Can you get 2 law degrees?

Asked by: Mr. Angelo Pouros Sr.  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (28 votes)

A dual law degree (also known as a joint law degree) combines a J.D., MLS, or LL. M. degree with another program. By completing the coursework for both programs concurrently, students can potentially save time and money.

Can you have multiple law degrees?

Dual degrees are best suited for the student who enters USC Gould with a clear career path already in mind - one that would be enhanced by a second advanced degree in a particular field. Keep in mind, if you intend to practice law after graduation, the JD alone may offer just as many career options as the dual degree.

How many degrees can you get in law?

Practicing law in the United States typically requires a Juris Doctor (JD degree) from a school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, that's only one advanced degree you can earn when you're interested in studying law.

Is it possible to get a JD in 2 years?

Two-year JD Programs are intensive, full-time programs that compress the standard three years of law school curriculum into two years. This is achieved by offering courses during the summer terms and sometimes through a heavier course load during the regular academic year.

Can you double major with law?

Because of the highly specialized nature of legal work, law students often pursue double major undergraduate plans to build diverse skill and knowledge sets.

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What is the hardest law degree to get?

The hardest law school to get into is Yale Law School, with an acceptance rate of 5.5%. Followed by: Stanford Law School: 7% acceptance rate. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School: 3.8% acceptance rate.

Which degree is best after law?

You can pursue higher study if working after your LLB is not what you want to do. But which course is the best after LLB? You have two options: pursue a PhD or the LLM (Master of Legislative Law) degree, which will help you acquire better employment as a law graduate.

Is a JD as hard as a PhD?

No, a JD is not equivalent to a PhD. PhDs require research, independent study, and thesis components that JDs do not.

What is the shortest law degree?

The fastest law degree you can earn is a Master of Legal Studies, as some of these programs allow you to graduate in 12 months. Master's programs require you to have a bachelor's degree beforehand, and some require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) beforehand.

How old are most JD students?

The average law student is usually 25 or younger.

Which law pays the most?

What are the highest-paid types of lawyers? The highest-paid lawyers typically specialize in fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These areas command higher salaries due to the complexity, demand, and financial stakes involved.

How long is law school in Germany?

The study of German law has its own peculiarities. Education lasts for an average of 8-9 years (depends on the student's progress) and consists of two stages: Stage I – full time study at the university during 4-5 years. After completing this stage, each student must take a state examination (Erstes Staatsexamen).

Is a JD a doctorate or Master's?

A Juris Doctor degree is technically a professional doctorate. But unlike other Ph. D. holders, lawyers don't hold the title of "Doctor." Instead, they can choose to use the title "esquire," which is shortened to "Esq." and is fashioned after the lawyer's name.

Can I go to law school twice?

It will not count against you to you reapply to a law school that previously rejected or deferred you, as long as your application shows positive changes, additions, and growth. This can be in the form of additional course work and improved grades or continuous employment or internship experience.

Which year of a law degree is the hardest?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Can I get a JD and PhD?

A fully integrated program with the most generous funding in the country, Northwestern's JD/PhD program is open to a small number of students who intend to pursue an academic or research career and whose teaching and research will be enriched by both degrees.

Can I get a second law degree?

Students in dual law degree programs graduate with two degrees—either two degrees in law or one degree in law and another in a second discipline. These programs allow students to obtain an additional degree in less time than if they pursued both degrees independently.

Is 30 too old to finish law school?

Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40. Many older law school graduates build fulfilling second careers that draw on preexisting skills and experiences.

Can you finish a JD in 2 years?

There are more than a dozen two-year J.D. programs nationwide, allowing law students to complete the required course studies in two years rather than the traditional three. The American Bar Association, which accredits and approves law schools and programs, requires at least 24 months of study to receive a J.D. degree.

Can I be a professor with a JD?

Yes. You can also be a law school professor, or even a professor at a traditional university that offers graduate degrees in other (specific) areas. It can be difficult. There was a prof with a JD in my grad program, who dealt with legal aspects of technology.

Is PhD a terminal degree?

An academic doctorate such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a terminal degree for expanding human knowledge through research and dissertation defense.

Is JD PhD paid for?

University of California, Joint PhD-JD in Philosophy and Law (Los Angeles, CA): All admitted students receive two years of fellowship support. Fellowships cover living expenses, university fees, health insurance, and out-of-state tuition if needed.

What is the most prestigious law degree?

Stanford University Law School

Stanford University Law School is in Stanford, California. Along with being California's top law school, Stanford is also the nation's top-ranked law school. Stanford Law School has a competitive acceptance rate of 6.88%. Stanford Law School is known for its collegial culture.

What do you call a person with a law degree?

The titles JD and Esq. both refer to someone who has completed law school. JD stands for Juris Doctor, and signifies that someone has completed law school and earned their JD degree. Esq. stands for Esquire and is an honorary title that typically signifies someone has both completed law school and passed the bar exam.

Can a law degree be used internationally?

While it is not always easy, many American attorneys have successfully established a legal career outside the United States. There are many ways to find legal work abroad. Some American attorneys join the overseas branch of a large international law firm.