Cecily Zamora
A doctorate and a law degree are both qualifications that can be pursued independently, but it is also possible to obtain both. The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a professional doctorate that prepares individuals to practice law. It is the only qualifying law degree in the United States and the Philippines, but other jurisdictions like Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong offer both the postgraduate JD and other qualifying law degrees. A PhD in Law, on the other hand, is a doctoral program that focuses on academic research and writing and is designed for individuals who want to pursue advanced studies in law or become legal scholars and teachers.
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What You'll Learn
Juris Doctor (JD)
A Juris Doctor, Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Doctor of Law (JD) is a graduate-entry professional degree that prepares individuals to practice law. In the United States and the Philippines, it is the only qualifying law degree, whereas other jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, offer both postgraduate and undergraduate law degrees. Originating in the United States in 1902, the JD is the most frequently awarded degree in law. The degree generally requires three years of full-time study to complete and is conferred upon students who have successfully completed coursework and practical training in legal studies. The curriculum typically 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.
Admission to a JD program in the US requires a bachelor's degree, although some accelerated programs allow students to earn both their bachelor's and Juris Doctor in six years. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test required by most law schools for admission, although some have started to accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The LSAT is offered four times a year and assesses skills such as analysing arguments, making deductions, reading strategically, and understanding formal logic.
Upon receiving a JD, graduates must pass a bar examination to be licensed to practice law in the United States, except in the state of Wisconsin. The degree prepares students to research cases, prosecute or defend lawsuits, and argue on behalf of clients. Although the degree is called a "Juris Doctor", lawyers are not typically called "doctor".
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Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a graduate-level law degree designed for non-lawyers who want a legal education but do not intend to practice law. The MLS program provides a working knowledge of the law and regulations that can be applied to various fields and industries. It is ideal for professionals who regularly interact with lawyers and legal matters in their line of work and wish to engage with them more effectively.
The MLS is a relatively new type of degree, created for individuals who need a practical understanding of the law to advance their careers but do not want to commit to becoming practicing lawyers. The degree is often used as a career booster, helping working professionals and full-time students to learn the language of the law and create new career opportunities. The MLS curriculum is flexible, allowing students to choose from a variety of specializations, including Estate and Wealth Planning, Income Tax Financial Planning, Nonprofit & Fiduciary Administration, and Cybersecurity Law and Policy.
The MLS is distinct from the Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is the qualifying law degree in the United States and the Philippines and prepares individuals to practice law. The JD curriculum emphasizes the tools and strategies used in the courtroom and covers fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, and contract law. Graduates with a JD degree must pass a bar examination to become licensed attorneys.
While the JD is a professional doctorate in law, the MLS is a master's degree that provides a different type of legal education. The MLS is designed for individuals who want to build legal skills and expertise to enhance their careers, without necessarily becoming practicing lawyers. The MLS can be a valuable stepping stone for individuals considering law school, allowing them to gain legal knowledge and perspective before committing to a full JD program.
Overall, the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a flexible and career-boosting degree that provides a working knowledge of the law for non-lawyers across various industries. It offers a unique legal perspective and helps individuals advance their careers by equipping them with legal skills that can be applied in diverse contexts.
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Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is a highly specialized research doctorate in law. It is considered the highest level of law degree in most countries, including the US, where it is equivalent to a Ph.D. in Law. The SJD is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue independent study, research, and writing, and is typically pursued by those seeking careers as professors of law, often in their home countries or in third countries.
Admission to an SJD program is highly selective, and applicants must possess a distinguished academic record in law, demonstrate the promise of outstanding scholarship, and show the potential to complete a high-quality scholarly dissertation. All applicants must hold a first degree in law to be eligible. This requirement can be met by holding a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-approved law school, or a bachelor's degree in law (LLB) or a related field from an accredited college or university outside the US, along with an LLM degree or its equivalent. Some universities may waive the LLM degree requirement for applicants with a law degree from a common-law country or a graduate degree in a related field.
The SJD program typically involves five stages, including coursework, presentations at colloquia, and the completion of a dissertation that constitutes a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship. Candidates are expected to produce original research and writing under the close supervision of a faculty dissertation committee.
