Law School Requirements | New England Law

Law School Requirements | New England Law
Admissions Information
Learn what’s required–and what’s possible–when you apply to New England Law | Boston.
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Requirements
Information & Requirements
Application Deadlines
Law Degree Program
Spring 2026 Admission
Fall 2026 Admission
JD First-Year
Fall Admission Only
June 1, 2026
LLM in American Law
Fall Admission Only
June 1, 2026
JD Transfer
November 1, 2025
July 1, 2026
Visiting Student
November 1, 2025
July 1, 2026
We review completed applications on a rolling basis. Most applicants receive a decision within four to eight weeks.
Application Requirements
JD Applicant Requirements
Complete and file your application online through the
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
Indicate the JD program you are applying to.
Apply by the deadline
for admission to New England Law for that fall. (We do not offer spring admission.)
LSAC and New England Law will confirm receipt of your application.
Need some help getting started? Review
what law schools look for
in their applicants, these
ideas
on making your application stand out, and some tips from successful students.
Before matriculating at New England Law | Boston, an applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited US institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. New England Law will only accept transcripts submitted through the
Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
, a service provided by the LSAC. The CAS analyzes each registrant’s transcript(s), compiles other relevant information about the applicant, and then sends this data to the law schools chosen by the registrant. A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and incorporated into the CAS report for students with foreign transcripts.
All students enrolling at the Law School must submit an official transcript from their undergraduate or previous institution verifying all academic credits undertaken and degree(s) conferred via the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. For students (1L or 2L transfer) entering in the fall semester, transcripts must be received no later than October 15. For students matriculating at any other time, transcripts must be received within four weeks after classes begin. Students who fail to submit their official transcript(s) by the deadlines specified will not be permitted to enroll in a subsequent semester until the Law School has received the required documentation and may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the Law School.
You must submit your
Law School Admissions Test
(LSAT),
General Record Exam
(GRE)
or
JD-Next
scores with your application.
We accept scores from an LSAT taken no later than the application deadline
. Although these scores may be released after the application deadline, don’t wait for them to apply. Submit your application and required materials before they’re due. If you retake the LSAT, we’ll consider the highest score. In some cases, we may also give weight to all your scores.
You may submit a GRE score
if you don’t have a reportable LSAT or JD-Next score. Make sure to note you’re submitting a GRE score on your application. Request that the
Educational Testing Service
(ETS) submit your scores to us. New England Law’s school code is
2841
You may submit a JD-Next score from an exam taken within the last five years
if you don’t have a reportable LSAT or GRE score. Request that your official score report be sent to New England Law.
Because New England Law does not conduct personal interviews, this statement is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants. Make the most of it:
Emphasize your background, suitability for admission, or the reasons for undertaking legal studies.
Discuss your personal characteristics and circumstances, strengths, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and economic and educational background.
Highlight a unique or differentiating quality — or any other topic that will help the committee get to know you.
Submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from a college professor who can attest to your ability to succeed in a competitive professional program. If you’ve been out of school for a while, consider asking your employer for a letter. (You may submit more than one letter, but once we receive the first, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review.)
There are two ways to submit your letter(s) of recommendation:
Online through the
LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service
(our preference).  Your letter(s) are then included with your CAS report.
Mailed directly to New England Law.
The envelope must be sealed with the recommender’s signature over the seal. Faxed or photocopied letters are
not
accepted.
If English is not your first language or if your undergraduate degree was not received from an English-speaking institution, you must take either:
The
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
and request that they send your score to
LSAC
LSAC’s TOEFL code for JD CAS is
8395
OR
The
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
and receive a minimum score of 7.0.
If you score below the required minimum on either exam, we still encourage you to apply because we use a holistic approach when reviewing applications. Learn more about each test
here
Is your GPA or LSAT score not as strong as you would like? Are there extenuating circumstances that you’d like us to consider?
Including an addendum with your JD application may be helpful. Use it to explain to the Admissions Committee why your grade-point average or LSAT score
would or would not be a good predictor of your performance at New England Law. Not a standardized test-taker? Comparing your SAT or ACT scores to your undergraduate performance may be to your advantage.
New England Law graduates are eligible to take the bar examination in any jurisdiction in the U.S. But different states test different subjects on their examinations, and have other qualifications for bar admission, such as character and fitness — and some even require students to register with the Board of Bar Examiners in their state before or soon after they begin law school.
