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What Is a Juris Doctor (JD)?

• Understanding the JD Degree
• Requirements
• Two-Year JD Degrees

Common Coursework for JD Programs

• Job Prospects
• Job Responsibilities

The Bottom Line

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Juris Doctor (JD): Definition, Requirements, History, and Jobs

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A Juris Doctor (JD) is a three-year professional degree that confers recognition that the holder has a professional degree in law. Upon completion of a JD. program and passing the bar exam, individuals are eligible to practice law in their jurisdiction. This means they can represent clients, provide legal advice, and advocate for their clients in court.

Key Takeaways

• The American law degree, called a Juris Doctor (JD), is a three-year professional degree.
• Law school applicants must already have a bachelor's degree.
• It typically takes three years to complete the J.D. degree, after which the graduate must pass the bar exam to practice law.
• Drexel, Rutgers, Columbia, and Fordham are among the schools that offer a two-year J.D. degree option.

Understanding Juris Doctor (JD)

A JD degree is a professional graduate degree in law. It is the standard degree required to practice law in the United States and in most other common law jurisdictions. Most JD programs typically involves three years of full-time study or its equivalency in part-time studies.

Some schools offer a joint J.D. and MBA degree so that students can complete both degrees in less time than it would take to complete each separately. Other combined graduate degrees include public policy, medicine, and bioengineering.

Law school applicants must already have a bachelor's degree . It typically takes three years to complete the J.D. degree, after which the graduate must pass the bar exam to practice law. Each state and the District of Columbia has its own bar exam.

Obtaining a JD degree is different than passing the bar. Most often, students pursue the materials needed to pass the bar as part of their JD studies.

History of the JD Degree

The first lawyers trained in the United States underwent an apprenticeship and training with a lawyer who served as a mentor. The first formal law degree granted in the country was a Bachelor of Law from the College of William and Mary in 1793. Harvard University changed the name of the degree to the Latin "Legum Baccalaureus," known as the LL.B., and led the 19th-century movement for a scientific study of law. The LL.B. remains the standard degree in most of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The faculty of Harvard Law School first suggested changing the degree from LL.B. to J.D. in 1902 to reflect the professional nature of the degree. In 1903, the University of Chicago, which was one of only five law schools that required students to have a bachelor's degree before enrollment, granted the first J.D. degree.  Many law schools offered both an LL.B. to students who entered without a bachelor's degree and a J.D. to students entering with a bachelor's degree.

By the early 1960s, most students entered law school with a bachelor's degree. In 1965, the American Bar Association recommended the standard law degree be the J.D., and that decree took effect by the end of the decade.

Requirements for a JD Degree

In order to get into law school, you must have an undergraduate degree, have passed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), request your official transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s), obtain letters of recommendation, and write a personal statement.

Complete a Bachelor's Degree

While many graduate programs require the completion of certain prerequisite courses, there are no such requirements for prospective law students. However, you must have earned (or be on track to earn) an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Your undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is a key indicator law schools consider when evaluating applicants.

Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

You'll also need to take the LSAT. The basic fee for the LSAT during the 2023-2024 academic year is $222 plus $200 for Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and an additional $45 fee for each CAS report sent to the law schools you apply to. Most people end up paying $500 or more in total LSAT fees.

It is generally recommended that you spend at least three months studying for the exam, although many people dedicate up to a year studying for the exam. There are many resources online to help you study for the LSAT, including free resources. Organized prep courses that guide you through the different components of the LSAT can be quite expensive. Some individuals opt to hire a private tutor to help them prepare for the LSAT.

Request Your Official Transcripts

Law schools require official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Each copy of your official transcript can cost between $10 and $20, so depending on how many schools you apply to, this amount can add up. The process of requesting your transcript and then getting them sent to the appropriate institution can take several days, so make sure that you give yourself adequate time.

Write a Personal Statement

A personal statement is your opportunity to reveal your personality to the admissions committee. It's a good idea if your personal statement covers your career goals and academic achievements, although there are many different approaches. Some schools may have specific prompts they want you to address in your personal statement.

Obtain Letters of Recommendation

Most law schools will require at least one letter of recommendation. Your letters of recommendation can be from undergraduate professors or former employers that can speak to various elements of your success.

