The application for Duke Law’s Master of Judicial Studies Class of 2029 (entering in 2027) is now closed. If you have any questions about a submitted application or need to send updated information or reference letters, please email Ann Yandian (ann.yandian@law.duke.edu).
Application Requirements
Eligible candidates for the LLM in Judicial Studies must have a JD or an LLM from an accredited U.S. law school or an equivalent degree from another country and be a current judge. Please review the detailed application instructions as you complete the application. For any questions not answered in these instructions, please refer to the FAQ.
Duke Nondiscrimination Statement
Duke is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. Duke does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status, in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, employment, or any other institution program or activity. View the complete statement to learn more.
ABA Recognition
The ABA approved Duke’s application for “acquiescence” for this program.
Duke University School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.
Application Checklist ✔️
You will need the following items in order to complete the online application:
- Personal statement. Document upload; 500-1,000 words.
- Resume/CV. Document upload.
- A brief explanation of jurisdiction. Only if applicable; 500 words max.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score and date. Only if applicable.
- Contact information for two professional references OR two reference letters. We recommend two reference letters. Included in Resume/CV or uploaded as documents.
- OPTIONAL: Up to three published writing samples, other than judicial opinions. Uploaded as documents or provided as URLs.
- A check or money order to pay the $85 nonrefundable application fee. Instructions to submit this fee are included in the confirmation email. Please note that this fee is waived for international applicants.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is May 15, 2026. Final decisions will be made by December 15, 2026.
Supplemental Material
If you wish to forward additional material or make any updates to your application after you have submitted, please email it to ann.yandian@law.duke.edu.
Application Instructions
The application is now closed. Final decisions will be made by December 15, 2026.
Section 1: Personal Information
Complete this section. Please submit subsequent updates to your contact information directly by email to ann.yandian@law.duke.edu.
Section 2: Eligibility and Jurisdiction
Only active judges who sit on courts exercising jurisdiction over civil and/or criminal actions are eligible to apply for enrollment. (Note: Executive branch judges, administrative law judges, arbitrators, and special masters are not eligible for this program.)
Section 3: TOEFL (International Applicants Only)
For candidates whose first language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other proof of English proficiency is required in order to be considered for this degree program. This requirement will be waived for applicants who have studied at an English-speaking university for three or more years. Please email Ann Yandian at ann.yandian@law.duke.edu for additional information.
Section 4: Personal Statement
The personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. You may wish to include any of the following: (1) why you want to enroll in the Judicial Studies program, (2) what you expect to gain from the program, and (3) how the program will support future professional endeavors. (500-1,000 words max.)
Section 5: Resume/CV and Professional References
The resume or CV should include your education, educational programs, professional experience, awards, and distinctions. In your resume, please also include the names, titles, and contact information of two professional references OR provide two reference letters. We recommend that you submit reference letters. Reference letters can also be emailed after the application has been submitted. Reference letters can be submitted either from the applicant or directly from the reference, and should be emailed to ann.yandian@law.duke.edu.
Section 6: Scholarships and Publications (Optional)
You may attach up to three published writing samples, other than judicial opinions, which the admissions committee should consider along with your application. (If your writing sample is published and publicly available online, you may include a URL instead of an attachment.)
Section 7: Conditions of Application and Signature
Applications will not be processed without an electronic signature agreeing to the conditions and certifying that the information is true and complete. You are obligated to notify the Bolch Judicial Institute immediately of any change in the information provided.
After Submission
Following completion of the application, you must submit an $85 nonrefundable application fee, payable by check or money order to Duke University. We cannot accept a credit card payment. Instructions to pay this fee are included in the confirmation email. Note: The application fee is waived for international applicants.