Introduction to Law Degree Abbreviations
Juris Doctor (JD): An undergraduate degree awarded by law schools in the United States, and by some other countries, that is required in order to enter the legal profession.
Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD): The advanced professional research degree earned either after obtaining a JD or an LLM (Master of Laws). Because its doctoral status is more honorary than actual, the JSD is considered to be a professional degree which is a step below a PhD.
Bachelor’s in Law: The Bachelor’s degree awarded upon completion of law studies is typically abbreviated as LLB or BL. The LLB is the abbreviated form of the Latin Legum Baccalaureus which is interpreted as "degree of laws."
Legum Baccalaureus: In jurisdictions that employ the LLB designation, the degree holder may have earned either a Bachelor’s of Law, so the abbreviation is LLB, or the bachelor’s degree in civil law (LLB [Civ.]). This abbreviation can often be shortened to simply an LLB, not differentiating between the LLB and the specifically civil law-LLB (although it is, of course, important to always know exactly what law degree someone holds). Not surprisingly this same rule applies to JDs as well.
Law Degree Codes: In more modern terms, legal degrees are more often than not abbreviated using codes. The codes are commonly used to identify the type of law degree issued. For example, JD denotes a Juris Doctor, LLB denotes a Bachelor of Law , LLM refers to a Master of Law, JD/LLM is a dual degree holder, and PhD denotes a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law.
Internationally Accepted Abbreviations: 1) JD (Juris Doctor); 2) LLB (Bachelor of Laws); 3) LLB (Civ.); 4) LLB, LLM. These abbreviations are universally accepted internationally.
As with any other field of study, abbreviations for Juris Doctor (JD), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are commonly used. The purpose of this article is to decode those legal degrees.
Legal degrees are often accompanied by other abbreviated qualifications. A common degree acronym is the Juris Doctor, JD, which is conferred to students who have earned their first professional law degree. This is typically earned after completing a four-year program of studies in the U.S., or other countries with similar educational programs.
A Bachelor of Law, LLB, is a graduate degree that is obtained in many countries. Although it is often compared to an LLB, the LLB (Civ.), an undergraduate in civil law, is awarded after completing a program of studies that has more in common with a Juris Doctor than a Bachelor of Laws.
Master of Laws (LLM), a post-graduate law degree, is awarded after completion of a second graduate law program, which usually entails a year of study.
A Doctorate of Philosophy, PhD, is awarded only by a handful of law schools in a specific area of the legal field.
The JD: Juris Doctor
Abbreviated JD, Doctor of Jurisprudence, is a degree conferred upon those who have been admitted to the practice of law by the state. In the United States, a JD requires three years of graduate education. Historically, a period of apprenticeship was an accepted prerequisite for the legal profession. However, in the latter part of the nineteenth century, the nation’s law schools began to develop and the first degree programs (LLB) were designed to coincide with the newly established graduate school programs. Further, in the early twentieth century, the JD designation was standardized and was subsequently well received throughout the nation.
In order to be eligible for admission to a law school in the United States, one must have not only been awarded a bachelor’s degree, but also have taken certain undergraduate courses, passed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and submitted an application paperwork. Because of the impact of affirmative action on student enrollment, the minimalist educational requirements for law school have been assessed as a disadvantage to students attending more affluent undergraduate schools.
The LLM: Master of Laws
The Master of Laws is the highest postgraduate law degree. It is an advanced postgraduate academic degree, usually studied for by those who have already completed their Juris Doctor degree, and sometimes after a career of specific practice in a related field. Generally, an LLM will last one year of full-time study, but can be extended into two or three years to fit around work commitments. While specific law schools may have their own requirements, in general, the only prerequisite for entry is a first degree in law; ideally a Juris doctor degree, though a recognised bachelor’s law degree will also suffice.
Professionally, an LLM is intriguing and useful for several reasons. Firstly, as above, it can be used as a long-term developmental tool that allows you to stand out from the crowd in your chosen field. It also provides an opportunity to specialise and undertake focused research, which can in turn allow you to contribute to the wider field of jurisprudence with new ideas and solutions. In a practical manner, particularly with respect to gaining work as a law professor or a solicitor, an LLM also demonstrates excellent research and analytical skills as well as a commitment to the vocation.
