There’s a reason so many TV shows and movies feature courtrooms: the excitement of being a lawyer is a dream for many. According to U.S. News & World Report, being a lawyer was ranked the best social services job in 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for an attorney is $135,741 and expects legal careers to grow by 8% over the next decade.
What is a JD?
A Juris Doctor (JD) is the standard degree needed to practice law in the United States. With a JD, you can take the bar exam and practice law in the state where you are licensed.
What is an LLM?
For those who already have a JD or an equivalent law degree from another country, a Master of Laws (LLM) offers career advancement and specialization in a specific area of law.
Common Requirements for JD and LLM
| Requirement | JD | LLM |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Transcripts | Yes | Yes |
| Graduate Transcripts (if applicable) | Yes | Yes |
| Resumé | Yes | Yes |
| Personal Statement | Yes | Yes |
| Recommendation Letters | Yes | Yes |
| English Proficiency | Yes* | Yes* |
| LSAT Score | Yes | No |
| *TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required if English is not your first language. |
JD Curriculum
JD programs ensure that all attorneys have the foundational knowledge to pass state bar exams and practice law. In the first year, JD students typically study:
- Civil Procedure
- Property
- Constitutional Law
- Torts
- Legal Writing
- Criminal Law (or Criminal Justice)
- Contracts
In the second and third years, students can take courses based on their interests and career goals. These might include advanced courses in legal writing and research, civil procedure, and electives such as estates and trusts, international law, First Amendment, and legislation.
LLM Curriculum
An LLM curriculum allows for specialized knowledge in a particular area of law. For instance, Northeastern University School of Law offers three paths: Bar Examination Preparation, Intellectual Property and Technology Law, and International Business. The Bar Examination Preparation track helps international and domestic attorneys prepare for the California Bar Exam.
LLM students can tailor their studies to fit their career goals. Course options may include torts, contracts, constitutional law, and niche areas like intellectual property, securities regulation, and international tax.
Comparing LLM and JD Degrees
This article will focus on the differences between an LLM and a JD in terms of admission requirements, curriculum, and program outcomes.
| Aspect | LLM (Master of Laws) | JD (Juris Doctor) |
|---|
| Purpose | Advanced legal training and specialization | Preparing individuals to practice law |
| Focus and Curriculum | More theoretical and specialized, focusing on advanced legal concepts and theories | Teaching fundamentals of law and practical skills, covering essential legal topics |
| Marketability | Enhances credibility in specialized fields and for high-level government, consulting, academic, or policy positions | Necessary for practicing law in the U.S. and taking the bar exam |
| Necessity | Optional | Required for practicing law in the U.S. |
| Thesis Requirement | Usually requires a thesis | Typically does not require a thesis |
| Duration | Typically one year of full-time study (or two years part-time) | Takes about three years of full-time study |
| Availability | Not all law schools offer LLM programs | Offered by all U.S. law schools |
| Professional Certification | Only a few states allow LLM graduates to take the bar exam without additional qualifications | Graduates are eligible to take the bar exam in any U.S. state |
| Eligibility | Requires a JD or equivalent first law degree from the country of origin | Requires a bachelor’s degree, no prior law degree necessary |
| Target Audience | Lawyers seeking advanced specialization or international credentials | Individuals with no prior experience in the legal field |
| Program Length | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time | 3 years full-time |
Career Prospects for JD and LLM Degrees
LLM Degree
An LLM (Master of Laws) degree is highly popular in India and opens up job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Job offers can vary depending on entrance tests or interviews. LLM degree holders often receive good salary packages that increase with experience. Career options for LLM graduates include roles such as judges, legal advisors, advocates, corporate lawyers, cyber experts, notaries, and oath commissioners.
JD Degree
A JD (Juris Doctor) degree also offers opportunities in both public and private sectors, but most JD graduates prefer to become lawyers. Other career paths for JD degree holders include positions as lobbyists, legal consultants, patent attorneys, compliance attorneys, real estate lawyers, arbitrators, and mediators.
Choosing Between LLM and JD
While an LLM is a specialized degree in law, a JD is required to practice law in the United States. You can pursue an LLM after completing a JD. The two degrees are different in their focus and career opportunities. It depends on whether you want to start your career immediately after completing a JD or specialize further by pursuing an LLM.
An LLM degree can significantly enhance a lawyer’s expertise, career opportunities, and marketability, especially in specialized legal fields or international law. While it is not a mandatory requirement for practicing law in the U.S., it offers numerous benefits for those looking to advance their legal careers or practice law internationally. Understanding the key differences between an LLM and a JD, and knowing the requirements for earning an LLM, can help you decide if this advanced degree is the right step for you.
FAQs
Do You Need an LLM Degree to Practice Internationally?
An LLM degree is often critical for practicing international law, providing expertise and a global perspective that is highly valued by private corporations and international law firms.
Are There Different Types of LLM Programs?
Yes, there are two main types:
Specialized LLM: Focuses on a specific area of law, such as human rights or business finance.
General LLM: Also known as Individualized Study LLM, allows students to study a variety of law topics tailored to their career goals.
What is a JD degree?
A JD, or Juris Doctor, is a professional graduate degree in law and is the standard degree required to practice law in the United States.
How long does it take to earn a JD degree?
Typically, it takes three years of full-time study to complete a JD degree. Some schools offer part-time programs, which can take longer.
Are LLM Degrees Helpful to International Lawyers?
For foreign lawyers, a U.S.-based LLM degree can be essential for understanding the U.S. legal system and obtaining employment in the U.S. Depending on the state, an LLM may qualify foreign lawyers to take the bar exam.
What are the admission requirements for a JD program?
Admission requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree, a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