Tuition varies dramatically between law schools. In 2023, top law schools will cost nearly $70,000, while there are plenty of laws schools that charge less than $20,000.

Two-Year JD Degrees

Job prospects for lawyers fell sharply following the 2008 financial market collapse, and law school enrollment dropped by 24% from 2010 to 2013. With tuition continuing to rise, some schools have looked at shortening the program. Drexel, Rutgers, Columbia, and Fordham are among the schools that offer a two-year J.D. option or allow students to start their first year of law school after completing the third year of college.

JD programs typically structure their coursework to provide students with a fairly comprehensive study. During the first year, commonly referred to as the 1L year, students delve into foundational subjects such as contracts, torts, property law, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law. These courses lay the groundwork for legal analysis and reasoning, both of which are leveraged as the student progresses with their degree.

As students progress into their second and third years, they often explore more specialized areas of law through. These may include corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property, family law, international law, or tax law. Students usually also get exposure to legal writing and research courses regardless of their specialization.

In addition to classes, many law schools offer clinical programs, externships, and internships where students can apply their legal knowledge in real-world settings. This gives prospective JDs an opportunity to function under the supervision of licensed attorneys.

Job Prospects for JD Degrees

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for lawyers is promising with a projected 8% growth from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate exceeds the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 39,100 job openings annually during this decade.

The demand for legal services remains high, driven by the legal needs of individuals, businesses, and government entities. However, increasing price competition may lead law firms to reconsider staffing and cost-saving measures.

Job Responsibilities for JD Holders

A juris doctor graduate performs a wide range of legal tasks and responsibilities which can vary depending on their specialization and practice area. Here are some common things that a JD holder may do.

• Legal Research: Lawyers use their research skills to investigate and understand the relevant laws, regulations, precedents, and case law that pertain to their clients' cases. They analyze legal sources to build strong arguments and support their clients' positions.
• Client Consultation: Lawyers meet with clients to discuss their legal issues and provide guidance. During these consultations, they assess the situation, offer legal advice, and discuss potential strategies or courses of action.
• Document Drafting: Lawyers are responsible for drafting various legal documents, including contracts, wills, deeds, legal briefs, pleadings, and agreements. These documents serve as formal records of legal transactions and arguments.
• Negotiation: Many lawyers engage in negotiation on behalf of their clients to reach mutually beneficial settlements and agreements. Negotiation skills are crucial in areas like family law, personal injury, and business transactions.
• Legal Analysis: Lawyers analyze complex legal issues, breaking them down to identify relevant laws, regulations, and case law. They assess the strengths and weaknesses of legal arguments and provide strategic advice to their clients.
• Mediation and Arbitration: Some lawyers specialize in alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation and arbitration. They act as neutral parties to facilitate negotiations and resolve disputes without the need for a court trial.
• Compliance and Regulatory Work: Lawyers in areas such as corporate law, environmental law, and healthcare law ensure their clients comply with relevant laws and regulations. They help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and minimize legal risks.
• Specialized Work: Many lawyers specialize in specific practice areas, such as criminal defense, family law, intellectual property, tax law, immigration law, or corporate law. Specialization allows them to focus on particular legal issues and become experts in their chosen field.

What Is a JD Degree Equivalent to?

A JD degree, the American law degree, is a three-year professional degree. A JD is the minimum educational level for lawyers. The JD is considered a professional doctorate.

Is a JD a Lawyer?

To become a lawyer, you'll need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Once you graduate, you are entitled to take the bar exam and begin the practice of law. Obtaining a JD degree alone does not permit you to practice law. You must also pass the bar exam. Every state (and the District of Columbia) has its own bar exam.

Is a JD Higher Than a Masters?

While the JD is the only degree necessary to become a professor of law or to obtain a license to practice law, it is not a research degree. However, there are two types of research degrees available to individuals who are interested in studying law. These are the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, which typically requires a JD as a prerequisite before pursuing study, and the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD/JSD) degree, which typically requires a Master of Laws as a prerequisite.

Is Someone With a JD a Doctor?