Notable recipients of the degree of Doctor of Juridical Science include Erwin Griswold (Harvard, 1929), United States Solicitor General, and Mastin Gentry White (Harvard, 1933), Judge on the United States Court of Federal Claims.
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PhD in Law
A PhD in Law is a doctoral program that prepares graduates for careers as legal scholars, teachers, and global leaders in the judiciary, academia, business, and government. The program is designed for individuals who want to pursue advanced studies in law from a legal perspective and contribute to the development of law as an academic field. It offers an alternate pathway into law teaching and provides a rich foundation in research methodologies, jurisprudence, legal theory, and policy.
To be admitted to a PhD in Law program, applicants must typically complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at a law school, preferably in the United States. The JD degree is a graduate-entry professional degree that prepares individuals to practice law and is the only qualifying law degree in the US and the Philippines. In other jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, both postgraduate JD degrees and undergraduate law degrees are offered. The JD curriculum covers various legal subjects, including constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, contract law, and property law.
The PhD in Law program usually requires three to four years of full-time study, including a probationary period, and involves supervised independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. During the first year, candidates are introduced to advanced research techniques and methods in law through the Faculty's Research Training and Development Programme. They are required to submit a personal progress log, a 15,000-word thesis, and an explanation of their research approach for a progress review.
In their first two semesters, PhD students enroll in courses that provide the background and research skills necessary for completing a dissertation. During their second year, students prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin working on their dissertation, which may take the form of three law review articles or a book-length manuscript. The dissertation, along with the support of the law school's teaching program, helps graduates succeed in the job market.
Overall, a PhD in Law is an advanced degree that builds on the foundation of a Juris Doctor degree, allowing individuals to deepen their knowledge, contribute to academic research, and pursue specialized careers in law-related fields.
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Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate qualification in the field of law. It is designed for lawyers who already hold a law degree and want to expand their knowledge, gain international qualifications, and specialize in a particular area of law. LLM programs are offered by many universities, including Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, Suffolk University Law School, and USC Gould School of Law.
The LLM degree provides lawyers with the opportunity to acquire practical, specialized legal knowledge that will make them more competitive in the job market. It can help lawyers to deepen their understanding of a specific area of law, such as international law, human rights law, intellectual property law, health law, business law, privacy law, and cybersecurity. For international students, the LLM offers exposure to the US or Canadian law systems, common law legal reasoning, and comparative law studies.
The LLM is a great option for lawyers who want to advance their legal careers and enhance their professional credentials. It is also useful for those who want to gain international qualifications, as it is recognized worldwide. The LLM can provide a strong foundation for global legal practice, engaging in international law, and dealing with international clients.
The curriculum of an LLM program is rigorous and taught by seasoned experts and practitioners. It typically covers a range of legal topics, including core doctrines, legal research and analysis, legal professionalism and ethics, and communication skills. In addition to academic coursework, LLM programs often offer valuable experiential opportunities, such as internships and clerkships, to provide students with real-world experience in the legal field.
Overall, the Master of Laws (LLM) is an excellent option for lawyers seeking to expand their legal expertise, specialize in a particular area of law, and advance their careers in a competitive job market. It offers a wealth of knowledge, credentials, and opportunities for lawyers to succeed in their chosen field of practice.
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Frequently asked questions
A Juris Doctor, Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Doctor of Law (JD) is a graduate-entry professional degree that prepares individuals to practice law. In the US and the Philippines, it is the only qualifying law degree. In other jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, it is offered as a postgraduate degree alongside other qualifying law degrees.
In the US, a JD is considered a professional doctorate. However, lawyers with a JD degree do not hold the title of "Doctor" and typically use the title "Esquire" or "Esq." instead.
There are several types of law degrees available, including the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD or JSD). Each degree has different admissions requirements, curriculum options, and career outcomes.
Yes, a PhD in Law is designed for individuals who want to pursue advanced studies in law and contribute to the development of law as an academic field. It typically involves producing a substantial body of academic research and writing under the supervision of a faculty dissertation committee.