Contact them directly to determine the jurisdiction requirements under which you intend to seek admission. You can find their information at the
National Conference of Bar Examiners
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultimately, we want to know if you have what it takes to succeed in law school and, eventually, pass the bar exam and practice law. Among the factors we consider are your academic record, extracurricular activities, writing and reading skills, and what you—and others—believe to be your strengths. This
article
should give you a better idea.
Not necessarily. In addition to the
Law School Admissions Test
(LSAT),
we’ll also consider scores from the
General Record Exam
(GRE)
or
JD-Next.
Review
our specific requirements for each.
We do not offer spring semester admissions.
No. There is no fee.
Very. Because we don’t conduct personal interviews, the statement is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants. Here are some
tips
and
examples
to help you get started.
Send your official undergraduate and other institution transcript(s) via the
LSAC Credential Assembly Service
We require one, but you may send more if you like. Once we receive the first, however, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review.
That depends. If your LSAT score or GPA is not as strong as you would like it to be or there are extenuating circumstances you’d like us to consider,
the addendum may be helpful.
Yes, we have a robust scholarship program. On average, over 90% of first-year students received
scholarships
We review completed applications on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within four to eight weeks from the date your application is verified as complete.
Transfer Applicant Requirements
New England Law welcomes transfer students who have successfully completed their first academic year of studies at an American Bar Association accredited or Massachusetts state accredited law school. Acceptance of credits, including those in excess of 1L:
Is at the discretion of the director of admissions and the Office of the Dean.
Considers the similarities between courses taken and those of New England Law, the goals and objectives of the skills requirements at our school, and grades received for these courses.
Complete and file your transfer application and provide all supporting documents online through the
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
Make sure to select the
transfer application
option.
Apply by July 1
to be considered for admission to New England Law for that fall.
LSAC and New England Law will confirm receipt of your application.
Some transfer applicants may be admitted in the spring semester at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
by
November 1
to find out more about the spring semester options.
In addition to the general JD application requirements, we require:
A letter of standing from your current law school.
An official law school transcript showing at least one year of grades via the
LSAC Credential Assembly Service
All students enrolling at the Law School must submit an official transcript from their undergraduate or previous institution verifying all academic credits undertaken and degree(s) conferred via the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. For students (1L or 2L transfer) entering in the fall semester, transcripts must be received no later than October 15. For students matriculating at any other time, transcripts must be received within four weeks after classes begin. Students who fail to submit their official transcript(s) by the deadlines specified will not be permitted to enroll in a subsequent semester until the Law School has received the required documentation and may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the Law School.
Because New England Law does not conduct personal interviews, this statement is your opportunity to stand out from other transfer applicants. Make the most of it:
Emphasize your background, suitability for admission, or the reasons for undertaking legal studies.
Discuss your personal characteristics and circumstances, strengths, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and economic and educational background.
Highlight a unique or differentiating quality, or any other topic that will help the committee evaluate you.
Submit one letter of recommendation from a current law school professor who can attest to your ability to succeed in a competitive program. (You may submit more than one letter, but once we receive the first, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review.)
There are two ways to submit your letter(s) of recommendation:
Online through the
LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service
(our preference).  Your letter(s) are then included with your CAS report.
Mailed directly to New England Law.
The envelope must be sealed with the recommender’s signature over the seal. Faxed or photocopied letters are
not
accepted.
Is your GPA not as strong as you would like? Are there extenuating circumstances that you’d like us to consider?
Including an addendum with your transfer application may be helpful. Use it to explain to the Admissions Committee why your grade-point average would not be a good predictor of your performance at New England Law.
New England Law graduates are eligible to take the bar examination in any jurisdiction in the U.S. However, different states test different subjects on their examinations and have other qualifications for bar admission, such as character and fitness. Some even require students to register with the Board of Bar Examiners in their state before or soon after they begin law school.
To determine the requirements of the jurisdiction in which you intend to seek admission, contact them directly. You can find their information at the
National Conference of Bar Examiners
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome transfer students who have successfully completed their first year at an
American Bar Association- or state-accredited school.
Ultimately, we want to know if you have what it takes to succeed in law school and, eventually, pass the bar exam and practice law. Among the factors we consider are your academic record, extracurricular activities, writing and reading skills, and what you — and others — believe to be your personal strengths.