It is not customary in the U.S. to address individuals who hold a JD as a "Doctor." In the late 1960s, the Canons of Professional Ethics issued a full ethics opinion regarding whether lawyers could ethically use the title "Doctor." The organization came down against this usage, with some exceptions. It is permissible for lawyers to use the title "Doctor" when dealing with countries where the use of "Doctor" by lawyers is standard practice. In addition, lawyers are allowed the use of the title in academia as long as the school of graduation considers the JD degree a doctorate degree.

How Many Years Is a JD Degree?

A traditional, full-time JD program lasts three years. There are some accelerated programs that allow individuals to complete their degrees in just two years or their undergraduate and JD degrees in a total of six years. Part-time JD programs usually take four years (or more) to finish.

A Juris Doctor is a professional graduate degree in law, typically required to become a practicing attorney in the United States and some other countries. It involves a comprehensive study of legal principles, statutes, and case law, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for a legal career.

Stanford Law School. " A Brief History of Stanford Law School: Seventy Fifth Anniversary ."

Harvard Law School Library. " What Is the Difference Between LL.B Degree and the J.D. Degree? "

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The New York Times. " Law Schools’ Applications Fall as Costs Rise and Jobs Are Cut ."

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The Juris Doctor (abbreviated J.D.) is the degree awarded in the US (and some common law countries) after the completion of law school (typically a three-year post-undergraduate program, which does not require a thesis).   This is the replacement of the Bachelor of Law (See Bachelor of Law ).  Most states requires a J.D. to be admitted to the bar (and thus to practice law).

The degree awarded in the US for the completion of law school.  Most American law schools have a three year curriculum.

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Law Lore: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Juris Doctorate

A Juris Doctor, also known as a Juris Doctorate, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, or a Doctor of Law, is contrary to popular belief not actually a doctorate. In Australia, it is equivalent to a master’s degree and in America is considered a standard degree required to practice law. In many countries, this means that a graduate cannot call themselves a “doctor” even though it’s in the title. The terminology indicates a person who already has a degree and is looking to shift into the world of law and a Juris Doctor course is the way to start this career change.

What is a Juris Doctor?

A Juris Doctorate is a professional doctorate which is recognised in many countries. It is a postgraduate degree that is designed for individuals who already have a degree but not necessarily in a law-related discipline. You can also study to undertake a Juris Doctor if you have a law degree from another country, but you would need to practice law where you are a legal resident. A Juris Doctor is internationally recognised in many countries including Australia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, America, and many more.

Duration of Study

When contemplating undertaking a Juris Doctorate , it’s important to understand that the course is lengthy and not to be taken lightly. It will incorporate the fundamentals of law which includes the “Priestley 11.” These subjects relate to administrative law , civil dispute resolution, company law, contracts, criminal law and procedure, ethics and professional responsibility, equity (including trusts), evidence, federal and state constitutional law, property, and torts.

From the “Priestley 11,” there are also electives to investigate and decide upon depending on what knowledge area you are looking to potentially specialise in. Some of the electives include law reform, human rights law, intellectual property, and workplace law. To fully complete a Juris Doctor, you would be looking at the possibility of studying for up to 4 years before obtaining the qualification on a part-time basis. Even undertaking a full-time basis, you would be looking at 3 years of study.

Juris Doctor vs Bachelor of Law 

The good news is that both a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Law will prepare you for a career in law. However, a Bachelor of Law is designed for an individual wanting to study straight out of high school, having completed year 12 or equivalent in each country. A Juris Doctor is for those individuals who already have a degree and want to pivot their career trajectory into law. Both courses will cover the essentials of the “Priestley 11.” These units are required to be successfully completed before you can apply to work in a legal profession or practice. As you would have already completed a degree in another field, it is generally expected that your work in a Juris Doctor will be of a higher standard. It’s also more common for students to study a Juris Doctor online as it’s more likely the individual will be already working full-time elsewhere and need to financially support themselves whilst completing the study. Unlike a Bachelor of Law, where students are often straight out of high school and likely to still live at home and be able to study face-to-face full time.

What comes next?

That depends on where you are studying and that country’s requirements. In America or Canada, you can complete the Juris Doctor and then take the bar and start practicing law. However, in Australia, you would be required either to complete 80 days of supervised Practical Legal Training (PLT) or complete further study with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Once this is completed then you must be admitted to the Supreme Court of Australia in your State or Territory, and you must have a practicing certificate issued in an Australian jurisdiction. In Australia, as in many other countries, there are many different territories and jurisdiction areas. This is why it’s hugely important to research where you are wanting to practice and ensure you have met and completed all requirements for that area.

