What Are the Differences Between LL.M and J.D. Programs?
A career in law is among the most admired in the United States and beyond. When applying to law school, you can choose between LLM and JD. Most students fail to research enough and end up in the wrong program. To avoid making a mistake that will cost you money and time, we’re helping provide resources to help you understand the difference between JD and LLM.
What is a JD?
A JD (Juris Doctor) is an academic award from an American Bar Association-accredited law school. It should prepare you for the bar exam. It should also equip you with skills to practice in your desired field of law.
These are the three main highlights of a JD program:
Duration: 3 years full time
Purpose: To help you pass the bar exam and obtain a state license
Curriculum: broad concepts and overall understanding of the US justice system
In most states, you need a JD degree to sit for the bar exam and become a licensed lawyer. In a JD program, you can choose the specific aspects you want to specialize in. They include:
Intellectual property
Criminal law
Environmental law
Tax law
Public law
Juris Doctor Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college within or outside the United States to get admitted to a JD program.
You can learn about the requirements and timeline for a law school application here. Remember, your undergraduate major does not matter as long as you have a passion for the law.
Juris Doctor Program Structure
You need three years to complete a JD program. After completion, you should be able to pass the bar exam, which earns you a state license to practice law. The structure of a JD is transitional, which converts a student to a lawyer. The foundation curriculum includes:
Contracts
Civil procedures
Legal practices
Legal methods
Torts
Criminal law
Constitutional law
You need to learn actual practice in the second and third years in clinics, seminars, and internships. You might need to take on pro-bono work in some schools.
What is an LLM?
A Master of Laws (LLM) is a specialized Juris Doctor (JD) degree. It is provided by ABA-accredited law schools. Most learners take an LLM degree to advance their knowledge or increase their value in the job market. Students with a foreign, recognized degree in law can apply for an LLM degree in the United States.
These are the three main highlights of a JD program:
Duration: 1 year full time
Purpose: To expand your knowledge in the field or increase your value in the job market
Curriculum: Specialized field of law
LL.M Admission Requirements
These are the LL.M degree requirements:
A Juris Doctor or a recognized undergraduate degree in law
Personal statement
CV or Resume
Recommendation letter
Official transcript
Online application
For successful admission, the institution verifies the documents and other factors.
An LL.M Degree Program Structure
Whether learning full-time or part-time, an LLM degree takes 24 to 36 months to complete. You mostly learn basic legal concepts, theories, or principles. You can choose between a specialized or general LLM program.
When on a general LLM, you can choose the courses that align with your career goals. A specialized program, however, provides study on specific areas. The areas include:
Dispute resolution
Advocacy
Bankruptcy law
Business law
Estate planning
Forensic Justice
Securities and financial regulation
International law
Immigration law
Estate planning
Banking law
Tax law
Health law
Other international law options from the specialized LLM program include
International Taxation
Global health law
International legal studies
International environmental law
Business and trade law
Asian law
JD or LLM, Which Way?
Without a JD degree, you cannot be licensed to practice law in the United States. Your long-term career goals, however, might influence your decision when choosing between the two. Let us compare the two:
A JD degree prepares you for law practice, while an LLM provides a platform to understand the law better.
A JD degree provides knowledge of real-world practice. An LLM is more theoretical and focuses on the reasoning behind policies and legislation.
An LLM is optional. You need a JD degree to practice law.
You don't need a legal background to enroll for a JD. However, you need an undergraduate degree in law or a JD to enroll for an LLM.
While a JD covers most areas of law, an LLM focuses on a specific field of law.
Unsure About Making a Choice?
We’re here to help! The team of expert admissions consultants at S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting can help you find your right path to either a J.D. or LL.M Program! Learn more about our services or reach out to us at hello@smontgomeryconsulting.com!