Law (SJD) - Indigenous Peoples Law&Policy

The SJD application is available online directly on our website here. After you create an account make sure to select the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy (IPLP) Program as the program you are applying to.

Required Documents for Application

2 letters of recommendation:
At least one letter of recommendation should be from a faculty member at the institution awarding the first law degree. If not, please explain why this is not available in the appropriate departmental question on the application. Applicants who hold an LLM degree must submit at least one recommendation from an instructor at the institution that granted their LLM degree. The strongest recommendations are substantive and detail the applicant's analytical abilities and writing skills. It is worth making a significant effort to communicate with your recommenders regarding the need for detail.

1-2 page personal statement:
The personal statement is both a writing sample and an opportunity to discuss your unique characteristics and personal qualities, including educational and work experiences, talents and special interests, socioeconomic background, involvement in community affairs and public service, or any events or circumstances that have helped shape your life or given it direction.

If you are seeking financial assistance, please include in your personal statement an explanation of any information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider in making financial awards. IPLP awards merit-based scholarships on a rolling basis and has limited funding available. In order to receive a scholarship, early applications are strongly encouraged.

5-6 page research proposal:
Your research proposal should provide an overview of your proposed dissertation topic and its relevance to promoting IPLP's research priorities related to the advancement of indigenous self-determination.

Resume or curriculum vitae:
The resume should summarize your education, work experience, any publications, and other relevant credentials and accomplishments.

Official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions:
Transcripts for your first law degree and any other graduate degrees should be submitted through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service. (Please note that LSAC charges fees for services through the Credential Assembly Service Report.)

Proof of English proficiency for international students (TOEFL or IETLS Report): 

All non-native English speaker applicants must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or seek a waiver as detailed below. 

*Applicants who intend to practice law should be aware that bar admission in all U.S. states involves consideration of a bar applicant's character and moral fitness for the practice of law. Applicants should acquaint themselves with the bar admission requirements of the states in which they intend to practice. The American Bar Association offers various resources on bar admission, see: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/bar_admissions.html.

Arizona Law requires a high-level of English proficiency for all degree and non-degree seeking programs including the LLM programs. Arizona Law has a rigorous curriculum for all programs. Classes require a dynamic exchange between students, and with faculty. Therefore, a high-level of English proficiency is required to have a meaningful participation in and outside of the classroom as well as for students to succeed in law school.

In general, the target scores candidates should submit are a TOEFL score of approximately 100 iBT or IELTS overall score of 7.5. We also look at the breakdown of subsection scores for listening, speaking, writing and reading. Nonetheless, a lower score in one area or overall does not automatically preclude an applicant from consideration.

Applicants whose test score(s) falls below the targets set forth above, should highlight in the personal statement portion of their application any specific data, background, or other information that they feel might strengthen their application in this regard, such as time spent in English language environments, work done in English, English language publications, etc. It is also recommended that applicants with scores lower than those set forth above submit at least one recommendation that addresses, at least in part, their English language ability.

Applicants may also request a waiver review based on their studies in the U.S., a LSAT score of or above 155, and/or a GRE verbal reasoning score of 155 or higher. Arizona Law will also accept requests for waivers based on the current English proficiency exemptions for Graduate Students at the University of Arizona. Applicants requesting a waiver are required to submit a writing sample and to hold an interview in English. 

The admissions committee reserves the right to request a writing sample, hold interviews or request additional information or documents to support English proficiency for all applicants.

Federal financial aid may be available for U.S. citizens. Some forms of aid are need-based and other are not based upon financial need. Applicants are encouraged to look at the College of Law financial aid page for information on tuition rates, financial aid, information on deadlines for applying for financial assistance, and information on how to apply for private non-governmental loans (https://law.arizona.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships). 

To assist students in obtaining financial aid, Keyshia Connor serves as Associate Director of Financial Aid/Scholarships for prospective and enrolled students at the College of Law. Ms. Connor can be reached at 520.626.1832 or by email at [email protected].

We accept and review applications on a rolling basis. Given the unique attributes of our SJD program, admission is highly competitive and early applications are strongly encouraged.

Spring 2021 Application Deadlines:

• If you require a student visa: October 31, 2020
• If you do NOT require a student visa: November 30, 2020

Fall 2021 Application Deadlines:

• If you require a student visa: May 15, 2021
• If you do NOT require a student visa: July 1, 2021

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.