What Can I Do with a Juris Doctor? 

Completing a Juris Doctor can open a world of possibilities for you in the legal field and even in other industries as well. Some potential pathways may include:

Practice law 

Completing the Juris Doctor will satisfy the academic requirements needed for admission to practice law in areas such as a lawyer, solicitor, barrister, or even eventually down the line as a judge. When practicing in law it becomes common to end up specialising, which is where when studying further electives comes into play to get additional knowledge.

Community advocate

Moving into a more public-based role working towards change within the community or social justice. Working in roles to strategically influence change by focusing on representing the community’s rights and needs.

Corporate roles

Focussing in on an organisation’s legal framework , including contracts and negotiations, to ensure all within the company receive their fair share and all their rights are met. This could also incorporate areas such as mergers and acquisitions.

Advantages of  Juris Doctor

The biggest advantage of a Juris Doctor is the exciting opportunities it can open for you, and also the ability to complement your already existing qualification/s and make you a stronger candidate for all sorts of roles in different industries, not just law related. An example of this is if before studying Juris Doctor you had already completed a bachelor’s degree in human resources (HR). Together these two courses could take you to a career in legal recruitment or corporate law. Along with learning life skills such as writing, negotiation, analysing information, and different ways to undertake research.

 Undertaking a Juris Doctor can not only open new and exciting opportunities for you, but it can also lead to a variety of different employment options and pathways you may have never previously considered or thought possible for yourself. A Juris Doctor is something you can start at any time in your life, so what are you waiting for? With new and lucrative career pathways awaiting you, enrol now and start working on the rest of your life.

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What is a juris doctor (jd) degree.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 4/12/24

If you’re considering joining the legal field, you’ve likely come across the term “JD.” To learn more about this term, read on! This guide will go over one of the most popular legal degrees pursued, a JD, and how it can be used. 

What Is a JD Degree?

A Juris Doctor (JD) is a three-year professional graduate degree required to become a licensed lawyer. It signifies an advanced level of expertise and specialization as the highest degree that can be achieved in the legal field.

Juris Doctor Degree Requirements

Preparing for your JD will require meticulous groundwork to fulfill the lengthy list of application requirements and adhere to your desired law school’s application timeline :

• An undergraduate degree in a major of your choice  
• A competitive LSAT or GRE score
• A resume detailing your work , volunteer, and extracurricular experience  
• A personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Optional addendum for a low GPA or low LSAT score
• Optional diversity statement

Students often spend months of hard work perfecting their applications to ensure they stand out!

How Long Does It Take to Get a JD Degree?

You should know what you’re getting yourself into by pursuing a JD ! They typically take three arduous years to complete as a full-time student and are incredibly demanding. 

However, there are several part-time JD programs that take four years to complete. These programs offer the same curriculums and opportunities as full-time JDs but have more flexibility!

What Can You Do With a JD Degree?

The majority of individuals who complete a Juris Doctor degree go on to work as practicing lawyers. For graduates seeking to practice law within the United States, it's also necessary to gain admission to the Bar in the specific jurisdiction you plan to practice.

The most common legal specialties Juris Doctor candidates pursue are:

