Master of Laws - Criminal Law and Procedure

Criminal lawyers are the ultimate trial lawyers. Of all lawyers, they are the most likely to deal regularly with fundamental issues of security, personal liberty, and constitutional rights. For students interested in criminal law, UC Davis School of Law is exceedingly well-equipped to offer the training and experience they need to enter this competitive field. In their first semester of law school, students study Criminal Law, the substantive law of crime. After the first year they study Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and, usually, Trial Practice. Numerous advanced courses are also available in white collar crime, juvenile law, criminal justice administration, and related subjects. In addition, students have abundant opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

Participating in an externship program in judicial process and/or criminal justice is virtually essential to those interested in becoming criminal lawyers, and King Hall's well-developed and extensive externship programs offer unique opportunities to work directly with judges, prosecutors, and public defenders. Many students gain invaluable practical experience representing clients in the School of Law's award-winning clinical programs, and also gain additional experience and perspective by participating in organizations such as the Criminal Law Association, Students Against Mass Incarceration, the Trial Practice Honors Board, Moot Court Board, UC Davis Law Review, and Social Justice Law Review, among others.

Two-Year LL.M. option

Official Academic Records (Transcripts) - One official set of academic records issued in the original language and accompanied by a certified English translation. Academic records should show graded coursework, dates of enrollment and award of degree(s).

Two letters of recommendation - It is preferred that these letters come from the applicant's law professors.

TOEFL/IELTS - Official score report for either TOEFL or IELTS. A minimum of 88 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 570 on the paper-based test is required. TOEFL score reports should be sent to Institution Code 4778. A minimum of 6.5 IELTS is also acceptable.

Personal Statement - Your personal statement should include personal, academic and professional background and your reasons for seeking an advanced degree.

R'sum or curriculum vitae - Please list your educational and professional background, in addition to any scholarships, awards or honors you have received.

A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) from the institution where you have earned or will earn your bachelor's degree.