requesting an exception should contact the Law School Admission Council.

Acceptance to Washburn Law is valid only for the entering class for which application was made. However, applicants who, for good cause, discover they cannot enroll with their entering class may request a deferment of their admission until the next incoming class. Deferment requests should be submitted to the Admissions Office in writing and are granted on a case-by-case basis.

Indicating "yes" to the Character and Fitness questions on the application for admission related to past or current violations of the law does not prohibit acceptance to our law program.

However, we want to make sure you understand that admission to law school and completion of a law degree does not guarantee you admission to the bar. Because of the ethical standards to which lawyers are held, failure to disclose information required by the Character and Fitness questions will often lead to more serious consequences than would flow from a full disclosure of the required information.

If you indicate "yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions on the application it will be necessary to attach a statement fully describing the events giving rise to the charge, the date of the charge, conviction or diversion, the name and location of the courts, and the disposition for each offense.

Also, please keep in mind that, if, before or after a decision is made, any new developments cause your answer to no longer be correct or complete, you are obligated to immediately inform the Admissions Office. 

The Admissions Office does not interview applicants for the J.D. program. We do encourage applicants to visit Washburn Law to learn more about the school and the admission process.

A candidate may submit an optional grade or LSAT addendum if there were extenuating circumstances beyond the applicant's control that resulted in less than stellar academic performance. Washburn Law also accepts diversity statements.
LL.M. FAQ

Yes, applicants must have a first level law degree from a non-U.S. law school or faculty of law, granted prior to the start of the LL.M. program.

No, the LL.M. program is not offered part-time.

No. Credits from a non-Washburn Law LL.M. program will not be accepted toward our LL.M. program.

No. If you have taken it, however, you may wish to report your score.

No, the LL.M. course of study does not include online options.

Students who graduate from the LL.M. program may apply to the JD program as transfer students. LL.M. students wishing to transfer to the J.D. program must complete the J.D. application process through LSAC. (Fee waivers may be available from the Admissions Office.) Upon successful admission to the J.D. program, a maximum of 30 credits from LL.M. coursework can be applied toward the JD degree, but only for graded courses in which the LL.M. student earned a B+ or better and not including the Introduction to Anglo-American Law course.

Updated February 2024

Yes, provided a seat deposit is paid to hold your spot.

Yes. For purposes of admission to the LL.M. program, a foreign lawyer is anyone, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, whose law degree was earned outside of the United States.
MSL FAQ

No, the M.S.L. program does not require a seat deposit.

You should know that the program is not designed for students who would really prefer to go to law school and to practice law. American Bar Association accreditation policies generally prohibit us from transferring credit from our M.S.L. program toward completion of a J.D. degree.

With that understanding, you would generally not have to retake the LSAT as long as you took the LSAT within a reasonable time prior to applying to the J.D. program. The law school would, however, still consider your prior LSAT as a factor in your application for admission so it might be to your advantage to retake the LSAT if you have a marginal score. Generally, we only consider your best LSAT score when evaluating your application for admission to law school.

Contact Admissions

2073 SW Washburn Terrace, Room 104
Topeka, KS 66621
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka, KS 66621