Can you get an LLM before a JD?

Asked by: Cleta Wintheiser  |  Last update: July 29, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

Technically, you can pursue an LLM degree without ever earning your JD.

Do you need a JD or LLM first?

A JD is mandatory, while an LLM is usually optional.

You also don't need any prior legal experience or knowledge to apply for a JD program and complete it. You need an undergraduate law degree or a JD before you can be accepted into an LLM program.

Is LLM harder than JD?

2. Is LLM Harder Than JD? In some ways, an LLM may be harder because of its specialized curriculum and thesis requirements.

Can you be a lawyer without a JD?

In four states, you can still take this non-law-school route to becoming a lawyer. Vermont, Washington, California, and Virginia all allow people to become lawyers by “reading the law,” which, simply put, means studying and apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge.

Do you need a Master's before a JD?

Law school doesn't require a master's degree, but it does require a bachelor's degree. J.D. degree schools only consider the GPA you received for a bachelor's degree. Even if you have several master's degrees, your GPA for those programs may not factor into law school admission.

Sam Zell: Get a Law Degree

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Can you study LLM without JD?

Technically, you can pursue an LLM degree without ever earning your JD. That's only possible, however, if you're an international student who studied law outside of the U.S. “You have to have what we call a first law degree. In the U.S., your basic first law degree is the JD, so you do need it to get your LLM.

Is a JD easier than a PhD?

The amount of study, research and learning that is required for a PhD. is much greater than attending law school.

Has anyone passed the bar without going to law school?

A number of historical figures became lawyers without law school, such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

Can you get a PhD in law without a JD?

Most US law schools offer not a PhD in law, but a JSD, SJD, or other research doctorate basically equal to a PhD. Most also require the person applying for such study has an LLM already and also a JD, which is the professional doctoral degree needed to become a practicing lawyer in the US.

Is an LLM prestigious?

Holding an LLM from a top university could significantly lift your earning potential as well as your chances of getting that fabulous promotion or job offer from a top firm once you are more settled.

Do I need LSAT for LLM?

LLM applicants are lucky not to have to take this test as it is a challenging exam that requires great preparation. Many students take the LSAT twice or even three times in an attempt to improve their score. Most LLM applicants will have to take the TOEFL test, which tests reading, writing, and comprehension.

What is an LLM equivalent to?

LLM (often written as LL. M.) stands for Legum Magister, which is Latin for Master of Laws. An LLM is a one year degree program which you can pursue after receiving a JD (or international equivalent).

Why get an LLM after JD?

For those who obtain a JD in the United States or an equivalent law degree in another country, a Master of Laws (LLM) provides a path to career advancement and possible specialization in a particular field of law.

Are LLMs worth it?

In short, an LLM doesn't offer much of anything that you can't just pick up from day-to-day legal practice.

Can lawyers make 300k a year?

Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for attorneys in the US is just over $125,000. The highest-paid lawyers (10% of the legal workforce) make over $208,000 However, the top 1% of attorneys make $500,000 or more per year.

What field of law is most in demand?

Which Legal Fields Are in Demand?
  • Intellectual property law. ...
  • Family law. ...
  • Immigration & naturalization law. ...
  • Real estate law. ...
  • Contract management. ...
  • Compliance. ...
  • Labor and employment. ...
  • Corporate transactions. Also known as mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, this work navigates the buying and selling of companies and their assets.

Which type of lawyer is the richest?

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.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian learned very quickly how hard bar exams can be. The California state bar is one of the most difficult states to pass, with a 40-50% pass rate. The first attempt rate, the second attempt, and after the third time, she finally passed!

What state has the easiest bar exam?

Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.

How many law students never pass the bar?

This varies by law school and by state. There are about 200 ABA (American Bar Association) accredited law schools. Among the top 150 law schools—as ranked by US News—bar passage rates for first time bar takers ranges from about 97% to a low of about 65%.

Is JD harder than LLM?

An LLM program may offer an opportunity to take more rigorous courses. LLM programs frequently require a thesis, while JD programs usually do not. An LLM can help JD recipients overcome the stigma of a poor GPA or having attended a low-ranked law school.

Do you call someone with a JD doctor?

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.

What is the hardest PhD to get?

Neuroscience: Studying the brain and nervous system is incredibly complex. It involves a combination of biology, psychology, and even engineering, making it a challenging field to master. Astrophysics: Trying to understand the mysteries of the cosmos is no easy task.