Cecily Zamora
There are several types of doctoral degrees in law, including the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), Doctor of Jurisprudence, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Comparative Law. The specific requirements and structures of these programs vary, but they typically involve advanced legal studies, research, and the completion of a dissertation. In the United States, a Juris Doctor (JD) is a professional doctorate that prepares individuals to practice law and take the bar exam, while a Ph.D. in Law is an advanced academic degree for those who wish to pursue careers as legal scholars and teachers. In other countries, such as Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, there are different types of Doctor of Law degrees, with varying traditions and requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree name | Juris Doctor (JD), Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), Doctor of Jurisprudence, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Comparative Law, PhD in Law, Juris Utriusque Doctor (JUDr) |
| Region | United States, Brazil, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria |
| Requirements | Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, LSAT or GRE test scores, Master of Laws (LLM) degree, Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Master's in Comparative Law, Juris Master's, Master's of Jurisprudence, highly-rated Master (Mgr.) degree in law |
| Time to complete | 3-5 years, 7 years (if completed in immediate succession after graduating from law school), 8 years (external PhD studies) |
| Career outcomes | Lawyer, attorney, legal scholar, teacher, academic |
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What You'll Learn
Juris Doctor (JD) degree
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. It is the only qualifying law degree in the United States and the Philippines. In other jurisdictions, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, it is offered alongside undergraduate law degrees.
The Juris Doctor degree is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of degree one can achieve in the discipline of law. To be admitted to a Juris Doctor program, one must have first earned a bachelor's degree, although a master's degree is not required. The degree generally requires three years of full-time study, although part-time programs that take approximately four years to complete are also available. The curriculum typically includes fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts, with opportunities for specialisation in areas like international law.
Upon completion of a Juris Doctor degree, individuals are prepared to sit for the bar examination, which they must pass in order to become licensed attorneys and practice law in a given state in the United States. The Juris Doctor degree thus serves as a prerequisite for a career as a practicing attorney or lawyer.
After obtaining a Juris Doctor degree, some individuals may choose to pursue further education in the field of law. This may include doctoral programs such as the Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Doctor of Philosophy, or Doctor of Comparative Law. These programs often involve research and the completion of a dissertation, contributing to the development of law as an academic field.
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law is a doctoral degree in the field of law. It is designed for individuals who intend to pursue advanced studies in law and wish to contribute to the development of law as an academic field. The degree is research-intensive and prepares graduates for careers in law teaching, legal research, policy development, and public and governmental service.
Admission requirements for a PhD in Law vary across institutions. Most universities require applicants to have completed a Master of Laws (LLM) degree or its equivalent, such as a Juris Master's or a Master's in Comparative Law. Some universities, like Yale Law School, require applicants to have completed a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school in the United States. Additionally, English language proficiency is often a requirement, especially for international students, who may need to provide proof of competency through IELTS or TOEFL certificates.
The duration of a PhD in Law program can vary, with some students completing it in as little as 4.78 years and others taking up to 13.32 years. The program typically involves coursework, comprehensive exams, a dissertation proposal and defence, a dissertation, and an oral dissertation exam. The dissertation may take the form of either a book-length manuscript or several law review articles. The PhD in Law from ANU Law School, for example, requires the submission of a thesis of no more than 100,000 words that contributes significantly to the field of law.
During their studies, PhD candidates are assessed through milestones, including annual plans, annual reports, thesis proposal reviews, and oral presentations. The degree provides an opportunity for focused study in a chosen field of law, allowing graduates to develop expertise in a specific area. It is important to note that a PhD in Law does not automatically qualify an individual for entry into the legal profession; additional certifications and bar examinations are typically required for legal practice.
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Master of Laws (LLM)
A Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate qualification in the field of law. It is designed for lawyers who want to expand their knowledge, study a specialized area of law, and gain international qualifications. The LLM program is ideal for those seeking to advance their legal careers or further their academic journey in the legal field. It is also suitable for new, experienced, or aspiring lawyers who want to build upon their education or make a career change.
The LLM degree gives lawyers the opportunity to acquire practical, specialized legal knowledge that will make them more competitive in a tough job market. LLM programs typically offer a range of specializations, including business law, international law, human rights law, intellectual property law, health law, and more. For example, Suffolk University Law School offers LLM programs in fields such as intellectual property law and international business.
International students who pursue an LLM degree can gain exposure to the U.S. or Canadian law systems, common law legal reasoning, and comparative law studies. The LLM can also help international lawyers prepare for entering a JD program in the U.S. and gain global credibility. Some LLM programs, such as the one offered by USC Gould School of Law, also offer specializations in privacy law and cybersecurity, educating students on the integral laws, policies, and best practices in these areas.
To pursue an LLM degree, American and Canadian students typically need to have a JD degree, while international students are required to have a first professional degree in law, such as an LLB or an equivalent credential that permits entry into legal practice. LLM programs may have additional admission requirements, such as a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews.
Overall, the Master of Laws (LLM) degree is a great option for lawyers who want to deepen their legal knowledge, broaden their career opportunities, and gain expertise in a specific area of law.
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Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), also known as Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD), is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. It is considered the highest level of a law degree that can be earned in most countries. The SJD is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue independent study, research, and writing. Candidates for the SJD program typically have a distinguished academic record in law and demonstrate potential for outstanding scholarship and research.
The SJD program is highly selective, and applicants must possess a strong academic background in law, often requiring a first degree in law such as a Juris Doctor or a bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) or a related field. Some programs may also require a master's degree in Law (LLM) or a comparable program. International students seeking the SJD degree often intend to pursue academic employment in their home countries, where a research doctorate may be required. Additionally, non-native English speakers applying to SJD programs may be required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score or request a waiver if they have earned a previous degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction.
The SJD program typically involves advanced coursework, presentations, and the completion of a dissertation that contributes significantly to legal scholarship. Candidates are expected to produce original research and writing that adds value to the existing literature in their specific area of law. The program usually takes between two to five years to complete, with the first two years being completed "in residence."
Notable institutions offering the SJD program include Harvard Law School, Emory University School of Law, and several universities in Australia. The University of Toronto Faculty of Law is the sole institution in Canada offering the JSD or SJD degree.
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Juris Utriusque Doctor (JUDr)
A Juris Utriusque Doctor (JUDr) is a doctorate in both civil and church law. The degree is derived from Latin, with "Juris Utriusque Doctor" translating to "Doctor of Both Laws". It is also commonly abbreviated to JUD, IUD, DUJ, JUDr., and DJU, among others. The degree was historically common among Roman Catholic and German scholars of the Middle Ages and early modern times. Today, the degree is only awarded by the Pontifical Lateran University in the Vatican City, the University of Würzburg, the University of Fribourg, and the University of Cologne, requiring six years of study.
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Frequently asked questions
The Doctor of Laws degree includes four categories: Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Jurisprudence, Doctor of Philosophy, and a Doctor of Comparative Law. It is the highest academic degree in law available in Brazil. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it is a postgraduate degree in two types: a professional degree in law (JUDr) and a research doctorate (PhD).
The requirements for a Doctor of Laws degree vary, but most programs require a Juris Master's or a Master of Laws degree. Some schools limit enrollment in their doctoral programs to only those who have completed an LLM program at their school. A doctoral degree typically takes 2-5 years to complete and requires a dissertation that contributes to the literature of law.
A Doctor of Laws degree is the highest level of law degree and can lead to advanced careers in legal academia and teaching. It can also provide specialized knowledge in areas such as international law, human rights law, and intellectual property law.
