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:
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.
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:
In this Study Law guide, we describe the overall legal system in the USA, as well as provide practical guidance for foreign education lawyers and international students that want to study law or practice law in the USA.
Studying law can open many doors for you. Law gives you the necessary skills to practice as an attorney or develop a career in another field such as politics, diplomacy, economics, business, or education. There are numerous rewards in studying law, but it is a solitary, intimidating, and difficult process, so it is important to know for sure that studying law is the right choice for you.
As an international student, you should be aware that typically a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from a US law school will not always prepare you to practice law in your home country, as US law schools teach the common law based on the British system. However, there are law firms around the globe that hire lawyers with a J.D. Degree. Additionally, schools in Louisiana do teach the Civil Code, which may be applicable in some countries
Foreign students have traditionally shown a greater interest in graduate-level law degrees such as the LLM, MCL, or MCJ. Studying a graduate law degree in English from in a US institution generally enhances your job opportunities upon returning to your home country.
Studying law in the United States is very different from studying law in many other countries. In various countries, students begin their law studies immediately following graduation from high school or secondary school. Most universities in other countries require only a high school diploma or the equivalent to admit students to their law faculties. In the US, however, law is a professional academic field, the equivalent of a graduate degree in other parts of the world.
Law schools in the US are part of public or private universities that grant Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees. The J.D. program typically lasts three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. The first year of law school is generally considered to be the most difficult because of the core classes, exams, and the Socrates method.
Note: The Socrates method is a technique used in most law school classes in which the professor cold calls on students to state a case or respond to a case-based question. This intimidates many students, particularly international students who might be afraid to speak up in class, but most adapt to the teaching style quickly
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.
To apply for law school in the US, you will need: