Kara Sears
A law degree typically takes several years to complete, but there are accelerated programs that can help you get your degree in less time. The fastest law degree you can obtain is a Master of Legal Studies, which can be completed in 12 months, but it requires you to have a bachelor's degree beforehand. Paralegal degrees are another fast option, typically taking one to two years to complete. Accelerated Juris Doctor (JD) programs can also help you obtain your law degree in 2-3 years instead of the traditional 3-4 years. These programs are designed for ambitious undergraduates who are certain about pursuing a career in law and want to expedite their legal education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical duration of a law degree | 3-4 years |
| Accelerated law degree | 2-3 years |
| 3+3 program | Saves a year of study, waives application and LSAT requirements |
| Legal certificate program | A few months to a year |
| Master of Legal Studies | 12 months |
| Paralegal degree | 1-2 years |
| LLM degree | 1-2 years |
| Apprentice | 30 hours of work and study per week, $1,500 annual fee to the Washington Bar Association |
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What You'll Learn
Accelerated law degree programs
While a law degree typically takes several years to complete, there are accelerated programs that can help you fast-track the process. These programs are designed to expedite the legal education process, allowing students to enter the legal profession more quickly than through traditional pathways.
The 3+3 JD programs are innovative, accelerated pathways that combine the last year of undergraduate study with the first year of law school. Students in these programs typically spend three years completing their undergraduate degrees before directly transitioning into their law school's JD program for another three years. This reduces the total time spent on both degrees from seven years to six, offering a faster route to a legal career.
The accelerated JD option at RWU is unique in that it allows students to graduate and take the bar exam six months earlier than their classmates. They take courses in the summer evenings, allowing them to balance their studies with employment or externships. Some schools also offer fast-track JD programs for foreign-educated lawyers, giving them one year of credit for their foreign degree and two additional years to get certified.
While accelerated law degree programs offer faster graduation and cost savings, they also have certain drawbacks. The fast-paced nature of these programs may limit students' time for extracurricular activities, internships, or clerkships. The intense learning environment may not suit everyone's learning style, as it requires absorbing a large amount of information in a shorter timeframe.
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Legal certificate programs
While it is not possible to get a law degree in one year, there are several accelerated law degree programs that can help you obtain your law degree in a shorter amount of time, usually 2-3 years instead of the traditional 3-4 years. These include 3+3 BA/JD programs and 2-year JD programs.
There are also legal certificate programs that can be completed in as little as three months to a year. These programs are designed for professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of the law or gain in-depth knowledge in a specialized area of law. They are also a good option for those who want to become paralegals, court reporters, or legal administrative assistants. Some common certificate programs include:
- Certificate in Business Law and Compliance
- Certificate in Cybersecurity Law and Policy
- Certificate in Dispute Resolution – Law, Policy, and Problem-Solving
- Paralegal Certificate
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Master of Legal Studies
While a traditional law degree typically takes several years to complete, there are accelerated programs available that can help you obtain your degree in a shorter amount of time, usually 2-3 years instead of the traditional 3-4 years. One such option is the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree, which can be completed in as little as 12 months.
The Master of Legal Studies is a relatively new type of degree designed for individuals who need working knowledge of the law but do not intend to become practicing lawyers. The MLS is ideal for those who regularly interact with lawyers in their jobs and want to do so more effectively, or for those who want to advance their careers and know that a deeper understanding of the law is key to getting there. It is also suitable for individuals who have an interest in the legal system but do not want to commit to earning a Juris Doctor (JD).
The MLS is a flexible and convenient option, often available online and perfect for working professionals. It provides a foundation for understanding laws and regulations and can improve career prospects by offering legal and critical thinking skills. The curriculum is rigorous and grants students a working knowledge of the law that they can apply in their industry or career.
While the MLS can enhance career prospects and salaries, it is important to note that it is not a substitute for a JD degree if one wishes to become a practicing attorney. The MLS is designed for those who want to interact with the law without going through the training required to become a practicing attorney.
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Paralegal studies
While it is not possible to get a law degree in one year, there are other options for those interested in a career in law, such as paralegal studies.
Paralegals often research and write case briefs for law firms, corporations, or government departments. A degree in paralegal studies can be earned in one to two years, and there are several options for the type of degree you can pursue.
Associate Degree
An associate degree in paralegal studies can typically be completed in two years of full-time study. These programs are available at business or vocational schools, 2-year community colleges, and some 4-year colleges and universities. An associate degree may be the appropriate level of paralegal training to enter the field, and many employers consider it adequate preparation for entry-level work as a paralegal.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies will provide you with the skills needed to serve as a paralegal or legal assistant. These degrees are not as readily available as associate degrees or certificate programs, but some colleges and universities may offer paralegal studies as a minor within a related major, such as criminal justice. A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies typically requires a minimum of 180 quarter units, with a portion completed at the upper-division level and in residence.
Master's Degree
Master's degree programs in paralegal studies are offered by 4-year colleges and graduate schools and typically take a minimum of two years to complete. These programs require you to have a bachelor's degree beforehand and may require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs in paralegal studies are also available and can be completed more quickly than a degree program. For example, UCLA Extension offers a five-month program and an eleven-month program that are approved by the American Bar Association and recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond. These programs prepare students for a career as a professional paralegal and fulfill the educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California.
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Apprenticeships
Types of Law Apprenticeships
There are several types of law apprenticeships available, including:
- Solicitor Apprenticeship - This is a six-year programme that integrates studying for a law degree with paid, on-the-job training at a law firm. It ends with qualification as a solicitor. The entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9-4 (A-C) and three A-levels (grades CCC-AAB or equivalent work experience).
- Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship - This is for those who have already completed a degree. Entry requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum grade of 2:2, or equivalent, and five GCSEs graded C/4 or above, including English and maths.
- Intermediate Apprenticeship - This is aimed at school leavers who haven't done A-levels. Entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9-4 (A-C) or equivalent. Apprentices will develop skills to assist in the progression of cases on an administrative level.
- Paralegal Apprenticeship - This is a route to becoming a qualified paralegal, a role that provides support to solicitors and barristers.
How to Apply for a Law Apprenticeship
When applying for a law apprenticeship, it's important to tailor your application to the specific firm. Research the firm, demonstrate your interest in their work, and show how you would be a good fit for their culture. Many firms have news sections on their websites, highlighting recent cases and transactions, as well as sections explaining their values. It is also beneficial to relate your application to current affairs and demonstrate commercial awareness.
Where to Find Law Apprenticeships
Most law apprenticeship vacancies are advertised by the firms directly on their websites, so it's a good idea to regularly check the websites of firms you're interested in. Many of these vacancies will also be listed on the National Apprenticeships Service website. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor's online Apprenticeship Finder tool can help you find available apprenticeships in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a law degree typically takes several years to complete. However, there are ways to fast-track your degree.
The Master of Legal Studies is the fastest law degree, with some programs allowing you to graduate in 12 months. However, you need a bachelor's degree beforehand and some programs require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before starting.
Paralegal degrees usually take between one and two years to complete. While this is not a full law degree, it can be a valuable asset in certain legal support roles. Accelerated Juris Doctor (JD) programs are another option, which usually take 2-3 years to complete.
Accelerated law degree programs can help you complete your degree quicker, allowing you to start your legal career sooner. They can also result in cost savings due to reduced tuition and other education-related expenses. The intense learning schedule can also enhance your focus and deepen your understanding of the law.
Examples of accelerated JD programs include the 3+3 program at Cornell, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and Syracuse’s Whitman College.
