Kara Sears
It is possible to obtain a doctorate in law, commonly known as a Juris Doctor (JD) or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). The specific requirements and nature of the degree vary by country and institution. For example, in the United States, a JD is the standard law degree required to practice law, while in Brazil, the Doctor of Laws degree is the highest academic degree in law. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there are two types of law doctorates: a professional degree in law (JUDr) and a research doctorate (PhD). Obtaining a law doctorate typically involves advanced studies, substantial academic research, and the completion of a dissertation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (JD) degree | Required to practice law as a licensed attorney in the United States |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | Specialization in a particular area of law, e.g., tax law, intellectual property, or human rights law |
| Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) | Highest level of law degree, involving advanced legal education and research |
| PhD in Law | Advanced studies in law, producing academic research and writing, preparing graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers |
| Country-specific variations | Brazil: Doutor em Direito or Doutor em Ciências Jurídicas; Czech Republic and Slovakia: JUDr (research doctorate) and PhD |
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What You'll Learn
Juris Doctor (JD)
A Juris Doctor, also known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence or Doctor of Law (JD), is a graduate-entry professional degree that prepares individuals to practice 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.
In the United States, the JD is considered a professional doctorate and is the only qualifying law degree, although some jurisdictions, such as Wisconsin, do not require it for practising law. The degree originated in the US in 1902 and is the most frequently awarded law degree in the country. To be fully authorised to practice law in most states in the US, individuals holding a JD degree must pass a bar examination and obtain a license. The United States Patent and Trademark Office also requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in certain scientific or engineering fields, in addition to a Juris Doctor degree, to practice in patent cases.
In other countries, such as Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong, the JD degree is offered as a postgraduate qualification alongside other qualifying law degrees, such as the undergraduate LLB or BCL. In these jurisdictions, the specific requirements for practising law may vary. For example, in Australia, South Korea, and Hong Kong, the JD is considered equivalent to a master's degree, while in Canada, it is recognised as a second-entry bachelor's degree.
To be admitted to a JD program, individuals typically need to have completed a bachelor's degree. However, some accelerated programs exist where students can earn both their bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees in six years. The majority of law schools require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), although some schools have started accepting the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
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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, specialise in a particular area of law, and gain international qualifications. LLM programs are ideal for those seeking to advance their legal careers or further their academic journey in the legal field.
The LLM degree gives lawyers the opportunity to acquire practical, specialised legal knowledge that will make them more competitive in a tough job market. It is also a way to gain exposure to different legal systems, common law legal reasoning, and comparative law studies. For example, international students can gain a strong knowledge of the U.S. or Canadian legal system, which can be useful for global credibility and engaging in international law and legal practice.
There are various LLM programs available, each with its own focus and eligibility requirements. For instance, Suffolk University Law School offers LLM degree options ranging from General to Global Law & Technology, as well as an accelerated JD/Taxation dual degree. Similarly, the USC Gould School of Law offers LLM programs in areas such as Business Law, Privacy Law and Cybersecurity, International Business and Entertainment Law, and more.
The eligibility criteria for LLM programs may vary depending on the school and program. Generally, international students are required to have a first professional degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or an equivalent credential that permits entry into legal practice. In the United States, students typically need to have a JD degree to pursue an LLM. However, some programs may accept students with an LLB or equivalent qualification.
Completing an LLM program can take varying amounts of time, depending on the student's previous knowledge and the specific program. Traditionally, students are allowed three years to complete an LLM degree. However, there has been a shift towards shortening this period to two years.
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Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
A Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is a research doctorate degree in law that is equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. It is considered the most advanced law degree in most countries. The SJD is designed for aspiring legal academics who want to pursue independent study, research, and writing. The program typically lasts three to five years and requires the completion of a dissertation that contributes to legal scholarship.
Harvard Law School, for example, offers an S.J.D. program that attracts young scholars from around the world, many of whom secure teaching positions in their home countries or elsewhere. Candidates for Harvard's S.J.D. are expected to produce a dissertation that constitutes a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship. The program includes coursework, presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium, and other requirements.
Similarly, Emory University School of Law offers a highly selective SJD program that is open only to candidates with a distinguished academic record in law, demonstrating the potential for outstanding scholarship and the completion of a high-quality scholarly dissertation. Applicants to the Emory SJD program must have a first degree in law, such as a Juris Doctor from an ABA-approved law school or a bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from an accredited institution outside the United States, along with an LLM degree or its equivalent.
