As dean of the graduate & international programs at Cardozo School of law, I’m proud to introduce our new Online LL.M. in General Legal Studies — specifically designed for international lawyers seeking to qualify for admission to the bar in Washington D.C. and California. This flexible, world-class degree reflects Cardozo’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and expanding access to transformative legal education for professionals worldwide.

A U.S. bar admission not only enhances your ability to serve clients in a globalized economy, but also position you as versatile, authoritative professional in an interconnected legal landscape. As a D.C. licensed attorney, you’ll gain access to prestigious roles in international law firms, global organizations, and government agencies in the heart of the U.S. capital. The D.C. bar opens doors to practice in areas such as international trade, human rights, corporate law, and public policy – connecting you to a vibrant legal market with global influence. This credential enhances your ability to engage in high-impact legal work and elevate your career on an international stage. 

Join our LLM program and seize the opportunity to expand your horizons and unlock a world of professional possibilities!

Our faculty is #22 in the country for scholarly impact by Heald & Sichelman's academic impact rankings of 100 American law schools.

Cardozo’s dynamic virtual learning community mirrors our collaborative on-campus culture. Despite being online, students join our network known for its warmth, collaboration, and academic excellence. Online students are fully integrated into a dynamic legal ecosystem that mirrors the school’s on-campus ethos. Through access to distinguished faculty, virtual events, legal resources, and a diverse international student body, you’ll gain the insight and support needed to grow personally and professionally — no matter where you are in the world.

Bringing Cardozo’s Excellence to You

• Program meets D.C. and California bar requirements
• Asynchronous online courses for global accessibility — complete coursework anytime, anywhere
• Personalized academic advising and real-time faculty support to ensure bar eligibility
• Mentorship and virtual office hours allow you access to instructors or teaching assistants
• Discussion forums through dedicated Teams channels
• Peer collaboration via group projects
• Full access to Cardozo library resources for research and learning
• A global alumni network of successful lawyers in top firms and corporations, worldwide
• One of the most affordable LL.M. degrees in the U.S. at $1,481 per credit

Meeting D.C. and California Bar Requirements

• Washington, D.C. Bar Eligibility: Per D.C. Court of Appeals Rule 46(c)(4), foreign-trained lawyers must complete 26 semester hours at an ABA-approved law school in subjects tested on the UBE (e.g., Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law). Our online LL.M. curriculum includes required courses like Legal Research and Writing, Professional Responsibility, and core UBE subjects, ensuring compliance. Learn more about D.C. Court of Appeals Rules
• California Bar Eligibility: The California Bar requires foreign-trained candidates to complete an LL.M. with at least 20 credits at an ABA-accredited school, including Professional Responsibility and bar-tested subjects. Applicants must have a foreign law degree evaluated by a California-approved credential service (e.g. LSAC). Our program provides the necessary coursework to meet these standards. Learn more about California Bar Rules
• Program Alignment: Our 26-credit curriculum covers UBE and California Bar subjects, including 1 credit in Professional Responsibility and 3+ credits in core areas like Civil Procedure and Evidence. Academic advisors tailor your course plan to ensure eligibility for your chosen bar exam.

Every state has different requirements for its bar exam. Students interested in taking a U.S. bar exam should consult that state’s rules.

Completion of the LLM in General Studies at Cardozo School of Law is designed to meet the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the District of Columbia and California Bar Examinations, particularly for foreign-trained attorneys. However, eligibility is determined solely by the D.C. Court of Appeals Committee on Admissions and the California Committee of Bar Examiners, respectively, and depends on individual academic credentials, prior legal education, and compliance with state-specific rules. Students are responsible for confirming their eligibility with the relevant bar authorities.
 

Cardozo Admission Requirements and Deadlines

The first cohort for this LL.M. Online program will begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — the first day of classes for the spring semester.

• Where to apply: we accept applications through the LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS), or directly to Cardozo via the Online Application
• Deadlines: We will continue to accept applications after the priority deadline as space permits.
  • July 15: Early bird deadline up to 10% scholarship
  • Dec 15: Priority deadline for spring admission
• What to include in your application: resume/CV, personal statement, transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS score
  • Learn more about all the requirements and deadlines