What is the D in JD?

The D in JD stands for Doctor of Jurisprudence or Doctor of Law. A JD is a professional doctorate degree in law that is required to practice law in the United States. Let’s take a closer look at what a JD is and how it differs from other law degrees.

What is a JD Degree?

A Juris Doctor degree, or JD, is a 3-year graduate degree program that is required to become a licensed attorney in the United States. While it is considered a doctorate level degree, the JD is a professional rather than academic doctorate.

The JD prepares graduates to practice law by teaching the substantive knowledge and practical skills needed to pass the bar exam and provide effective legal services. JD programs focus on courses such as constitutional law, contracts, torts, civil procedure, criminal law, property law, and legal writing and research.

While less common, some JD programs offer joint degrees that combine the JD with another advanced degree such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or Master of Public Health (MPH).

How is a JD Different from Other Law Degrees?

There are several different types of law degrees, so how does the JD differ from other options?

JD vs LLB

In most English-speaking countries outside the United States, the basic law degree is the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). The LLB is an undergraduate degree program that takes 3 years to complete. A JD, in contrast, is a graduate degree completed after earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree. So the JD takes a total of 7 years of education (4 for a bachelor’s + 3 for the JD).

The additional education required for the JD is meant to allow for more in-depth study and training in complex legal topics. While an LLB is sufficient for legal practice in many countries, only a JD meets the requirements to practice law in the U.S.

JD vs LLM

A Master of Laws (LLM) is a post-graduate law degree pursued after completing the JD program. An LLM is usually a 1 year program focused on a particular area of law. LLM programs allow lawyers to gain specialized knowledge through advanced coursework and independent research.

While the LLM can help with career advancement, it is not required to practice law like the JD is. Most lawyers begin their careers after earning their JD rather than pursuing an additional LLM degree.

JD vs SJD or JSD

The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD or JSD) is a research doctorate in law that is pursued after the JD degree. Like a PhD, the SJD requires completion of comprehensive written exams and an original dissertation that advances legal scholarship.

The SJD typically takes at least 2 years of full-time study beyond the JD. SJD programs are geared toward legal academics interested in research and scholarly writing rather than law practice.

Why is a JD Required to Practice Law?

So why is it necessary to earn the JD specifically to become a licensed, practicing attorney in the United States? There are a few reasons for this requirement:

• Standardized legal education – Requiring the JD helps maintain consistent standards for legal education and competency across all states.
• Complex U.S. legal system – The breadth and depth of knowledge required to navigate the complex U.S. legal system is most comprehensively gained through three years of full-time study in a JD program.
• Licensing requirements – Sitting for the bar exam and obtaining state licensure to practice law mandates completion of a JD from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Professional credentialing – The JD maintains the legal profession as a professional doctorate similar to an MD or DDS in the medical field.
• Legal reasoning – JD programs focus extensively on developing skills like legal analysis and reasoning that are core competencies for practicing attorneys.

While other law degrees may provide foundational legal knowledge, only the specialized training, licensing requirements, and credentials of the JD meet the standards for practicing law in the U.S. legal system.

Admissions Requirements for JD Programs

Because the JD is a graduate level degree, all applicants must first complete an undergraduate bachelor’s degree before enrolling. Common undergraduate majors for JD applicants include political science, history, English, economics, and philosophy.

Beyond holding a bachelor’s degree, JD program applicants must also meet these key admissions requirements:

• LSAT exam – All applicants take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a standardized test that assesses reading comprehension and logical/analytical reasoning skills.
• Undergraduate GPA – A strong undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0 or higher) is required, demonstrating the ability to excel academically.
• Letters of recommendation – Letters from undergraduate professors or employers evaluate an applicant’s abilities and potential.
• Personal statement – The law school personal statement allows applicants to showcase their background, skills, and interest in law.
• Resume – A resume summarizes an applicant’s academic, extracurricular, and professional background.

Law schools carefully consider these factors – along with LSAT scores, GPA, and personal qualities – to choose the most qualified candidates for their JD program from among many applicants.

What Courses Are in a JD Program?

As a professional degree, the JD curriculum includes both foundational courses to introduce legal concepts and skills, as well as advanced law courses in specialized subjects. The first year of law school generally consists of fundamental courses to build a baseline understanding, while the second and third years allow for more electives and specialization.

Here are some of the common courses found in a typical JD program:

In addition to traditional coursework, JD students will complete practical training through clinics, externships, and simulations. These experiential learning opportunities allow students to develop skills like client counseling, trial advocacy, negotiating, and drafting legal documents.

How Long Does it Take to Get a JD?

Full-time JD programs typically take 3 years to complete. Students pursue an intensive course load over 6 semesters, or 9 quarters at schools on a quarter system. This allows for completion of at least 90 semester credit hours in order to earn the JD degree.

Some law schools also offer part-time JD options designed to accommodate students who may have work or family obligations. Part-time JD programs usually take 4 years to complete.

Here is a typical timeline for earning a JD:

Some students pursue a faster accelerated JD program combining bachelor’s and JD study to save a year. But for most, the typical JD takes at least 3 years of full-time enrollment after completing an undergraduate degree.

What Can You Do With a JD Degree?

The JD degree equips graduates with versatile skills that open many career paths in and out of legal practice. Here are some of the most common JD career options:

• Lawyer/Attorney – Graduates who pass the bar can be licensed attorneys and practice law in many different legal fields.
• Judge – Judicial positions like magistrate judge or bankruptcy judge require holding a JD.
• In-house Counsel – JD graduates often work managing legal issues internally at companies and organizations.
• Legal Researcher – Law librarians or other legal research roles require the analytical ability honed by a law degree.
• Law Professor – Those interested in teaching law full-time pursue careers as faculty members in law schools.
• Government Roles – A JD can qualify graduates for legal roles in government like FBI, State Department, or other agencies.
• Nonprofit Sector – Public interest law groups, think tanks, and advocacy groups hire many JD graduates.
• Alternative Careers – The JD can transition into business, consulting, entrepreneurship, and other non-legal jobs.

While the JD is designed to prepare legal practitioners, it also provides transferable skills valuable across many industries. Diverse options exist to use the degree in legal and non-legal careers.

Should You Get a JD?

Pursuing a JD represents a major commitment in time, effort, and money. Before applying to law school, it’s important to carefully consider these factors:

• Career Goals – A JD is essential for legal careers, but not mandatory for jobs outside law. Determine if a law degree aligns with your professional aspirations.
• Cost and Debt – Law school tuition creates significant debt that must be repaid even pursuing non-legal work. Evaluate if the investment makes financial sense.
• Work-Life Balance – The study and practice of law can involve heavy workloads and long hours. Consider your priorities and values.
• Interest in Law – The 3 years of law school entail hard intellectual work. Ensure you have a true passion for legal topics to sustain your motivation.
• Alternatives – For some career paths, a Master’s degree may suit your needs at a lower cost. Weigh JD benefits against other options.

Taking an introspective look at these factors can determine if pursuing this graduate professional degree is the right choice for your goals and interests.

Conclusion

While complex, the JD clearly represents an advanced graduate degree and level of educational attainment. Earning a Juris Doctor degree signals commitment to the rigorous study and practice of law. The JD is not a shortcut to being an attorney, but rather a comprehensive path to developing the capabilities required to excel in legal professions.

With extensive training in legal doctrine, analytical skills, and practical abilities, JD graduates emerge ready to serve private or public sector clients effectively. For those passionate about law, the JD provides the foremost route to legal careers while also equipping graduates for diverse opportunities beyond the legal field.