Keith Mack
There are many different types of law degrees, and the right one for you will depend on your career goals. A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the most common type of law degree and is required to practice law in the United States. However, there are also other law degrees that can prepare you for legal careers, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), which provide legal skills applicable in various fields. For those who already have a law degree and want to build expertise in a specific area, there are post-JD degrees like the Master of Laws (LLM) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD).
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What You'll Learn
Juris Doctor (JD) degree
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a professional degree that prepares individuals to practice law. It is the only qualifying law degree in the United States and the Philippines. In other jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, both the postgraduate JD degree and undergraduate law degrees are offered. The degree generally requires three years of full-time study, including coursework and practical training in legal studies. The curriculum covers fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts, with opportunities for specialisation in areas like international law, corporate law, or public policy.
Admission to a JD program in the US typically requires a bachelor's degree, along with taking the LSAT (the standardised entrance exam for law school), and submitting materials such as undergraduate GPA, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Some law schools also offer part-time programs that take approximately four years to complete.
The JD degree is designed for students who want to practice law and become licensed attorneys, representing clients in court, providing legal counsel, conducting depositions, negotiating settlements, and performing other traditional attorney functions. It provides the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective member of the legal profession.
Upon completion of a JD program, individuals must take the bar exam to be fully authorised to practice law in the courts of a given state in the US. The bar exam requirements may vary slightly between states, and graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in multiple states.
The JD degree is an important step for those aspiring to become lawyers or attorneys and provides a solid foundation in legal knowledge and skills. It offers a range of specialisations to cater to different career interests within the legal field.
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Master of Laws (LLM)
There are several different law degrees available, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR). A JD degree is a prerequisite for practicing law in the United States, and it prepares graduates to pass the bar exam and practice law in a courtroom or traditional legal setting. However, other non-JD law degrees, such as the MLS or MDR, provide transferable legal skills that can be applied in various fields.
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate degree designed for individuals who have already earned a Juris Doctor (JD) or an equivalent law degree and wish to develop specialized knowledge in a specific area of law, such as tax law or immigration law. It is a customizable program that typically takes one year to complete, although some universities offer two-year programs. LLM degrees are widely available at universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
The LLM is a great option for lawyers who want to broaden their legal knowledge and enhance their competitiveness in the job market. It provides an opportunity to acquire practical and specialized legal expertise, which can be beneficial for both new and experienced lawyers, as well as those seeking a career change. The LLM allows students to select courses that align with their professional goals and, in some cases, design their own program of study with the help of an academic advisor.
In addition to its practical applications, the LLM can also serve as a pathway to further academic pursuits. For instance, in most schools, the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the most advanced law degree offered, and obtaining an LLM is often a prerequisite for applying to an SJD program. SJD degrees typically involve three to five years of full-time study, including coursework, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation.
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Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
There are several different types of law degrees, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). The type of law degree one pursues depends on their career goals and interests.
One such degree is the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), a non-professional graduate degree designed for professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their applications to specific fields. The MLS is intended for people who want to learn the laws governing their profession and interact with legal professionals and departments to ensure business practices are in line with regulations and compliance. It is not intended for those who wish to practice law.
MLS curriculums typically cover a variety of legal topics, providing students with a strong foundation in all aspects of the law. Courses can include contracts, regulatory compliance, negotiation theory, and administrative law. Students are sometimes required to attend in-person learning experiences to put their newly gained legal skills into practice.
MLS programs typically require applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and may require standardized test scores, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews. The degree can usually be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.
Graduates of MLS programs typically pursue careers in law-adjacent fields such as business, human resources, regulatory agencies, and law enforcement. The degree can benefit anyone who collaborates with legal professionals or works in a highly regulated industry by providing valuable legal insights, improving marketability, and increasing salary potential.
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Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)
There are several different types of law degrees, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). The type of law degree one chooses to pursue usually depends on the specific career path they intend to take.
The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) is a law degree that prepares attorneys and non-law practitioners to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. The degree curriculum typically covers negotiation theory, mediation theory, arbitration practice, and conflict management.
MDR programs are beneficial for professionals who want to develop conflict resolution and negotiation skills to better manage conflicts and handle difficult situations. The degree can lead to careers in business management, social work, counseling, human resources, construction management, labor relations, law enforcement, business counseling, education, and international diplomacy.
The degree can usually be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on whether the student attends full-time or part-time. Some schools offer accelerated programs, and classes are often held during the day and in the evening to accommodate working professionals.
Admission to MDR programs typically requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and sometimes standardized test scores, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews.
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Dual degrees
Duke University School of Law is another institution that offers dual degree programs. Duke's School of Law allows students to combine a J.D. with a Master's in Law and Entrepreneurship, Bioethics and Science Policy, or International and Comparative Law. Alternatively, students can combine a J.D. with a graduate degree in business administration, environmental management, medicine, public policy, or divinity.
Dual degree programs are an intense but rewarding way to satisfy intellectual interests and open up unique professional opportunities. They are also a time-saving option, as students can generally save a full year of study that would otherwise be required if the two degrees were earned consecutively.
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Frequently asked questions
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a terminal degree for students who want to practice law. It typically takes three years to complete, and you must take the bar exam once you've finished your program.
Some JD degree specializations include Civil Rights, Corporate, Criminal, and Employment and Labor law.
Some non-JD law degrees include the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and the Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR). These degrees provide graduates with legal skills that are useful in almost any field.
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate degree for those who've already earned their JD and want to build expertise in a specific area of law. It typically takes one year to complete.
