Types of Law Degrees
There are three different levels of law degrees, with each level serving slightly different purposes. Each lawyer’s 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.
Types of Law Specializations
For both J.D. and L.L.M. degrees, there are a variety of specialization options that can be pursued. Specialties usually consist of a particular area of law that a student finds particularly interesting or meaningful. While 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 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:
kinds of legal specializations
- Business law
- Tax law
- Civil liberties
- Environmental law
- Constitutional law
- Admiralty law
- Criminal law
- Environmental law
- Healthcare law
- Patent law
- Intellectual property law
- First amendment law
- Healthcare law
What to Expect When Studying Law
As a first-year (1L) law student in the US, you will most likely take courses in legal writing, contracts, torts, criminal law, and constitutional law, among other courses.
As a second-year student (2L) you are likely to focus on other activities such as Law Review, Moot Court, and other extra-curricular activities that offer a lot of practice. Because most 2L students need to start looking for legal internships between their second and third years, it is extremely important that they get as much practical experience as they can during their second year. Many of these internships will lead to full-time job opportunities following graduation.
As a third-year student (3L), you will likely take electives such as international law, immigration law, anti-trust law, or intellectual Property Law. Third-year students generally focus most of their time on finding employment and studying for the bar exam.
Note: The bar exam is a test meant to determine whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in their jurisdiction. If you decide to practice law in a different country or state you might be required to take a second bar exam to become a dual-qualified lawyer.
Requirements for Application
To apply for law school in the US, you will need:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (4-year university degree) in any subject.
- To register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) – nearly all ABA-approved law schools (and some non-ABA-approved schools) require that their applicants register for and complete their applications through the CAS.
- Your LSAT scores
- Relevant teacher or professional recommendations
- Your TOEFL score if English is not your native language
- Financial documents showing proof of funds for the academic year (only if you are applying for an F1 visa).