Gavin Howe
In most common law countries, including Europe, Australia, China, India, and others, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) is the primary law degree. This undergraduate degree is often a prerequisite for taking bar exams and qualifying as a practising lawyer. In the United States, however, the Bachelor of Laws was replaced by the Juris Doctor (JD) in the 1960s. This shift occurred in Canada during the early 21st century. While a bachelor's degree is not sufficient for practising law in the US, it is a prerequisite for applying to law school or a master's program specializing in law studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Name | Bachelor of Laws (Legum Baccalaureus; LL.B.), Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA), Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BS), Juris Doctor (JD) |
| Degree Type | Undergraduate degree |
| Availability | Common in most common law countries outside of North America, including Europe, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, etc. Available in the US at select universities, including as a BA at Wayne State University, and as a BS at USC Gould School of Law. |
| Prerequisites | Requirements vary by university and country. In most common law countries, the LLB programme is entered directly after secondary school. In the US, a bachelor's degree is required before applying to law school. |
| Curriculum | Core legal subjects and jurisprudence, including legal principles, legal research skills, and the roles and responsibilities of lawyers within society. |
| Skills Acquired | Legal awareness, legal analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, written and oral communication, research, case resolution, argumentation, etc. |
| Career Opportunities | Lawyer, attorney, law-adjacent careers such as corporate law, criminal law, economics, humanities, social science, political science, business, healthcare, public service, etc. |
| Additional Information | The ABA does not recommend any specific undergraduate majors to prepare for law school. However, students may choose to major in traditional preparation subjects, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, or business. |
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What You'll Learn
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
A Bachelor of Laws, or LLB, is an undergraduate law degree offered in most common law countries. It is the primary law degree and the first professional qualification for legal practitioners in these countries. The LLB curriculum covers core legal subjects and jurisprudence, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its function. It also imparts legal research skills and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of lawyers within society.
The LLB degree is typically a three-year program that serves as a foundation for further legal education, such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or other postgraduate studies in law. It is often a prerequisite for taking bar exams or qualifying as a practising lawyer, depending on the jurisdiction. In common law countries, with the exceptions of Canadian provinces (except Quebec) and the United States, the LLB programme is generally entered directly after secondary school.
In Bangladesh, for example, obtaining an LLB degree is a prerequisite for practising as an advocate in a court of law. Both LLB and LLB (Hons.) degrees are offered at public and private universities, with some private universities offering four-year LLB (Hons.) degrees. The University of Rajshahi was the first institute in South Asia to offer a bachelor's degree in law, starting with a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (B. Jur.) program in 1970, which was later replaced with an LL.B (Hons.) program.
In Canada, the LLB degree has been redesignated as a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at nearly all common law schools. The JD program typically requires entrants to hold an undergraduate degree, and it is considered a bachelor's degree-level qualification. To practise law in Canada, graduates must obtain a licence from the Law Society of the province where they wish to practise, which requires a year of articling.
In the United States, the LLB was the primary law degree until the 1960s when it was phased out in favour of the Juris Doctor degree. While the LLB is no longer offered as a primary law degree in the US, it does have a history dating back to the nineteenth century, with Harvard University awarding the first LLB degree in the country in 1920.
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Juris Doctor (JD)
A Juris Doctor, also known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence or Doctor of Law, is a graduate-entry professional degree that prepares individuals to practice law. In the United States, it is the only qualifying law degree, and it is considered a professional doctorate. The degree generally requires three years of full-time study and is earned after completing coursework and practical training in legal studies. The curriculum includes fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts, along with opportunities for specialisation in areas like international law.
In the US, admission to a JD program requires a bachelor's degree, and many students take time off between their undergraduate studies and law school. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is typically required for admission to a JD program, and it assesses skills such as analyzing arguments, making deductions, reading strategically, and understanding formal logic.
The Juris Doctor degree is a terminal degree, representing the highest level of academic achievement in the field of law. It is often pursued by individuals who want to become lawyers or practice law, and it is the most frequently awarded degree in law. Upon completion of a JD program, individuals must pass a bar examination to be fully authorised to practice law in a given state in the US, except for Wisconsin.
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Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA)
A Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA) is an undergraduate degree that provides a foundation for a wide range of legal-related careers. It is distinct from a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which is the primary law degree in most common law countries and serves as the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. The BA in Law offers a unique opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, while also gaining a foundational understanding of the law.
The University of Arizona, for example, offers a BA in Law through a collaboration between the James E. Rogers College of Law and the School of Government and Public Policy (SGPP). This program provides rigorous training in foundational areas of the law, such as property, contracts, torts, administrative law, and criminal and civil procedure. It also allows students to pursue electives that align with their personal interests, including Native American law, business law, immigration law, family law, environmental law, and health law. The University of Arizona also offers an accelerated pathway to a Master of Legal Studies or a Master of Library and Information Science for BA in Law graduates.
Wayne State University is another institution that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Law, preparing graduates for law-adjacent careers through a mix of coursework and hands-on experiences. The program is interdisciplinary, offered in collaboration between the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Law School. The curriculum covers topics such as criminal justice, political science, English, law, and philosophy, with electives in areas like business, engineering, and communication.
