Kara Sears
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily prepares individuals to practice law. While some people do use their JD to practice law, it can also be used as a stepping stone into a variety of other professions. For example, a JD degree can be used to become a law librarian, enter academia, or go into consulting, among other careers. A law degree is also commonly the second educational attainment that leaders possess, as it gives them a unique set of skills that other fields may not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Practice law | Requires a bar examination license |
| Leadership positions | Enables leadership positions in various fields |
| Academia | Can be used to enter the world of academia |
| Consulting | Useful for consulting roles |
| Politics | Can be used to enter politics |
| Advocacy work | Useful for advocacy work |
| Compliance positions | Useful for compliance roles in banking |
| Human resources | Can be used for human resources roles |
| Real estate | Can be used for real estate roles |
| Environmental policy | Useful for environmental policy roles |
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What You'll Learn
Enter the world of academia
A Juris Doctor, Doctor of Jurisprudence, or Doctor of Law (JD) is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily 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.
While many individuals with a JD degree go on to practice law, others may choose to enter the world of academia. This could involve pursuing a career as a law professor at a university or engaging in legal research and scholarship. In the United States, the JD is considered a professional doctorate, and individuals with this degree may be addressed as "esquire" or "Esq." following their names.
For those interested in academia, further specialisation may be desired or required. For example, in the US, individuals pursuing an academic career may consider obtaining a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) or Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree, both of which require a JD as a prerequisite. These degrees are equivalent to PhDs in law and can enhance credentials for teaching and research positions.
Additionally, individuals with a JD degree may find opportunities in higher education administration or compliance roles, where their legal knowledge and skills can be valuable. They may also choose to combine their legal expertise with other areas of interest, such as business, education, or politics, to pursue leadership positions or make a positive impact in areas like social work or advocacy.
The skills acquired during legal studies, such as persuasion, critical thinking, writing, mediation, public speaking, and research, are highly transferable and can be advantageous in various academic and non-academic pursuits. Thus, while a JD degree is a key step towards practicing law, it also opens doors to a diverse range of career paths, including those in the field of academia.
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Work in consulting
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily prepares individuals to practice law. However, it can also be a great first step for those interested in working in consulting.
Consulting offers a comparable pay scale to law, with a more diverse workload and greater exposure to different industries. For those with a law background, it is a great opportunity to be involved in proactive strategy, helping to set a company's course, rather than being called in to fix something reactively.
Those with a JD degree possess a unique set of skills that can be useful in consulting, such as persuasion, critical thinking, writing, mediation, public speaking, debate, professionalism, ethics, intellectual curiosity, research, and history. However, it is important to note that those with a law background may need to put in some extra work to succeed in consulting. For example, they may need to develop their quantitative and analytical skills, as well as their proficiency in tools like Excel and financial modelling.
Networking is also crucial when transitioning from law school to consulting. In the US, consulting firms will be hiring JD graduates at the post-MBA level, so it is important to network with post-MBAs who have been at the firm for 1-2 years as they will likely be reviewing your application. Additionally, if you are applying to an international office, be sure to network with the correct professionals within the firm.
Overall, while it may not be easy, it is certainly possible to transition from law school or a legal career to consulting with a JD degree.
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Get into politics
A JD degree is a great way to get started on a career in politics. Many politicians, including President Biden, VP Harris, House Minority Leader Jeffries, Sen. Cruz, Gov. DeSantis, and 16 out of 50 governors, have law degrees. In the UK, around 14% of MPs in 2010 were formerly barristers or solicitors.
A law degree can help you develop a variety of skills that are useful for a career in politics. These include public speaking, formulating arguments, critical thinking, challenging policy, and understanding the application and interpretation of policy within society.
If you are interested in politics, you can gain relevant experience by working in organizing or campaigning, or by volunteering on campaigns. You can also pursue internships with legislators, local attorneys, nonprofit organizations, public officials, and political candidates.
There are also many rewarding and interesting jobs in politics for law students, including working in public relations, communications, consultancy, or the civil service. You can also work as an association lobbyist or in regulatory affairs.
Finally, a law degree can provide you with a good understanding of the justice system and the concept of justice, which can be valuable for a career in public service.
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Take up advocacy work
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily prepares individuals to practice law. However, a JD degree can also be a great first step for those interested in advocacy work.
Advocacy careers, such as lobbying, legislature, policy, and elections, often benefit from specialised knowledge of government law and policy. Obtaining a higher degree, such as a Master of Science in Law (MSL) in Government Law and Policy, can give you an edge in a competitive job market and provide you with the specialised knowledge needed to excel in advocacy work. This degree will enable you to review and understand agreements, draft proposed laws and regulations, and comply with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, a law degree can enhance your credibility when combined with other areas of study or previous work experience. For example, a background in social work, like Shekinah Apedo, can help deepen your advocacy abilities and provide greater service to your clients as a lawyer. Your law degree, combined with your previous experience, can empower you to pursue leadership positions and effect change in areas you are passionate about.
Advocacy work can take many forms, from social media management to grant writing to legal advocacy. Legal advocacy jobs can involve various areas of law, including family law, contract law, and environmental law. Legal advocates play a crucial role in upholding justice, ensuring fair representation, and safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals within the legal system. They serve as mediators, negotiators, and advisors, guiding clients through legal challenges.
If you are interested in becoming a legal advocate, consider gaining legal experience through volunteering or internships. Most legal advocacy jobs require legal experience or education, and some specifically require a law degree.
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Pursue a career in law
Pursuing a career in law with a JD degree offers a multitude of opportunities. In the United States, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a prerequisite to practice law in almost all cases. The degree equips graduates with a unique set of skills, including persuasion, critical thinking, writing, mediation, public speaking, debate, professionalism, ethics, intellectual curiosity, research, and history. These skills are highly valued by employers and can enhance your credibility, especially when combined with other areas of study.
A JD degree is a stepping stone to becoming a lawyer, and there are numerous specializations within this field. For example, you could work in corporate compliance, human resources, labour relations, or real estate law. You could also represent clients in court, draft wills and trusts, negotiate contracts, or become a public defender.
Beyond the courtroom, a JD degree can open doors to various alternative careers. Many JD graduates have entered the world of academia, consulting, or politics. A law degree is also beneficial for those interested in advocacy work, social work, or non-profit organizations. The degree can provide greater authority and leverage when advocating for clients or addressing social injustices.
Additionally, the banking industry values JD graduates for compliance positions or legal team roles. Other career paths include financial planning, environmental policy, or even becoming an FBI Special Agent. The degree can also be a pathway to leadership positions, enabling graduates to pursue their passions and drive change.
While the legal profession may not always meet all expectations, it is important to remember that a JD degree is just the first step. Creating a plan that aligns with your aspirations and utilizing your legal skills in a non-legal profession can lead to a fulfilling career.
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Frequently asked questions
A Juris Doctor, or JD, is a graduate-entry professional degree that primarily prepares individuals to practice law.
A JD degree is a qualification to become a lawyer. However, it can also be used to become a law librarian, enter academia, or go into consulting, among other careers.
A law degree can elevate your credibility, especially when combined with other areas of study. It can also open doors to leadership positions and help you pursue personal passions and effect change.
Consulting firms, government agencies, legislatures, and Congress often have "JD preferred" positions. The banking industry also values JD degrees for compliance positions and legal team roles.
A law degree provides a unique set of skills that can propel you into leadership roles. These skills include persuasion, critical thinking, writing, mediation, public speaking, debate, professionalism, ethics, intellectual curiosity, research, and history.
