Are you thinking about entering law and want to learn about the different types of law degrees? Figuring out which degree to pursue can feel overwhelming, but it could be one of the most essential choices you’ll make for your career. Different degrees open different doors and come with their own set of demands.

There are three main options to consider: the JD (Juris Doctor), the LLM (Master of Laws), and the SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science). Each has a different purpose, whether you’re looking to practice law, specialize in something, or dive deep into research and academia. I’ll break down what each one’s about, the kind of work and commitment they require, and what job you might expect afterward.

What is a Juris Doctor?

The Juris Doctor is the go-to law degree if you plan to practice law. It’s the core requirement for anyone who wants to be a licensed attorney. Most people go for a JD after finishing their bachelor’s degree. The program digs into law essentials with constitutional law, contracts, torts, property law, criminal law, and civil procedure courses.

The JD degree is your starting point if you aim to get into a courtroom as a trial lawyer, work in corporate law, or serve as a public defender, prosecutor, or judge. It’s designed to build legal knowledge and practical skills, so you’ll spend time on legal research, writing, and developing the confidence to argue cases. It’s all about preparing you to practice law and handle real-world legal issues.

Most JD programs are set up to take three years if you’re going full-time, but for people who need more flexibility, there are part-time tracks that can stretch to four years or more. To get in, most law schools still require the LSAT, though some schools now accept the GRE, which has recently shifted admissions.

Once you’re in, you’ll cover various legal topics through courses; a big part of the experience is hands-on. Law schools often set up internships, externships, and clinics where you can work on real cases or legal projects, so you’re not just stuck in a classroom the whole time. This practical experience is huge for building your skills in the field.

A solid personal statement can make all the difference if you’re gearing up for the JD application process. For guidance, consider pro research paper writing service for getting help with your admission essay to ensure your application stands out.

Master of Laws

The Master of Laws (LLM) is a step up for those who already have a law degree, like a JD or its equivalent, and want to go deeper into a particular area of law. Where a JD gives you a general grounding in law, an LLM lets you zoom in on something specific, like international law, tax, human rights, or intellectual property.

LLM programs are famous for lawyers looking to specialize and international lawyers who want to become familiar with legal systems. For foreign-trained lawyers, a Master of Laws can also be a pathway to qualifying for a bar exam in certain states, opening doors to practicing law here. Adding a Master of Laws to their resume can make American attorneys more competitive, especially in niche legal fields where specialized knowledge is a significant advantage.

Exploring the Spectrum of Law Degrees

An LLM usually takes about a year to finish if you’re studying full-time, though many schools have part-time options that can stretch the program out a bit. You’ll generally need to have a JD or a foreign equivalent already to get in. Some programs, especially the ones in niche areas like international business or human rights, might even expect you to have some work experience.

The LLM program coursework is much more specialized than in a JD—you pick classes that fit the area you want to focus on, so you’re getting precisely the knowledge you need. An LLM can help you stand out in specialized legal roles.

If you’ve got a Master of Laws in tax law, for example, you could work with big accounting firms, global companies, or even government tax offices. A LLM in international law could open roles with international organizations, NGOs, or diplomatic circles.

Doctor of Juridical Science

As you can see, there are many types of law degrees, but here’s another one!

The Doctor of Juridical Science, or SJD (sometimes called JSD), is a top-tier law degree aimed at people who want to go deep into academic, research, or policy work. It’s more like a PhD in other fields—it’s almost all research, which makes it very different from the JD or even the more specialized LLM.

The SJD is mainly for those who see themselves building a career around legal scholarship. Most folks seeking a Doctor of Juridical Science plan to become law professors, research experts, or policy specialists. This degree is also ideal if you’re looking to add something new to the legal world, especially if you want to focus on niche or theoretical topics and push the boundaries of current legal thinking.

Types of law degrees

The Doctor of Juridical Science typically takes three to five years to complete and requires a significant research component, including a dissertation that contributes new insights to the field of law.

Admission requirements for an SJD are stringent. They often require an LLM, an outstanding academic record, and demonstrated research capability. Some institutions may also require applicants to submit a research proposal as part of their application.

Career Paths with an SJD

An SJD opens the door to academic careers and advanced research positions. Graduates often go on to become law professors, think tank researchers, or government policy advisors. While it’s super focused and mainly academic, some people use the SJD to become experts in areas that impact public policy or legal reform.

To summarize everything, each law degree has its purpose and commitment level. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which one might fit best:

JD: The go-to for those who want to practice law. It’s the foundational degree for becoming a licensed attorney or lawyer and covers many legal fields.

LLM: This is great if you’re looking to specialize further or if you’re an international lawyer who wants to practice. It’s focused and adds depth in a specific area of law.

SJD: For those with academic or research ambitions. It’s ideal for aspiring professors, legal scholars, or anyone who wants to get into research and theory.

Think about where you want to go in your career. If you’re set on practicing law, start with a JD. Already have a law degree and want to narrow your expertise? An LLM could give you the edge. And if your sights are set on academia or severe legal research, a Doctor of Juridical Science is the path to consider. There are many types of law degrees, so good luck picking the right one!