In some countries, the SJD is known by different names. For example, in Brazil, the highest academic degree in law is called the "Doctor of Laws" (Doutor em Direito or Doutor em Ciências Jurídicas). In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the equivalent degree is called "Doctor of Both Laws" (JUDr), which has a long tradition and is particularly useful for attorneys.
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PhD in Law
A PhD in Law is a doctoral degree that prepares law graduates for careers in academia, global leadership, and teaching. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from a legal perspective and contribute to the development of law as an academic field. It involves a substantial amount of academic research and writing under the supervision of a faculty dissertation committee.
In the United States, a Juris Doctorate (JD) is typically required before beginning a PhD in Law program. The PhD program itself usually lasts three to four years, including a probationary period, and involves independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. During the first two semesters, students acquire the necessary background and research skills to complete their dissertation and prepare for qualifying examinations. The dissertation may take the form of three law review articles or a book-length manuscript, which is essential for success in the job market.
In some countries, such as Brazil, the Doctor of Laws degree is the highest academic degree in law available. In Brazilian law schools, candidates are required to earn a minimum number of credits and successfully defend their thesis before a board of professors. While publication of the thesis is not mandatory for obtaining the degree, copies must be delivered to the institution's library, and publication usually occurs after the doctoral title is granted.
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there are two types of doctoral degrees in law: the professional degree in law (JUDr) and the research doctorate (PhD). The JUDr has a long tradition and was once the highest possible degree, but its scholarly importance has diminished over time. Today, it serves as a badge degree, particularly useful for attorneys. On the other hand, the PhD in Law is intended for candidates interested in an academic career and gives them the right to teach at a university.
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Law School difficulty
The difficulty of law school is a relative concept and can vary from person to person. However, it is generally considered a challenging academic pursuit for several reasons. Firstly, law students are expected to read and comprehend hundreds of pages of complex legal texts each week, which can be very time-consuming. This is compounded by the fact that the law is an ever-evolving field, and students must keep up with the latest developments while also mastering foundational legal concepts.
The second challenge is the heavy workload, which includes lengthy essays and research papers on top of the extensive reading. This can be a significant adjustment for students, especially those coming from less demanding academic backgrounds. Additionally, law school is known for its competitive nature, with students vying for the best grades and job opportunities. The grading curve can be unforgiving, and only the top-performing students may secure the most desirable outcomes.
The third hurdle is the mental and emotional toll that the demanding nature of law school can take on students. The pressure to keep up with the workload and compete with peers can be intense and stressful. However, it is important to note that individuals have different learning styles and adapt to challenges in their unique ways. Some students may find law school manageable, especially if they develop effective study strategies and make use of available resources, such as study guides.
While law school is undoubtedly demanding, it also offers valuable opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Students can enhance their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and legal writing skills. The experience can be transformative and character-building, equipping individuals with the knowledge and resilience needed to pursue a career in the legal profession.
In terms of academic prerequisites, law schools in the United States do not typically require a specific undergraduate major. Students are admitted from diverse academic backgrounds, although certain majors are considered more "pre-law-friendly" as they foster critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing skills. Examples include majors in areas like political science, philosophy, or economics. Ultimately, the most important factors for success in law school are a strong interest in the chosen field of study and the development of essential skills and knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get a doctorate in law. In the US, it is called a Juris Doctorate (JD). In Brazil, it is called Doutor em Direito or Doutor em Ciências Jurídicas. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there are two types of doctorates in law: a professional degree in law (JUDr) and a research doctorate (PhD).
A JD degree is the required legal degree for professionals who want to practice law as attorneys. A PhD in Law, on the other hand, is aimed at students who want to pursue advanced studies in law and contribute to its development as an academic field.
The duration of a PhD in Law varies depending on the program and country. In the US, it typically takes three academic years and two summers in residence. In the Czech Republic, internally undertaken PhD studies last 3-5 years, while external PhD studies may be up to 8 years.
Admission requirements can vary, but typically, students are required to have already completed their JD degrees or an LLM.
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree is considered the highest level of a law degree. It is designed for professionals who want to gain advanced legal education and pursue independent study, research, and writing.
