There is some misunderstanding about law degrees, particularly the different titles granted to law graduates, such as J.D., LLB, and LLM.
The main issue is that when comparing one title to another in a different jurisdiction or location, the meanings of these titles are not necessarily the same. In certain countries, for example, a J.D. has already supplanted the old LLB, while in others, the J.D. coexists with the LLB.
So, what exactly is a J.D., and how does it differ from an L.L.B.?
LLB is the first law degree that may be obtained chronologically. What does LLB stand for? It’s an abbreviation for Bachelor of Laws, according to the traditional name of the qualification in Latin, Legum Baccalaueus.
This is the conventional title given to someone who has completed or graduated from a law school or a regular law curriculum.
The LLB is a legal degree that originated in England. The LLM, or Master of Laws, is the next step after completing the LLB.
In most countries, earning a bachelor of laws degree is considered a scholarly program that requires extra training or education units before a law graduate can practice law.
It is an undergraduate course in terms of the entire legal curriculum because it is a Bachelor’s degree, but it is essentially a graduate program, similar to a Masters degree, in the sense that admittance to LLB normally requires a prior university level of college study.
However, the system was reformed, particularly in the United States, and a law graduate’s first degree is now a J.D., or Juris Doctor.
Even yet, if one does not have any LLBs earned outside of the United States, one must have a J.D. to be admitted to an L.L.M. Although some jurisdictions, like the Philippines, utilize both, most countries still use the LLB title.
Choosing a Law Degree
The most popular law courses in the world are the LLB, JD, and LLM. But what’s the difference between them, and how can you know which one is suitable for you?
In most areas, including Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the Legum Baccalaureus (LLB) is a bachelor’s degree that students can begin as soon as they finish high school at the age of 18. They must complete additional study and training after graduation before they can practice law.
In other countries, however, the LLB is a second degree that qualifies graduates to take the bar test and become licensed lawyers.
What is a juris doctor law degree? The Juris Doctor degree (JD), often known as Doctor of Law or Doctor of Jurisprudence, is a graduate-entry professional degree in law and one of numerous Doctor of Law degrees.
And lastly, the Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate degree that can be pursued following the completion of the LLB or Juris Doctor.
‘LLM’ stands for Legum Magister, which means ‘Master of Laws’ in Latin. The degree is a long-standing legal certificate that is recognized in higher education institutions all around the world.
What is The Difference Between LLB And JD Degree?
Both the JD and the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) lead to legal practice accreditation. The LLB is for individuals who are just starting out in law school, whereas the JD is for those who already hold a degree.
A quick comparison of LLB and D can be found in the table given below.
Bachelor of Law vs Juris Doctor: Admission Requirements
Qualification for an LLB
Bachelor of law admission requirements include holding a bachelor’s degree in any field.
A candidate may also be required to have specific minimum marks in their graduate studies and to achieve certain qualifying marks in the accepted admission exam, depending on the college of application.
Qualification for a JD
Juris Doctor requirements include having a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who have studied law or similar courses may be preferred by colleges, but it is not a prerequisite for admission.
Content of Courses And Possible Career Routes
The LLB is an academic degree in the United Kingdom that provides students with a general introduction to the law. To become a lawyer, graduates must complete additional training. Trainee solicitors must first finish the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before beginning a training contract with a law firm.
After completing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), trainee barristers must spend a year of pupillage in chambers.
Because the LLB provides a broad, academic legal education, many students enroll in the course with no intention of becoming lawyers and instead intend to pursue other occupations such as politics, international development, or economics.
In the United Kingdom, having a bachelor of laws degree is not required to practice law.
Approximately half of all lawyers study a topic other than law as an undergraduate and then take a one-year conversion test known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
The JD, on the other hand, is a professional degree for people who want to be lawyers, with a more vocational course content than the LLB.
In order to practice law in the United States, you must have a JD. In the United States, JD graduates of American Bar Association-approved law schools are instantly qualified to sit for the bar test in any state, which, if passed, grants them the right to practice law.
Other nations that have embraced the JD, on the other hand, nearly invariably require graduates to complete additional practical training before they are able to apply for a license to practice.
Students and professionals who want to receive specialized legal training in a field of law, such as arbitration or tax law, can pursue the LLM after completing the LLB or JD.
In most countries, an LLM is not required for aspiring lawyers, although it might provide holders an advantage in a highly competitive job market. In Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Cyprus, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Finland, and the Netherlands, however, a master’s degree is required to practice law.
FAQ
- Is a juris doctor the same as a law degree? No. A Juris Doctor (JD) is a three-year professional law degree in the United States. Applicants to law school must already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Is a JD better than an LLB? The main benefit of a JD over an LLB is that the programs are tailored to graduate students. The biggest downside is that it is usually more expensive.
- What is a JD equivalent to? A J.D. is considered to be at least as valuable as, if not better than, a master’s degree.
- Can someone with a JD be called Doctor? Contrary to medical professionals and professors with advanced degrees, lawyers do not really use that title.
- How many years is a bachelor of law? In most cases, LLB programs can be finished in three to four years.
Final Word
The development of law and the legal system has had a significant impact on the modern world. It has shaped the foundations of human civilizations and shown to be a route to the modern world.
It plays a critical role in supporting the current cultural and economic framework and preserving modern values of equality, democracy, freedom, justice, and human rights in a world that is rapidly moving toward liberal principles.
Today, having a robust and effective legal system is one of the most important requirements for every country. This is why persons (let’s just call them lawyers) who can read, understand, write, and argue for and against a country’s laws are regarded in such high respect.
We can help you jumpstart your legal career: With the 100% online Bachelor of Law, you’ll gain an in-depth comprehension of legal knowledge and the practical application of the law in any field.
Develop important transferable abilities such as research and analysis, teamwork, presentation, and writing skills to prepare for a successful profession and become a well-rounded lawyer.
Here at CBU, we strive to cover all your questions, so don’t hesitate to get in touch or download our prospectus to see what we have to offer.