Cameron Miranda
There are several types of law degrees available, depending on your career goals and jurisdiction. In the US, a Juris Doctor (JD) is the most common degree for those who want to practice law, but it is not the only option. For example, a Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate degree for those who already have a JD and want to specialize in a specific area of law, such as tax law or immigration law. A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is another option that provides legal skills useful in various fields but does not prepare you to become a lawyer. Other law degrees include the Bachelor of Laws, Magister iuris (Master of Law), and Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Name | Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Juris Master (JM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD) |
| Degree Type | Graduate degree, Master's degree, Research-based degree, Academic degree, Professional degree |
| Specialization | Civil rights, Corporate, Tax law, Immigration law, Intellectual property law, International law, Business law, Health law, Employment and labor law, Criminal law, Education law, Animal law, Real estate law, Municipal law, Admiralty law |
| Curriculum | Contracts, Regulatory compliance, Negotiation theory, Administrative law, Dispute resolution, International law, The US legal system, Comparative law, Taxation, Human rights law |
| Requirements | Bachelor's degree, Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Undergraduate GPA, Personal statement, Letters of recommendation |
| Career Opportunities | Lawyer, Attorney, Law professor, Legal scientist, Legal researcher, Civil rights lawyer, Corporate lawyer, Tax lawyer, Immigration lawyer, Intellectual property lawyer, International lawyer, Business lawyer, Health lawyer, Employment lawyer, Criminal lawyer, Education lawyer, Animal rights lawyer, Real estate lawyer, Municipal lawyer, Admiralty lawyer |
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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. 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 as a postgraduate degree alongside other qualifying law degrees, such as the Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Civil Law.
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a terminal degree, the highest level of degree achievable in the discipline of law. It typically requires three years of full-time study, including coursework and practical training in legal studies. The curriculum covers fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts, along with opportunities for specialisation. To be admitted to a JD program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree and typically take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardised exam that assesses skills critical for success in law school, including analytical reasoning, deduction, strategic reading, and formal logic.
Upon completion of their JD degree, individuals are prepared to practice law and can choose from various specialisations, including civil rights, corporate law, tax law, and immigration law. To be fully authorised to practice law in the United States, individuals must pass a bar examination, which licenses them to legally practice law in a specific state. The demand for legal professionals in the US is expected to grow, making a JD degree a valuable qualification for those seeking a career in law.
Accelerated programs are available for students who know they want to study law before beginning their bachelor's degree. These programs allow students to earn both their bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees in six years instead of the traditional seven. Some students may also choose to take a break between their undergraduate studies and law school, with a significant portion opting for three or more years off before pursuing their JD degree.
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Master of Laws (LLM)
A Master of Laws (LLM) is a graduate degree for those who have already earned a Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and want to build expertise in a specific area of law, such as tax law, immigration law, or international law. LLM programs are typically one-year programs that allow lawyers to expand their expertise, specialize in specific legal areas, and enhance their professional credentials. They are ideal for those seeking to advance their legal careers or further their academic journey in the legal field.
LLM programs are offered by many universities worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Italy, and Ireland. The specific entrance requirements may vary depending on the university and country. However, most LLM programs require applicants to have a first professional degree in law, such as a JD or LLB, or an equivalent master's degree in a related field. Some universities may also require applicants to have a certain level of English language proficiency, especially if the program is taught in English.
The University of British Columbia, for example, offers an LLM in Common Law that helps students prepare for their professional exams. In contrast, Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a range of LLM degree options, including General Law, Global Law & Technology, and an accelerated JD/Taxation dual degree. Suffolk University's LLM programs allow students to specialize in emerging fields such as intellectual property law and international business.
The Master of Laws (LLM) degree can also be pursued online. For instance, the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law offers a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree that provides a strong foundation in various legal topics. This program is designed for non-lawyers who want to deepen their understanding of the law without becoming practicing attorneys. Similarly, Beijing Foreign Studies University offers an online LLM for international professionals, with the first year covering online lessons and the second year dedicated to the dissertation.
Overall, the Master of Laws (LLM) degree is a valuable option for those seeking to advance their legal knowledge, specialize in a particular area of law, and enhance their career prospects in the legal field.
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Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is designed for non-lawyers who want to improve their understanding of the law without becoming practising attorneys. It is a good fit for professionals who deal with legal procedures or concepts in their line of work and want to advance their careers.
MLS programs typically require applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and sometimes ask for standardised test scores. A résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews may also be required.