It is important to note that the BA in Law is not a substitute for a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is typically required to practice law in the United States. However, the BA in Law can provide a strong foundation for further legal studies and can be beneficial for various careers where formal legal education is advantageous.
In summary, the Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA) is an undergraduate program that equips students with a broad understanding of the law and develops essential skills sought after in many professions. While it does not qualify individuals to practice law on its own, it serves as an excellent stepping stone for those interested in law-related careers or seeking to further their legal education.
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Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BS)
In the United States, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) was the primary law degree until the 1960s, when it was replaced by the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. However, in most other common law countries, the LL.B. programme is still the uniform degree for lawyers and is generally entered directly after completing secondary school.
In recent years, the legal field has been diversifying and employing many individuals in new and exciting roles. As the field has grown and evolved, so have the employment interests and objectives of college graduates who are interested in working in law but may not want to become practising attorneys.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BS) is one such degree that prepares students for success in law school and for careers in legal assisting, paralegal, and other law-related professions. The BS in Legal Studies provides students with a broad understanding of the basic principles of law and the role and function of the legal system. Through their studies, students learn how to write for the legal system and conduct legal research, forming a strong foundation from which to build their understanding of other elements of the law, such as international law, negotiation, and mediation.
The BS in Legal Studies at UCF, for example, ranked #2 among the best online paralegal programs by Bachelor's Degree Center in 2020. The job outlook for legal studies graduates is expected to grow by 10% through 2029, with a median salary of $52,000. The core curriculum provides a solid foundation in areas such as contract law, torts, professional ethics, criminal procedure, and legal research and writing. Students can also take elective courses in litigation, wills, trusts and estates, real estate, family law, criminal law, and international law.
Similarly, the BS in Legal Studies at USC Gould School of Law builds legal knowledge, analytical skills, and a strong foundation in law. The curriculum includes eight courses in six Core Literacies, two courses in Global Perspectives, and a General Education Seminar for first-year students.
While there is no single path that prepares one for a legal education, a degree in Legal Studies presents students with an unparalleled opportunity for law school preparation.
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Law School Preparation
In most common law countries, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) is the primary law degree and the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. The LL.B. curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, legal principles, and the roles and responsibilities of lawyers. It is often a prerequisite for taking bar exams or qualifying as a practising lawyer. However, in the United States, the Juris Doctor (JD) degree is typically required to practice law. This degree is considered a graduate degree, meaning a bachelor's degree is required before applying to law school.
Preparing for law school involves various steps to ensure you have a strong foundation for a legal education. Here are some key considerations for law school preparation:
Academic Preparation
While there is no single path to prepare for law school, academic excellence is crucial. Challenging yourself academically will help you develop the skills needed for law school. Focus on enhancing your reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. Take demanding courses that interest you and improve your research and writing abilities. Traditional preparation for law school includes majoring in subjects like history, English, philosophy, political science, or economics. However, law schools also welcome diverse backgrounds, so feel free to explore other areas like art, science, or computer science.
Extracurricular Activities
Engage in extracurricular activities that develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and discussion skills. Seek out experiences that challenge your beliefs and improve your tolerance for uncertainty and criticism. These skills will be essential for structuring and evaluating arguments as a law student.
Critical Reading
Develop your critical reading ability by engaging in close reading and analysis of complex textual material. This skill is crucial for law students as they need to carefully comprehend judicial opinions, statutes, and documents. You can improve your critical reading by delving into literature, political or economic theory, philosophy, or history.
Standardized Tests
Familiarize yourself with the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardized entrance exam for law school. Start preparing for the LSAT early to hone your critical thinking and reasoning skills, which are essential for law school success. Take advantage of free online resources or seek guidance from a pre-law advisor.
Internships and Work Experience
Consider researching and applying for internships, both within and outside the legal field. Internships can provide valuable practical experience and help you build a network in the legal profession. They can also give you insights into different areas of law and help you determine your areas of interest.
Law School Research
Take the time to research law schools and programs that align with your interests and goals. Visit law schools, attend events, and connect with alumni, faculty, and current law students. This will help you make an informed decision about the best law school for your educational journey.
Remember, law schools value diversity, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to law school preparation. By combining academic excellence, extracurricular development, and a strong foundation in critical thinking and reading, you'll be well on your way to a successful law school application.
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Frequently asked questions
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate law degree offered in most common law countries. The LLB curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its function. In the United States, the Bachelor of Laws was phased out in the 1960s and replaced with the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a graduate degree, meaning you must first earn your bachelor's degree before applying to a JD program. The JD is a professional degree designed for students who want to practice law. The LLB, on the other hand, is typically an undergraduate degree that serves as a foundation for further legal education.
A Bachelor's degree in Law can prepare you for a variety of careers, both within and outside of the traditional legal field. It can provide a foundation for further legal education, such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or a JD program. Additionally, the skills acquired during a Bachelor's degree in Law, such as research, critical analysis, and communication, can be applied in both the private and public sectors.
To prepare for a Bachelor's degree in Law, it is recommended to develop strong critical reading and writing skills. Law school requires rigorous engagement with complex written material, so it is important to have a solid foundation in these areas. Additionally, gaining exposure to the law and the legal profession through internships or other experiences can be beneficial.
