Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Law is often considered to be one of the most prestigious professions around the world. In a job where accuracy, logic, critical thinking, and analytical skills are king, it is no surprise that law school is generally regarded as one of the most rigorous academic disciplines. Committing to this field requires dedication, focus, and determination.

To be able to practice law, students need to first earn a juris doctor (J.D.)— sometimes referred to as a doctor of law or doctor of jurisprudence— before sitting and passing the bar exam.  Note: although some states allow students to take the bar exam without a J.D., this adds an extra challenge because J.D. programs typically incorporate content to prepare students for the bar exam.

How long is a J.D. degree program?

Earning a juris doctor usually requires 3 years of full-time study. Accelerated programs are also available and can reduce this to 2 years. Part-time students usually complete their J.D. in 4 years.

For students without the prerequisite bachelor’s degree necessary to enter into J.D. programs, there exists dual bachelor of arts (B.A.) and J.D. programs. These programs are structured with 3 years of bachelor’s level study followed by the standard 3 years of J.D. coursework. This allows students to cut a year off the time it takes to complete a traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree.

Degree structure

J.D. programs often include experiential, hands-on work observing and assisting practicing lawyers. These courses can be an excellent approach to gain experience in the field or practice that interests you. The most common ways to build this experience is practicums.

Practicums can be project- or fieldwork-based. Projects usually involve assisting a professor and attending a weekly seminar about the project. Fieldwork can be completed at an external organization, and similarly includes a weekly seminar on the topics involved in the assignment. Most programs also have a public service requirement that consists of a specific number of supervised, uncompensated law-related public service work hours.

J.D. joint degree programs

Just as law students can simultaneously earn a B.A. and J.D., they can also study 2 subjects in joint degree programs. The main difference between dual and joint degrees is that the former awards 2 distinct degrees while the latter confers a single degree split between 2 disciplines.

The joint degree option is common for students who want to specialize in a specific field of law and typically combines a J.D. with a master’s degree in law (LLM). Traditionally completed after a J.D., an LLM usually includes a year of study dedicated to a particular area of law with a focus on research. If your career goals also include business, earning a joint J.D. and master of business administration (MBA) may appeal.

Most joint J.D. programs include 3 years of J.D. study followed by 1 year of subject-specific master’s work. J.D./Ph.D. programs are possible to complete in as few as 6 years. Listed below are some of the most common joint degrees combined with the J.D.

• J.D./LLM in international law
• J.D./LLM in taxation
• J.D./MBA
• J.D./MPP (master of public policy)
• J.D./MPH (master of public health)
• J.D./Ph.D.

Requirements

Most schools require a bachelor’s degree to enter into a J.D. program. For those that do not, applicants are still required to complete a certain number of prerequisite undergraduate credit hours. While some students choose to major in subjects traditionally considered preparatory for the J.D. such as history, philosophy, economics, or political science, your undergraduate degree can be in any field. If you plan on going into a particular area of specialization, for example international law, an undergraduate degree in international relations could be of particular benefit.

While some students choose to major in subjects traditionally considered preparatory for the J.D. such as history, philosophy, economics, or political science, your undergraduate degree can be in any field.

Law schools are very competitive. To successfully complete this degree, you need certain skills, experience, and personal characteristics. These include critical reading, research, organization, relationship-building, and public service.

Most law schools require several basic prerequisites for their applicants, including the following:

• bachelor’s degree
• minimum GPA: 3.8 for top schools, 3.4 average
• passing scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• transcripts
• personal statement
• letters of recommendation

Your LSAT scores determine which schools you are eligible for, with prestigious schools requiring higher scores. If you already know your field of interest, try to find a school that is known for that field. Apply well before the deadline because law schools use rolling acceptance and early acceptance policies.

Degree flexibility

Part-time and online learning options
The ABA currently does not accredit any fully-online J.D. programs, although blended learning is an option. Some programs include asynchronous online components in addition to in-person classes.

Is it possible to work with this degree?

Law school is famously demanding. Highlighting this fact, the ABA once restricted full-time J.D. students from working more than 20 hours a week. Though this rule was overturned in 2014, some schools still enforce similar restrictions to ensure students stay fully focused on their degree program.

Some firms and companies hire second and third-year law school interns, externs, or fellows. You can also do project work or remote work for online legal service companies. Lawyer Exchange, an online legal staffing and recruitment organization, posts specific projects from law firms. Third-year students looking for work can submit proposals to work on lower- level projects found in these listings.

Can I transfer credits?

It is possible to transfer from one law school to another, especially after your first year. This option is sometimes used by students who were not accepted to their first-choice school. After performing well in their first year at school, it is easier gain acceptance into one of the top 14 (T14) law schools. As most schools do not require transcripts to make this move, this strategy is relatively popular among students looking for a prestigious degree.

Most schools do not accept second or third year transfers. For those that do, students usually have to complete an additional year at their new school. J.D. credits are not usually transferrable to a non-law M.A. degree program.

Continuing education

The most common advanced degree earned by lawyers is an LLM. This degree focuses heavily on legal theory as opposed to the more practical training provided by a J.D. Lawyers who choose to earn this degree are planning on specializing in a particular field to advance their career.

Professionals wanting to practice internationally benefit from an LLM, because it is recognized globally. This degree is also preferred in highly regulated and complex areas of law such as environmental law, and for positions in policymaking, academia, and consulting.

For students interesting in studying law but who do not want to become attorneys, a master of legal studies (MLS) can be a good choice. Sometimes referred to as a master of science of law or master of studies in law, this degree helps professionals navigate laws and regulations in areas like nonprofits and government sectors. This degree appeals to those already in the workforce and is often earned part time.

If you want to practice law, earning a J.D. should be at the top of your list.

The terminal degree in law is the doctor of juridical science (SJD). Sometimes referred to as a doctor of science law, this degree is designed for students who want to conduct advanced research. Most SJD degree holders go on to teaching and scholarly roles.

If you want to practice law, earning a J.D. should be at the top of your list. With this degree, you get the foundational and practical skills you need to pass your state bar exam and successfully enter the professional sphere.