What Is a Law School Degree Called?
You might be wondering, what is a law degree called? Well, individuals who attend law school have several different options for a degree in law, all of which exist at the post-bachelor's level. The most common degree, and that required to practice law in the US, is the Juris Doctor (J.D.). Anyone who has ever worked as a lawyer in their past has earned this degree, as well as many legal scholars who may never have practiced. The J.D. is considered a professional degree (there is no bachelor's degree in law), but law schools still require that an undergraduate degree be completed before applying, in much the same way as a master's.
Types of Law Degrees
There are three different levels of law degrees, with each level serving slightly different purposes. Each lawyer degree name indicates a different kind of expertise. These degree levels, from basic to most advanced, include:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (L.L.M.)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
The J.D. is predominantly used by those practicing as lawyers. J.D. programs take about 3 years to complete on average, and after completion, graduates will need to pass their state's bar exam and obtain licensure in order to practice.
The Master of Laws (L.L.M.) degree can be pursued by those holding a J.D. who wish to develop further specializations in a particular area of law, or occasionally by those with law degrees from schools outside the US who wish to practice within the US, resulting in what is known as a comparative law degree. L.L.M. programs generally take around a year to complete and may involve substantial research, writing of papers, and participation in seminars. Many accredited online law degree programs available are L.L.M.s, possibly because they tend to be supplemental in nature.
The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree is the highest law degree commonly offered, primarily held by those intending to perform research rather than practice law. S.J.D. candidates must produce a high quality dissertation after at least 3 years of study in order to be awarded the degree. An L.L.M. degree is frequently required before applying to S.J.D. programs.
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Types of Law Specializations
For both J.D. and L.L.M. degrees, there are a variety of specialization options which can be pursued. Specialties usually consist of a particular area of law that a student finds particularly interesting or meaningful.While a specialization isn't always required to obtain a J.D., it is often recommended if the option is available. Those who did not fulfill the requirements for a specialization while studying for a J.D. can develop one by returning to school for the L.L.M. degree, which has far more specializations available than J.D. programs usually offer. It is also possible to obtain certification in a specialty, and although the exact details vary from state to state, the process often involves an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited degree program, a written exam, and a track record of practice in that specialty. Here are a few different kinds of legal specializations:
- Business law
- Tax law
- Civil liberties
- Immigration law
- Constitutional law
- Admiralty law
- Criminal law
- Environmental law
- Patent law
- Intellectual property law
- First amendment law
- Healthcare law
Other Types of Degrees Related to Law
There are other types of degrees available which do not conform to the standard law school progression. These different types of law degrees are all important and can be ideal for different career paths. The best law degrees for your interests may take you on a slightly unorthodox path, like the following:
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS) - This is a graduate degree designed for those who do not wish to practice law, and it is somewhat less common than L.L.M. programs. It might be more accurately considered a counterpart to the J.D., providing an alternate route after completion of a bachelor's program in law studies. MLS degrees are typically held by those who assist attorneys, such as paralegals or legal secretaries, or by individuals in roles where extensive knowledge of law relevant to their field would be beneficial.
- Ph.D - A Ph.D. in law is also an uncommon option, taking around three years to complete. Ph.D.s in law are mostly used by professors and other academics, and may have more of an interdisciplinary focus.
- Joint degrees - These degrees are rare, but also a possibility. Joint degrees include a law degree and another degree, such as a J.D./M.D., which combines the J.D. with a medical doctor's degree. J.D./Ph.D. and J.D./master's degrees in various disciplines are also an option, usually with the intent of providing highly specialized knowledge in a particular field, such as law dealing with medical or technological breakthroughs.
- Master's of Dispute Resolution (MDR) - This degree is helpful for anyone wishing to work with dispute resolution of any kind, but it does not offer a direct path to becoming a lawyer. It may be useful for those who already have a J.D. and who want to enhance their skills in working directly with clients. An MDR requires a bachelor's degree at minimum and usually takes two years to complete.
