Keith Mack
There are several types of law degrees that can be earned, depending on the jurisdiction. In the United States, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited school is typically required to practice law. This is considered a graduate degree, meaning a bachelor's degree in a related field is required first. Other types of law degrees include the Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or Doctor of Science of Law, which is the most advanced law degree. The specific degree earned can vary depending on the country and the intended career path, with some degrees providing a foundation for careers in academia, policy, or consultancy rather than legal practice.
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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, is a graduate-entry professional degree that prepares individuals to practice law. In the United States, the Philippines, Canada, and Quebec, it is the only qualifying law degree. In other jurisdictions, such as Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, the Juris Doctor degree may be offered alongside other qualifying law degrees, such as the Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Civil Law.
The Juris Doctor degree originated in the United States in 1902 and generally requires three years of full-time study. However, part-time programs typically take approximately four years to complete. The curriculum covers 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, corporate law, or public policy.
Admission to a Juris Doctor program typically requires a bachelor's degree, although specific requirements may vary by school and jurisdiction. In the United States, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an integral part of the law school admission process, while some law schools have started accepting the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Upon completion of a Juris Doctor degree, individuals are prepared to sit for the bar examination, which is required to be fully authorised to practice law in a given state or jurisdiction. The Juris Doctor degree is considered the highest level of degree that can be achieved in the discipline of law.
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Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate law degree that is common in most common law countries. It is the first professional qualification for legal practitioners and is often a prerequisite for taking bar exams or qualifying as a practising lawyer. The LLB curriculum covers core legal subjects and jurisprudence, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its function. It imparts knowledge of legal principles, legal research skills, and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of lawyers within society.
The LLB 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 not necessary to have an LLB to practice law in some countries, such as the UK, but aspiring solicitors or barristers will need to complete additional examinations and training. The LLB degree is also used as a stepping stone to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in the United States, which is required to practice law in most states.
In some countries, the LLB is offered as a four-year program, and in others, it is offered as a graduate degree for those with bachelor's degrees in other subjects. For example, in India, the LLB is a three-year graduate degree requiring a bachelor's degree in any subject for entry. In Hong Kong, the LLB is a four-year program, while the JD is a two-year program.
The LLB degree is a well-established qualification, with a history in the US dating back to the nineteenth century. It was the uniform degree for lawyers in common law countries when law degrees became a requirement and continues to be a recognised qualification worldwide.
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Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate degree for lawyers who have already earned their Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and want to build expertise in a specific area of law, such as tax law, immigration law, business law, or international law. It is also an option for lawyers from outside the United States and Canada who want to learn US legal skills. The LLM is a customizable program that typically takes one year to complete, although some programs can be completed in less time.
LLM programs are postgraduate law degrees that allow lawyers to expand their expertise, specialize in specific legal areas, and enhance their professional credentials. These programs are ideal for those seeking to advance their legal careers or further their academic journey in the legal field. LLM degrees are usually obtained through a combination of coursework, research, and practical experiences, such as internships or clinical legal education.
In the United States, the JD degree is typically required to practice law, while the LLM is a more advanced degree for those who want to further specialize in a particular area of law. In Australia, the LLM is generally only open to graduates with a first professional degree in law, typically a JD or LLB. Variants of the LLM in Australia include the Master of Legal Practice (MLP) and the Master of Commercial Law, among others.
In other countries, the LLM may be structured differently. For example, in Germany, the LLM is an advanced legal qualification of a supplementary nature that can be undertaken after the first stage of official German legal training. In China, the LLM is offered at several universities, with programs taught in English, such as the International Master of Chinese Law (IMCL) at Beijing Foreign Studies University. The University of British Columbia in Canada offers an LLM in Common Law, which helps prepare students for professional exams. University College Dublin offers a two-year Masters in Common Law (MCL) program for non-law graduates, which serves as a qualifying law degree for admittance to entrance exams for the Honorable Society of King's Inns.
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Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a non-professional degree designed to introduce graduate students and scholars from other disciplines to the fundamentals of the legal system. It is intended for those pursuing academic careers or seeking to develop their understanding of legal concepts to make more informed decisions in their existing roles. MLS candidates are expected to complete all degree requirements within one academic year and must complete the degree within two consecutive academic years.
MLS curriculums typically cover a range of legal topics to provide students with a strong foundation in all aspects of the law. Courses may include contracts, regulatory compliance, negotiation theory, administrative law, and legal writing. Students may also be required to attend in-person learning experiences to apply their legal skills in a practical context.
The MLS is not a prerequisite for legal practice, and recipients are not eligible to practice law. Instead, it is designed for non-lawyers who want to improve their legal knowledge and marketability without becoming practicing attorneys. The degree equips graduates with the skills to collaborate effectively with legal professionals and ensure their organisations' practices are in line with regulations and compliance rules.
MLS programs typically require applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Some programs may also require standardised test scores, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews.
The Master of Laws (LLM) is another graduate-level law degree. It is designed for those who have already earned a Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent and want to build expertise in a specific area of law. The LLM is typically a one-year program that can be customised to the student's interests.
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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. It is considered the most advanced law degree in most countries, including the United States. The SJD is the equivalent of a Ph.D. in law and is designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue independent study, research, and writing. The program typically takes three to five years of full-time study and includes coursework, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation.
Harvard Law School, for example, offers an S.J.D. program for scholars who want to pursue sustained independent study, research, and writing. Their program includes five stages: completion of a study plan that includes coursework, two presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium, a dissertation proposal, a dissertation, and a final oral examination. The University of Miami also offers an S.J.D. program, which is a three-year, post-LL.M. degree designed for aspiring legal academics, members of the judiciary, and public policymakers.
The SJD is typically pursued by international students seeking academic employment in their home countries or American scholars who wish to further their legal education. Notable recipients of the degree include Erwin Griswold, United States Solicitor General, and Mastin Gentry White, Judge on the United States Court of Federal Claims.
Most SJD graduates spend their careers teaching, researching, and writing in a specific area of interest. The degree prepares graduates with superior scholarly potential to pursue policy work in research institutes, careers in government service, or the judiciary.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of law degrees, including Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Civil Law, Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Science of Law, Juris Master, Master of Jurisprudence, Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). The type of degree conferred differs according to the jurisdiction. For example, in Austria, the degree is called Magister iuris (Mag. iur.), while in Brazil, it is called Bacharel em Direito.
A Juris Doctor (JD) is a professional degree that serves as a prerequisite for legal careers in some jurisdictions. In the United States, a JD is typically required to practice law and is considered a graduate degree. It usually requires three years of schooling in addition to a four-year bachelor's degree.
A Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate-level academic degree that allows individuals who already have a JD or equivalent degree to further specialize in a specific area of law, such as tax law or immigration law. It is also sought by lawyers from outside the United States and Canada to learn US legal skills.
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the most advanced law degree one can earn. It is typically pursued by individuals who intend to teach, research, or write in a specific area of law. Obtaining an SJD requires three to five years of full-time study, including coursework, examinations, and practical experiences.