This article
should give you a better idea.
Our transfer application and all required documentation must be completed and submitted through the
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
by
July 1
for fall admission consideration.
No. There is no fee.
Very. Because we don’t conduct personal interviews, the statement is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants.
Send an official law school transcript showing at least one year of grades from your current law school via the
LSAC Credential Assembly Service
. A letter of standing is also required and should be sent directly to our Office of Admissions by your current law school. We must receive these items by
July 1
for fall admission consideration.
We require one from a current law school professor, but you may send more if you like. Once we receive the first, however, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review
That depends. If your GPA is not as strong as you would like it to be or if you have extenuating circumstances that you’d like us to consider,
the addendum may be helpful.
We review completed applications on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within four to eight weeks from the date your application is verified as complete.
Yes, transfer scholarships are available. Applicants are automatically considered upon admission.Yes,
transfer
scholarships
are available.
LLM in American Laws Requirements
The Master of Laws in American Law (LLM) is for foreign lawyers. You’re eligible to apply if you’ve earned a law degree or equivalent from a university or law school outside the U.S.
Complete and file your application and all required materials online through the
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
. Indicate you are applying to the LLM program.
Apply by the deadline
for admission to New England Law for that fall. (We do not offer spring admission.)
LSAC and New England Law will confirm receipt of your application.
If your law degree is from an institution outside the U.S. or Canada, it must be certified as the equivalent of a U.S. law degree. We recommend that you register with
LSAC Credential Assembly Service
, which collects, authenticates, and distributes your university records and TOEFL score, if required.
The LSAC authenticates non–U.S. or non-Canadian credentials needed in addition to a completed admission application.
If English is not your first language or if your undergraduate degree was not received from an English-speaking institution, you must take either:
The
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
and request that they send your score to
LSAC.
LSAC’s TOEFL code for JD CAS is
8395
OR
The
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
If you score below the required minimum on either exam, we still encourage you to apply because we use a holistic approach when reviewing applications. Learn more about each test
here
Because New England Law does not conduct personal interviews, this statement is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants. Make the most of it:
Emphasize your background, suitability for admission, and why you’re interested in our LLM program.
Discuss your personal characteristics and circumstances, strengths, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and economic and educational background.
Highlight a unique or differentiating quality or any other topic to help the committee get to know you
Submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from a college professor who can attest to your ability to succeed in a competitive professional program. If you’ve been out of school for a while, consider asking your employer for a letter. (You may submit more than one letter, but once we receive the first, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review.)
There are two ways to submit your letter(s) of recommendation:
Online through the
LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service
(our preference).
Your letter(s) are then sent with your CAS report, which is updated weekly.
Mailed directly to New England Law.
The envelope must be sealed with the recommender’s signature over the seal. Faxed or photocopied letters are
not
accepted.
If you’re a nonimmigrant student, additional paperwork and documentation may be necessary to study in the U.S. Satisfying any visa or U.S. government entry requirements is your responsibility. You also may be required to register with the federal government. Entry requirements and visa information are available from the
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Once you’re accepted into New England Law and have submitted your required deposits, we will assist you with obtaining the Form I-20 needed for your student visa. Visit
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
for details about the student visa process.
New England Law’s LLM Program provides the skills and academic credentials that will increase your eligibility to sit for certain U.S. bar exams. Different states test different subjects on their examinations and may have other qualifications for bar admission for foreign law school graduates. To determine the jurisdiction requirements in which you intend to seek admission, contact them directly. You can find their information at the
National Conference of Bar Examiners
Frequently Asked Questions
Lawyers or barristers educated outside the U.S. can strengthen their career prospects with knowledge and skills learned through our LLM in American Law program. They can also increase their eligibility to sit for certain U.S. bar exams upon successful completion.
No. However, if English is not your first language or if your undergraduate degree was not received from an English-speaking institution, you must also take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
Review
our specific requirements for each.
No. There is no fee.
Very. Because we don’t conduct personal interviews, the statement is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants.
If your law degree is from an institution outside the United States or Canada, it must be certified as the equivalent of a US law degree. We recommend that you register with
LSAC Credential Assembly Service,
which collects, authenticates, and distributes your university records and TOEFL score, if required.
We require one, but you may send more if you like. Once we receive the first, however, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review.
We review completed applications on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within four to eight weeks from the date your application is verified as complete.