• Animal law : handling cases involving animal cruelty, farming, natural land use, entertainment, and the rules around exotic animals
• Alternative dispute resolution : solving disputes without litigation
• Construction law : protecting construction workers, industry workers, architects, planners, and financial institutions; and ensuring construction organizations follow ethical work, safety, and administration regulations
• Maritime law : focuses on regulations affecting the economic transactions between sailors and maritime traders 
• E-commerce law : supporting businesses and consumers navigate online transactions
• Criminal law : learning about liberties and violations of rights and public safety
• Corporate compliance : ensuring companies abide by all laws, regulations, and policies to avoid lawsuits or violations
• Cybersecurity law : protecting public and private information systems
• Family law : representing individuals within family units, most commonly handling divorce cases and those involving child welfare
• International law : involving the rules governing international relationships, such as those between the UN states and individuals
• Environmental law : protecting the environment by advocating for it and pushing for policies and regulation changes
• Education law : involving the policies involved in education systems
• Health law : involving any legislation that applies to healthcare systems and those within them
• Sports law : working with sports organizations, leagues, teams, or individuals to mainly ensure they receive fair contracts or represent them when accused of committing crimes
• Labor and employment law : ensuring employee-employer relationships follow the necessary standards and regulations
• Tax law : involving all regulations pertaining to state and federal taxes
• Real estate law : supporting buyers, sellers, and organizations in transactions involving properties
• Trust and estate law : protecting clients’ assets during their life and after their death
• Intellectual property law : protecting the intellectual creations of organizations and individuals, including art, music, inventions, brands, patents, trademarks, and more
• Civil rights law : advocating for and protecting the rights and liberties of individuals in areas related to social justice
• Human rights law : protecting the universal rights considered to be inherent to all human beings
• Personal injury law : providing compensation and justice to those injured due to the negligence of another party
• Immigration law : providing legal guidance and services to individuals, families, and businesses regarding various immigration matters
• Prosecution : prosecutors are district attorneys (DAs) who represent the government in criminal cases
• Public defense : public defenders are employed by the government to provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys 

Alternatively, many law school graduates choose not to pursue licensure or leverage their degree in different career paths , including: 

Lawyers can eventually also become judges without any further education. However, this typically involves over a decade of experience working as an attorney and is a highly revered and selective career.

Some JD holders may choose to become mediators instead of lawyers. Mediators are neutral third parties that help resolve conflicts to reach agreeable settlements.

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Jury consultants assist attorneys in identifying and evaluating potential biases, attitudes, and perceptions of prospective jurors. Through careful research and consideration, their goal is to ensure the right and least biased jurors are chosen.

Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries play an integral role in any law firm by helping with administrative tasks to ensure smooth operation. 

While paralegals often only hold degrees or certificates in paralegal studies, JD students are more than qualified to pursue this role. Paralegals work closely with attorneys and provide them with a range of support services.

Teachers or Professors

You may also pursue a teaching career with a JD but will need to obtain higher education to teach at the postsecondary level.

Now you know what careers are open to Juris Doctor graduates, book a call with a law school admissions expert to secure your spot at law school today!

Are There Other Law Degrees Besides a JD?

While schools offered bachelor’s degrees in law in the past, the main types of law degrees besides a JD are master’s, such as a Master’s of Law (LLM), and doctoral degrees, such as a Doctor or Juridical Science (JSD). These degrees allow students to gain more in-depth knowledge of a specific specialty. 

FAQs: What Is a JD Degree?

For any remaining inquiries, here are the answers to frequently asked questions about this legal degree.

1. What Is a JD Equivalent To?

A JD is unlike any other degree. It is a graduate-level degree that offers you specialized training in law and valuable experience to prepare you for your career. In this way, it can be compared to an MD, as an MD also offers advanced training in medicine and considerable hands-on experience.

But, MD students must also complete residencies to practice medicine. Lawyers can begin practicing right after their JDs, assuming they pass the bar exam !

2. Is a JD Equivalent to a PhD?

No, a JD is not equivalent to a PhD. PhDs require research, independent study, and thesis components that JDs do not. While PhD holders are considered doctors, JD holders are not.

3. Is a JD the Same as a Bachelor’s Degree?

No, a JD is much more extensive than a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite to a JD.

4. Is a JD a Doctorate?

Yes, a JD is considered a professional doctorate degree.

5. Should I Pursue a JD for a Non-Lawyer Career?

Getting into a JD program will be difficult. It will require you to write the LSAT, maintain a high GPA, and submit a standout application to admissions committees that have seen thousands of applications. Once you’re in a JD program, the difficulty will only increase . These programs are also extremely expensive ! 

Considering these factors, pursuing a career as a lawyer ensures all of this time, effort, and money is not spent in vain. Lawyers are well-paid and can often handle their student debt when working full-time. However, if you pursue another job, such as a mediator, you will not make as much and may struggle with your student loans.

Additionally, you do not need a JD to pursue other legal careers! There are other cheaper and less competitive options that would serve you better.

Final Thoughts

Bearing in mind the high costs and competitiveness of these programs, it’s essential you carefully consider if this degree is right for you! After going through this guide, you should be able to come to a decision easier!

