Can we do LLD after LLM?

Asked by: Miss Luz Haag  |  Last update: February 28, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (74 votes)

Yes, you can pursue an LLD (Doctor of Laws) after an LLM (Master of Laws), as the LLM often serves as the primary admission requirement for this doctorate, especially in Commonwealth countries, demonstrating advanced legal knowledge for high-level research or academic careers, though in the US, a JD (Juris Doctor) is the standard practice degree, with an LLM being a specialization. An LLD is a higher, research-focused doctorate requiring significant original contribution, often with substantial post-LLM experience, distinguishing it from the practice-oriented JD.

Which degree is best after LLM?

Top 10 Career Opportunities After Master of Law (LL. M) in 2025

  • Corporate Lawyer. Corporate law is one of the most lucrative fields for LL. ...
  • Legal Advisor. ...
  • Judge or Judicial Services. ...
  • Legal Researcher. ...
  • Professor or Academic Career. ...
  • International Lawyer. ...
  • Public Prosecutor. ...
  • Policy Maker / Legal Consultant in Government.

Can you do an LLM before a JD?

If you have not yet completed your LLM, your acceptance will be conditional. You must apply for the JD degree within 3 years of completing your LLM program to be eligible.

Can you become a lawyer with an LLM?

Both the LLM and the Juris Doctor (J.D.) are degrees in legal studies that aspiring lawyers pursue to practice law. While a J.D. is the required degree U.S. lawyers must have to practice, an LLM is an advanced and optional degree in legal studies that J.D.

Is lld a law degree?

A “Doctor of Law” is a broader term that refers to more advanced or honorary degrees, such as a Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) or a Doctor of Laws (LLD). A JD is the required degree for lawyers who want to practice, while other “doctor of law” degrees are typically for those pursuing academic research or teaching.

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How many years to study LLD?

The study period extends over a period of at least two years. A student must meet all the requirements for the LLD degree within four years after registration.

Who is eligible for LLD in India?

LLD Admission 2025: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can study in a university which could be in India or abroad but must have relevant experience in the field of law. Few colleges also specify candidates to have a teaching experience of five to ten years to get a position for LLD courses in these colleges.

Which LLM is most in demand?

Top 10 LLM Specializations in Demand in 2025 – Scope, Salary & Career Opportunities

  • LLM in International Law.
  • LLM in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
  • LLM in Human Rights Law.
  • LLM in Environmental Law.
  • LLM in Cyber Law / Technology Law.
  • LLM in Taxation Law.
  • LLM in Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

Is LLM harder than JD?

In some ways, an LLM may be harder because of its specialized curriculum and thesis requirements. However, the JD is often believed to be harder because it takes longer to complete and is the first time students are introduced to legal theories and the rigorous demands of law school.

What is the salary of an LLM in the US?

An LLM (Master of Laws) salary in the US varies significantly by specialization and location, averaging around $142,000 to $149,000 annually for general roles like Corporate Counsel or Environmental Attorney, with potential jumps into the $190k+ range for areas like Securities Law, but lower for government roles; for technical LLM roles (AI), salaries are also high, with averages near $139k for LLM Application Engineers. 

Can I take the bar with just an LLM?

Unfortunately, for LLMs, there are not a lot of choices! Unlike students who graduate with a juris doctor degree, LLM degree holders face more restrictions on where they can sit for the bar. A handful of jurisdictions, such as New York, permit LLM graduates to take the exam and hold a license to practice law.

How did Kim Kardashian become a lawyer?

But Kim Kardashian did not graduate from law school. Instead, she endeavored to complete the study requirements of California's Law Office Study Program (LOSP) to be eligible to take the California Bar. This is a process we at Esq. Apprentice call legal apprenticeship.

Which branch of LLM is best?

The best LLM specializations in India include corporate law, intellectual property, technology law, and human rights law, among others. Whether you aspire to be a corporate lawyer, a human rights advocate, or a tax consultant, the right LLM specialization can help you achieve your professional dreams.

What is the next step after LLM?

Small language models

As noted above, an SLM is like an LLM but is trained on a smaller set of data. In general, bigger is better when it comes to training data, especially if you want to create a model that can support a wide range of use cases -- as most LLMs do.

Is an LLM worth it after law school?

Earning an LLM offers several advantages, including increased earning potential and stronger positioning when transitioning into a specialized practice area. Lawyers seeking to break into a specialized legal field may find it easier to do so with a relevant LLM degree.

Is law going to be replaced by AI?

No, AI won't fully take over law but will fundamentally transform it by automating routine tasks, increasing efficiency, and augmenting lawyers, making tech-savvy lawyers more valuable, while lawyers who don't adapt risk being left behind; AI handles data analysis, contract review, and research, but human judgment, contextual understanding, and complex argumentation remain essential for client counsel and strategic decision-making, shifting the focus to higher-value work and potentially changing billing models. 

How much do the top 1% lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers earn well into the high six figures to millions annually, with top "Big Law" associates hitting $400k+ quickly, and partners/specialists (like patent attorneys) exceeding $500k-$1M+, depending heavily on location, firm size (Big Law pays most), and specialization (corporate, IP, tax). Entry-level salaries at top firms can start around $215k+, while partners in successful firms can earn $500k to over $1M. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
 

What is a good LLM GPA?

What is the typical LLM GPA requirement? There is no universal GPA requirement for LLM programs, but top US programs expect a strong academic record. While 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may serve as a general minimum, competitive applicants often present a GPA above 3.5.

Is LLM enough to become a lawyer?

No, an LLM (Master of Laws) doesn't make you a lawyer on its own; it's a postgraduate specialization for those who already have a law degree (like a JD in the U.S.) or for foreign-educated lawyers to gain U.S. qualifications, but you still need to pass the bar exam to practice. The standard path to becoming a lawyer in the U.S. involves a JD degree, followed by bar admission, while an LLM offers deeper expertise in areas like tax or international law, making you more competitive or eligible to take the bar in specific cases. 

Can you teach with an LLD degree?

Teaching: You can become a teacher at nearly any level – primary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate. However, additional schooling and/or certification may be necessary in order to become a teacher, especially if you wish to become a professor of law.

Can a law graduate from India work in the USA?

Internationally educated lawyers who want to practice law in the U.S. must verify minimum legal education requirements, pass the bar examination in the jurisdiction where they will be working, and demonstrate strong moral character and fitness to serve as legal counsel.

Who is the oldest person to get a law degree?

There isn't one single "oldest law student" record, but notable examples include Alice Thomas, who graduated from law school at 79 in 2009, and Michael Kent Jones, who graduated at 74 in 2025, claiming to be the oldest man to do so in the U.S. Others like Australia's Joan Oliver, who graduated at 75 in 2021, and Jim Edwards, studying at 73 in 2014, highlight many people pursuing law degrees later in life.