The LLB: Bachelor of Laws
Abbreviation for Bachelor of Laws, a common law degree. LLB degrees are offered globally and represent an undergraduate course of study for most jurisdictions.
The SJD: Doctor of Juridical Science
The SJD degree is the rarest and highest advanced law degree conferred by American law schools. The equivalent of the PhD degree , the SJD is earned by completion of an advanced program of graduate courses and the writing and defence of a publishable dissertation. The advanced law degree programme is designed for students who have already written analytical and theoretical academic works. Students are required to produce a dissertation, which is normally conforms with standard U.S. dissertation formats and is independently defended before a faculty committee.
Other Law Degree Abbreviations
Some other law degree abbreviations which are encountered less frequently include MSL (Master of Studies in Law), MA (Master of Arts), MCL (Master of Comparative Law), JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law), MLS (Master of Laws), JCL (Doctor of Canon Law), JSM (Master of the Science of Law), MCL (Master of Comparative Law), JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law), JSD (Doctor of Juridical Science), LLD (Doctor of Laws) and DSL (Doctor of Sacred Law). Other, far less common law degree abbreviations and acronyms include SJD, JSD, DCL and DCL (Doctor of Civil Law). The use or meaning of these may be specific to one institution (for example, SJD is reserved at Harvard Law School for its highest level of doctoral degree).
How to Choose a Law Degree
Students should consider their career goals and the geography in which they intend to work when choosing between common law degrees such as a JD, LLB, or JD Juris Doctor. For example, those who have their sights set on practicing in the US may benefit from qualifying for bar admission by obtaining a JD. In contrast, those looking to stay in Canada may prefer an LLB or JD Juris Doctor, which is like the LLB but specific to the Canadian system. However, today, many US states permit LLB and JD Juris Doctor graduates from accredited law schools to qualify for bar admission if they meet certain criteria. Therefore, many students are more interested in determining whether a school is accredited and whether the schools where they wish to work recognize the LLB or JD Juris Doctor.
As well, students should evaluate which school of law they wish to attend. A common law degree from Dean’s Council accredited schools such as Osgoode, UBC and York University schools of law is typically the right option for students hoping to qualify for bar admission in a Canadian territory where a Canadian common law degree is acceptable.
Likewise, students looking to practice in Canada’s North, or in Quebec, which has a civil law tradition, should carefully scrutinize the requirements for bar admission in those territories, as a JD may be preferable there, given the hybrid legal context.
The decision will be informed by the students’ career goals, as well as their geographic goals. Students should get to know their local and other Canadian career markets, and try to qualify for bar admission in more than one.
Conclusion – Choosing the Right Law Degree
A deep understanding of the various abbreviations used for law degrees – both in the United States and elsewhere – provides invaluable insights about precisely what you’re contemplating, whether you’re looking to study law in the U.S. or seeking to study law at an international school.
From the additional curriculum to the time and financial commitment involved, this knowledge can also help to frame exactly what you can expect in terms of results when all is said and done. A law degree can be an incredible investment, but like any other educational program, it’s important to know precisely what you’re getting into.
For prospective law students in the U.S., not all law programs are created equal. If you’re weighing up the choice of attending a JD program versus a JD specialty program, it’s essential you understand the difference between these two options. This is particularly true when you consider the fact that not all U.S. law schools offer these two options, either.
In addition , if you’re obtaining an additional qualification from an American law school after already receiving your JD degree — such as an LLM or a JSD — then it’s also important that you fully comprehend the reason behind these law degree abbreviations.
For those considering attending law school outside of the United States, it is equally vital that you grasp how the various law degree abbreviations operate in the many countries where the LLB was first introduced, or where this abbreviation operates now.
It’s no secret that law school is expensive and time-consuming. Even though the vast majority of law schools are now introducing their own forms of online education and flexible learning, a standard on-campus legal education requires serious time, money and commitment. That’s why the biggest decisions about your legal education – and your career prospects – mustn’t be taken lightly.
Ultimately, it’s essential to understand the law degree abbreviations you come across, while also considering how they apply in terms of curricula, additional qualifications, time commitments, and costs. With this information, you can make the right choice for you – whether you choose to study in the United States or abroad.