MLS curriculums cover a variety of legal topics, giving students a strong foundation in all aspects of the law. Courses can include contracts, regulatory compliance, negotiation theory, and administrative law. Students may also be required to attend in-person learning experiences where they can put their newly gained legal skills into practice.
MLS programs typically take 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on whether they are full-time or part-time. The University of Arizona offers a one-year MLS degree program, which can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. UCLA's MLS program can be completed in nine months full-time or within two to four years part-time.
Graduates of legal studies degree programs typically pursue careers in law-adjacent fields such as business, human resources, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and social work.
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Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)
There are several types of law degrees that one can pursue, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Legal Studies (MLS). The type of law degree an individual pursues depends on their career goals and interests. For example, a Juris Doctor degree is designed for students who want to practice law, while a Master of Laws degree allows individuals to further specialize in a specific type of law, such as tax law or immigration law.
One specific law degree that can be obtained is a Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR). This degree is designed for professionals interested in developing their conflict resolution and negotiation skills to better manage conflicts and handle difficult situations. Dispute resolution programs train law students to handle clients' conflicts through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and problem-solving. The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law's Straus Institute, ranked #2 for dispute resolution, offers an online MDR program that assists professionals across a variety of industries in resolving conflicts and negotiating complex transactions.
The USC Gould School of Law also offers a Master of Dispute Resolution degree, recognized by LLM Guide as one of the top 10 dispute resolution programs in the world. Their program provides students with hands-on practical skill development, allowing them to practice their mediation skills in real-life settings. Students will also develop business management skills to optimally position themselves for leadership roles in dispute resolution organizations.
The Master of Dispute Resolution degree typically requires applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, along with standardized test scores. The program can be completed in as little as one year, and graduates can pursue careers in business management, social work, counseling, human resources, and more.
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Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate law degree offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree and serves as the first professional qualification for legal practitioners. The LLB is an undergraduate program common in the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada (Quebec), Europe, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and other Commonwealth countries. The LLB curriculum is designed to impart a thorough knowledge of legal principles, legal research skills, and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of lawyers within society. The programme of study for common law has traditionally been an undergraduate LLB degree, which has now been re-designated as a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at nearly all Canadian common law schools.
The LLB is for students who are beginning their legal education. It is typically a three-year program that prepares students for the Master of Laws (LLM) degree or further training. While it's not necessary to have an LLB to practice law in the UK, aspiring solicitors do need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and two years of legal work training with a law firm. Those who wish to become barristers must complete a law degree, a Bar course, and work-based learning. A solicitor provides legal advice and support to clients, while barristers can represent their clients in the courtroom. Becoming a barrister generally involves more training in subjects like courtroom practice, legal ethics, and laws of evidence. A solicitor may hire a barrister to represent a client in court.
In Bangladesh, obtaining an LLB degree is a prerequisite for practising as an advocate in a court of law. Both LLB and LLB (Hons.) degrees are offered at public and private universities. Only seven public universities offer LLB (Hons.) degrees. Some private universities also offer four-year LLB (Hons.) degrees and one-year LLM courses. The National University of Bangladesh also offers a two-year LLB degree to graduates of subjects other than law. The University of Rajshahi is the first institute in South Asia to offer a bachelor's degree in law, originally offering the B. Jur. (Bachelor of Jurisprudence) beginning in 1970. Later on, the program was replaced with an LL. B (Hons.) program.
In Hong Kong, three universities, including The University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong, provide legal studies with both LLB and JD degrees. The LLB is four years in length, while the JD is two years. Students who have an LLB or JD degree, whether conferred by local universities or accredited universities overseas, are eligible to apply for admission to PCLL, the legal qualification programme in Hong Kong. In India, legal education is traditionally offered as a three-year graduate degree, requiring prospective students to have a bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised institution.
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Frequently asked questions
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a professional degree that prepares students to pass the bar exam and practice law in a traditional setting. It is a prerequisite for becoming a lawyer in the US and Canada.
Examples of non-JD law degrees include the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), Juris Master (JM), Master of Science in Laws (MSL), and Master of Comparative Law (MCL). These degrees provide legal skills useful in various fields but do not qualify you as a lawyer.
A Master of Laws (LLM) degree is a graduate-level academic degree that allows JD holders to further specialize in a specific area of law, such as tax law or international law. It is often pursued by lawyers from outside the US and Canada to gain US legal skills.
In addition to the LLM, other advanced law degrees include the Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD), Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD), and Doctor of Comparative Law (DCL). These degrees are typically pursued by attorneys seeking to enhance their legal knowledge in a specific area.