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What Is a J.D. Degree?

If you’re looking to become a lawyer, enrolling in a Juris Doctor program is likely your first step.

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J.D. programs typically take three years to complete for full-time students.

The J.D. degree is a rigorous course of study aimed at preparing students for a career as an attorney.

“For most people in the United States, the Juris Doctor is going to be the degree that they're going to want to be able to practice in the United States,” says Rebecca Ray, assistant dean of admissions and financial aid for the University of Illinois School of Law ’s J.D. program.

Ray notes that there are other pathways to becoming a practicing attorney, such as completing an apprenticeship and successfully taking the bar exam in some states or completing an international master of laws, or LL.M., degree. But for the vast majority of American lawyers-to-be, a J.D. is the best route.

Whether you’re considering applying to law school or preparing to start a J.D. program, here are some things to know about the degree.

What to Expect From a J.D. Program

Law school experts note that J.D. program coursework tends to be similar across different programs and institutions. Most J.D. programs include courses on the following topics:

• Civil procedure
• Criminal law
• Constitutional law
• Property law
• Administrative or regulatory law

J.D. programs typically take three years to complete for full-time students. Experts say that the first year generally consists of the fundamental and mandatory coursework described above, while students have a bit more flexibility in the second and third years.

“So if a student finds that they love their first-year criminal law course, they can choose their courses in their second or third year to kind of set them up for a criminal law practice,” Ray says.

The American Bar Association, which is responsible for accrediting law schools nationwide, also mandates J.D. programs to include courses in legal writing , professional responsibility and experiential learning.

Earning a J.D. doesn’t make someone a lawyer, but it is the first step in the process to begin practicing as one. Graduates of J.D. programs can sit for the bar examination in their state – upon passing the exam, they can then practice law.

While the J.D. is meant to prepare students for a career as an attorney, not all J.D. recipients end up practicing law after graduation. Without passing the bar, individuals with a J.D. can’t represent clients but can use their legal knowledge in other fields, like entrepreneurship or nonprofit work, notes Cathy Alexander, assistant dean for admissions at Pace University’s School of Law in New York.

“If you look at the roster of corporate executives, you'll find a lot of them have a law degree or law background,” adds James Hackney, dean of the School of Law at Northeastern University in Massachusetts. "It's obviously a requirement for being a lawyer, but I think it's also a valuable degree for a whole host of leadership positions.”

Experts agree that writing is an especially important skill for students hoping to enroll in a J.D. program. Hackney says J.D. programs tend to involve a significant amount of writing and analytical thinking. Alexander adds that having a strong foundation in writing and research skills bodes quite well for incoming law students.

“While no particular majors are required" for admission to law school, Ray says, "being able to communicate well in writing is really important.”

How Does a J.D. Differ From Other Degrees Offered at Law Schools?

While law schools commonly offer other degrees, such as the LL.M. or the master of studies in law, also known as an M.S.L., they are not meant to be an entry point to practice law. The J.D. degree is the main route to becoming a lawyer.

According to Alexander, the M.S.L. degree is meant for nonlawyers who want to gain a better understanding of the law and legal practices. This program is a shorter and more cost-effective way for people who don’t plan on practicing law to gain a deeper understanding of the legal process, she says.

An LL.M. gives students an opportunity to study certain areas of the law more closely, Ray says, and can also be a pathway for lawyers from another country to become a practicing lawyer in the U.S. Students entering an LL.M. program have already completed legal studies, either earning a J.D. or studying law in another country. Certain LL.M. programs may qualify foreign lawyers to sit for the bar, getting them up to speed on legal practices stateside.

How Difficult Is Earning a J.D.?

Law school is notoriously challenging , but experts note that students can make it more manageable for themselves.

The volume of reading is a particularly difficult adjustment for students who are starting out in their J.D. program, Alexander says. Throughout law school, she says, students have to read legal cases that feature vocabulary that they have not been exposed to elsewhere.

“The vocabulary within the cases can seem like a foreign language,” she says, noting that students will likely have to look up a lot of the terminology. But as time goes by, she notes, students tend to get into the swing of things and are better able to scan through dense legal texts – a skill that will ultimately serve them well when they go on to practice law.

Hackney advises incoming and current law students alike to communicate as much as possible with their professors. “They’re there to help you understand the material,” he says.

