Law Degrees In The US

Arts, Law & Languages, Career Options, Study Abroad, United States | shubhashish | June 22, 2009 at 4:02 am

law-degrees-in-the-usUnited States has arguably the most progressive infrastructure of law education. Legal education in the country is the reflection of the most developed legal and judiciary system of the country. Law education in the US also has a business oriented face. So it is much in demand.

The law schools in the United States offer legal degrees only at postgraduate level. Though there are certain institutions that offer law education at undergraduate levels, as well. However, a law student can only become an accredited lawyer if he or she has a degree of law at the postgraduate level.

The schools of law in US offer two types of degrees in law. One is known as JD or Juris Doctor and the other is known as LLM or Masters Degree in Law. A JD degree only from an ABA (American Bar Association) approved law schools qualifies one to practice law in the court of law.

JD or Juris Doctor

JD or Juris Doctor Program is a basic law degree offered by the US law schools. This degree makes one eligible to start professional career in the court of law. JD is a three-year program. It is the only professional degree of doctorate in law. Unlike any other doctorate degree, it does not require a thesis or research dissertation.

LLM or Masters Degree in Law

LLM is generally intended for a candidate who is already a qualified lawyer and has the intention of pursuing higher law education in any of its domain. A candidate of LLM does not necessarily require relevant work experience.

The top law program which is basically designed for working professionals takes one academic year to complete. In certain schools, the program is offered as a two-year course. The aspirants of LLM are usually not required to sit for LSAT or any other test. However, the offshore students require producing a legitimate TOEFL score before they get admission in LLM course.

ABA approved law schools

There are about 200 ABA approved law schools in the US. Some of them include Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, Brooklyn Law School, Cornell Law School and Baylor Law School.


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