Distinctions between LLM and Juris Doctor Degrees
American Law Schools generally offer two types of degrees related to law and legal studies: (1) the Juris Doctorate (JD); or (2) the Master of Laws (LLM). Those two are specifically designed for aspiring attorneys who intend to sit for the bar exam, practice in courts and who choose to specialize in a particular area of law.
The JD is the main, post-secondary law degree necessary to sit for the bar examination and practice as a lawyer in a U.S. jurisdiction. Most of American students take this degree.
The LLM serves mostly as a secondary degree for lawyers who have already achieved their JD (or its equivalent at home) and who are interested in a focused, specialized course of study in a specific topic of law. This degree also allow international students to qualify for the Bar Exam.
To understand the most significant differences between the JD and the LLM, one must focus on the purpose and application of each degree.
-> Purpose:
Here, the JD allows you to sit for the state bar exam. Nothing more. The LLM on the other hand will give you an advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility and/or expanded practice opportunities.
-> Length of Program:
The JD is a three years program whereas the LLM only take one year.
-> Admission Requirements:
The JD will require a bachelor’s degree and LSAT score whereas the LLM will require a JD degree or other first degree in law for foreign-educated lawyers.
With this in mind, let’s focus on some of the key distinctions between LLM and Juris Doctor Degrees.
(1) An LL.M. is more theoretical than a J.D
One of the big distinction is that the J.D. prepares people for legal practice, while the LLM is supposed to be for students who have already learned the basic legal skills. As a result, a JD program will focus on the basics – what is the law and how do we apply it , whereas LLM programs will focus heavily on legal theory, going deeper in the law.
(2) An LLM can help attorneys attract clients in fields where the credential is highly valued
Experts say that attorneys looking to advance in complex, highly regulated areas of law like environmental law can benefit from an LL.M., because it bolsters the credibility of their resume.
An LL.M. degree also serves as a positive signal to employers, conveying a person’s mastery of a complex legal discipline.
(3) An LLM is usually an optional degree
Obviously pursuing an LLM degree is not mandatory to become a practicing attorney – unless you are a foreign educated student who intend to practice in the United States.
As a result, fewer people hold a LLM degree, which brings us back to our point: an LLM will surely distinguish you from other attorneys.
(4) An LLM can help JD student overcome a poor GPA or a low-ranked law school
We explained this in detail on a different article – Is an LLM right for me?– but having an LLM can cure a poor GPA or a low ranking law school. This is valid both for American and international students.
Attending an LL.M. program at a highly ranked law school may help attorneys get law jobs that are difficult to obtain without having gone to a prestigious law school.
(5) An LLM is more fun
Joining an LLM program has other advantages, for instance you will join an international community if you do your LLM in a foreign university. You will discover new cultures, create a network of international lawyers and in general be more open.
All the qualities and skills you will get from an LLM program will surely be of importance for any law firm, but in the end the experience with an LLM degree is what makes all the difference.
Learn more about LLM degrees on our Law School page!