He adds that law schools offer all sorts of resources to help students succee d, from formal academic success programs to informal study groups with peers. Students just need to be proactive about using the resources, he says.

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“I always knew I wanted to go to law school, but maybe back then I didn’t know what it meant to be a lawyer. … The more diverse the profession becomes, the more we can serve people who need our help.”

– Abyan Gurase’s story

The JD: What Every Lawyer Needs

If you’re considering pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, you aren’t alone. Thousands of people in the United States earn a JD every year, and our research shows they do so for a variety of reasons: to help others, to work in an exciting field, or to open doors to a variety of professions, among others. This page includes a summary of the JD degree, as well as resources you can use to plan your journey to law school.

The JD degree is considered to be a “first degree” in law. In other words, if you want to practice law in the United States, you will, in almost all cases, need a JD degree. But a JD isn’t just for people who want to become lawyers. Some people use a JD to become a law librarian, enter the world of academia, or go into consulting, among other careers. You might also find it useful if you want to enter politics or do advocacy work. 

What You Should Know

• JD degrees are offered by ABA-approved law schools, by schools that are not ABA-approved, and by many law schools in Canada and other countries around the world. Find a law school .
• In the U.S., admission to a JD program requires a bachelor’s degree. The admission requirements differ in other countries.
• Additionally, every school has its own set of requirements . Make sure you know what your schools require so that you can apply efficiently.
• Most JD programs are three-year, full-time programs. However, many law schools do offer part-time programs that take approximately four years to complete.
• LSAC’s flagship exam, the LSAT , is an integral part of the law school admission process in the U.S., Canada, and a growing number of other countries. All ABA-approved law schools accept the LSAT.

Planning Your Next Steps

If you’re planning to apply to multiple schools, signing up for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) can save you time and work in doing so. When you use this service, you send your transcripts and letters of recommendation to LSAC one time, and we package everything for the schools to which you apply. We will also send updates to your schools when you add items to your file at LSAC.

There also is a way for law schools to find you. LSAC’s optional (and free) Candidate Referral Service (CRS) allows you to release information about yourself into a recruitment database that law schools use to reach out to potential applicants based on various characteristics such as undergraduate major and location. You can register for CRS through your free LSAC JD Account .

Check out LSAC’s JD Application Checklist to get an idea of what else you need to do — and how we can help.

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J.D. Thesis Program

JURIS DOCTOR PROGRAM (J.D. THESIS CURRICULUM)

It is a basic four-year law degree program with completion of a thesis as prerequisite to graduation. Although classified as a professional doctorate degree, it shall not however entitle the holder of the degree to be addressed with the designation reserved for holders of academic or research doctorate degrees. In addition to the subjects required under the J.D. Non-Thesis Curriculum, additional mandatory and elective courses, as well completion of a thesis, are required under the J.D. Thesis Curriculum.

Classification:

• Perspective Courses
• Core Subjects
• Elective Courses (Optional)
• Apprenticeship

Normal 0 false false false EN-PH X-NONE X-NONE

JURIS DOCTOR (J.D.) Thesis Curriculum

Effective School Year 2022-2023

First Semester

Second Semester

SECOND YEAR

SECOND SEMESTER

  Note: MLAW 319 is a core subject.

FOURTH YEAR

Total Number of Units: 172  

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Juris Doctor (Non-Thesis)

A program designed to teach law students all about the Philippine government, constitution, structure, law, defense skills, and research. No thesis is required.

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Juris Doctor

Definition of Juris Doctor

Examples of juris doctor in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Juris Doctor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Latin, doctor of law

1904, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near Juris Doctor

jurisdictive

jurisprudence

Cite this Entry

“Juris Doctor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Juris%20Doctor. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.

Legal Definition

juris doctor

Legal Definition of juris doctor

Note: The juris doctor replaced the bachelor of laws as the first degree conferred by a law school in 1969. Not all states mention the J.D. or LL.B. specifically as a requirement for admission to the bar, but all states do require graduation from a law school.

New Latin, doctor of law

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Juris Doctor Program (J.D. Non Thesis Curriculum)

It is a basic four-year law degree program but without thesis. It likewise presupposes a collegiate or University bachelor’s degree.

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