Our
merit scholarships
are open to LLM in American Laws students, and all applicants are automatically considered for these generous awards.
There is no separate scholarship application.
Visiting Students Requirements
With approval from your current law school, you may attend New England Law on a non-matriculating visit-in status, based on space availability.
Complete and file your application online through the
Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
. Indicate the JD program you are applying to.
Apply by November 1
to be considered for admission to New England Law for the following spring.
Apply by July 1
to be considered for admission to New England Law that fall.
Submit a letter of good standing from your current law school granting permission to visit-in, which states any conditions regarding grades, courses, and minimum/maximum credits that will be transferable. This letter is due by
November 1
for spring admission and by
July 1
for the fall.
Submit an official transcript from your current law school showing all grades achieved thus far via the
LSAC Credential Assembly Service
Because New England Law does not conduct personal interviews, a brief statement can help us get to know you better:
Emphasize your background, suitability for admission, or the reasons for undertaking legal studies.
Discuss your personal characteristics and circumstances, strengths, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and economic and educational background.
Highlight a unique or differentiating quality or any other topic to help the committee get to know you.
Submit one letter of recommendation from a current law school professor who can attest to your ability to succeed in a competitive program. (You may submit more than one letter, but once we receive the first, your file is sent to the Admissions Committee for review.)
There are two ways to submit your letter(s) of recommendation:
1.Online through the
LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service
(our preference) Your letter(s) are then sent with your CAS report, which is updated weekly.
2.Mailed directly to New England Law.
The envelope must be sealed with the recommender’s signature over the seal. Faxed or photocopied letters are
not
accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
This will depend on what was approved by your current law school. Students should discuss this (as well as what specific classes they can take) with their law school prior to applying as a visiting student.
Obtain advance approval from your home law school—in writing—stating they will accept the credits, including the exact number of credits and whether they apply to required or elective categories.
To learn more about our tuition, feel free to visit
Tuition and Fees
No. There is no fee.
Submit an official transcript from your current law school showing all grades achieved thus far via the
LSAC Credential Assembly Service
We review completed applications on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within four to eight weeks from the date your application is verified as complete.
Foreign Lawyer Bar Program Requirements
The
Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners
permits lawyers from common law countries — such as the United Kingdom, India, and Hong Kong — to take the Massachusetts bar exam after meeting standards that include completing 15 credits at an ABA-accredited law school.
Through New England Law’s Foreign Lawyer Bar Program, you can earn the credits you need with courses such as:
Constitutional law
Criminal law
Commercial law
Our knowledgeable and supportive faculty and staff will ensure you are prepared for this critical exam.
Eligible foreign-educated lawyers can apply to the New England Law Foreign Lawyer Bar Program by submitting the
Foreign Lawyer Bar Program Application
and other requirements to
admit@nesl.edu
Applications are considered on a rolling basis; you should receive a decision within four weeks of submitting your completed application.
Submit an official transcript from your law school verifying receipt of degree along with your completed Foreign Lawyer Bar Program to
admit@nesl.edu
Provide a letter from the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners stating which classes you require to be eligible to sit for the bar exam. Each candidate is reviewed on an individual basis and prescribed unique requirements. Please visit the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners website for more information. This letter should be submitted with your completed Foreign Lawyer Bar Program application to
admit@nesl.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The Foreign Lawyer Bar Program is a non-degree program allowing foreign attorneys who are interested in taking the Massachusetts bar exam to complete any additional academic credit requirements needed to be eligible for the bar exam as required by the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners.
Graduates of foreign law schools in countries with common-law traditions are typically eligible for this program. The
Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners
permits lawyers from common law countries—such as the United Kingdom, India, and Hong Kong—to take the Massachusetts bar exam after meeting standards that include completing 15 credits at an ABA-accredited law school. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners. They will let you know what classes you require to sit for the exam.
The cost is determined by the number of credits you will be taking (on a per credit basis). To learn more about our tuition, feel free to visit
Tuition and Fees
Eligible foreign-educated lawyers can apply to the New England Law Foreign Lawyer Bar Program by submitting the
Foreign Lawyer Bar Program Application
and other requirements to
admit@nesl.edu
New England Law Admissions staff is here to help you through the application process. If you have any questions, please complete the form below or contact the Office of Admissions at
admit@nesl.edu
or call 617-422-7210.
Admissions Contact Us Form