Instructions

All applications to the J.D. program MUST be submitted electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The fall 2019 application cycle begins September 1, 2018. The suggested application deadline for the fall 2019 entering class is March 15, 2019. However, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until July 15, 2019, or until enrollment goals are reached. Opportunities for admission and scholarship award may decrease after April, 2019, so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please carefully complete all required sections. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your application. In order to be considered, an application must be complete with all supporting documentation.

The Admissions Committee typically begins admitting applicants by December and completes the majority of its work by April. All completed applications are carefully reviewed in their entirety to determine whether the applicant possesses the academic preparation and motivation to successfully complete a rigorous law school curriculum. Committee members attempt to gauge each applicant's prior academic performance, expected performance, and writing skills. While LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA are important factors, the Admissions Committee also considers personal statements, letters of recommendation, and supplemental materials.

Application

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

A valid LSAT score is required for all JD applicants. You are encouraged to sit for the LSAT in the fall / winter of 2018 or spring of 2019. Scores from summer 2019 may also be considered on a space-available basis. Should you opt to take the LSAT more than once, Albany Law School will consider all LSAT scores presented by an individual applicant, but more weight is given to the highest LSAT score. LSAT scores older than five years from the anticipated year of matriculation will not be accepted.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report

Registration with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required. The following materials must be submitted through this service:

• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who can address your academic and intellectual abilities. Letters from employers or professional recommendations are also acceptable, especially from applicants who received their undergraduate degree five or more years prior. Only two letters are required, but up to four will be accepted.
• Transcripts from ALL colleges, graduate, professional, or technical schools you have attended, as a matriculant or nonmatriculant, whether or not a degree was earned. Please note that the J.D. degree program requires that, at minimum, a Bachelor-level degree has been earned prior to the start of J.D. coursework.

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required. Your personal statement should be written in your own words and limited to 2-3 pages on a topic of your choice that will provide additional insight into your qualifications and interests. While there is no required topic, if you are unsure of a topic, you may consider sharing why you are interested in pursuing a law degree and/or what your anticipated career goals/interests are at this time.

Résumé

Please include all employment, publications, any substantive extra-curricular activities, and community service.

Character & Fitness

If you answer “yes” to any Character & Fitness questions, you must submit a statement outlining, in detail, the facts and circumstances of each reported event. The statement should include dates, exact name and location of courts (if any), and final disposition of all matters. Your statement must be attached in order to submit your application. Failure to provide sufficient description and/or explanation of reported events may prompt the Admissions Committee to request additional information from you, thereby causing a delay in the processing of your application.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Please note that in regards to answering “yes” to questions involving academic or criminal records, the Board of Bar Examiners may ask for more detailed information. Inconsistencies between your law school application and your application to the Bar may cause difficulty with bar admission. Failure to make a complete disclosure when answering the below questions may subject a student to disciplinary action.

Diversity Statement and Additional Addenda (optional)

Albany Law School values the diverse perspectives and experiences that our students contribute to our community and classes. We also acknowledge that many applicants have overcome obstacles or hardships to achieve their current level of education. If you feel there is information not shared elsewhere in your application that the Admissions Committee may find relevant to their review process, you may choose to submit an optional addendum. Brief optional addenda may also be useful to explain LSAT score discrepancies and/or gaps in education or work history.

Certification

All applicants must electronically certify that the information provided in this application, including supporting documents and attachments, is correct, true, and subject to verification. The applicant understands that any offer of admission and/or financial assistance is contingent upon the accuracy and completeness of this application. The applicant has an ongoing obligation to promptly notify the Albany Law School Admissions Office should there be any change to information included in this application, supporting documents, or attachments, even after acceptance or enrollment.

Financial documentation (not required for U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

A completed "International Student Financial Statement" is required to document the applicant's ability to pay the cost of attendance and in order to prepare the I-20 necessary to obtain the F-1 student visa. This financial statement should be submitted upon receipt of an official offer of admission.

Questions

Contact the Albany Law School Admissions Office at 518-445-2326 or admissions@albanylaw.edu.

Check Applicaton Status

Check the status of your Albany Law School application.