Do you need a JD or LLM first?
Asked by: Dillan McGlynn | Last update: November 5, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (29 votes)
If you want to practice law, a JD degree is mandatory, while an LLM is 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.
Do you get a JD or LLM first?
LawyerEDU defines the JD "as the initial, postsecondary law degree necessary to sit for the bar examination and practice as a lawyer in a US jurisdiction," and the LLM as "a secondary degree for lawyers who have achieved their JD and passed the bar exam, and who are interested in a focused, specialized course of study ...
Can I do LLM without JD?
If you're an American or Canadian student, to pursue an LLM, you'll need to already have a JD degree. International students who want to pursue an LLM are required to have earned a first professional degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or an equivalent credential that permits entry into legal practice.
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.
Should you get a masters before a JD?
If I understand your question correctly, there is no need to do a masters program before applying to law school. The usual path is directly from college to law school. Masters programs in law are generally used for international students or for specialized post-JD programs like tax (at NYU, for example).
What Is the Difference Between a JD Degree, LLM Degree, and Master of Legal Studies?
Can you get a JD without a Masters?
Yes. In USA and Canada you have to successfully complete a bachelor's degree in any field (discipline) before you are admitted into a 3-year long JD (Juris Doctor) program in a law school (usually in a university).
Is a JD closer to a Masters or Phd?
4. Is a JD a Doctorate? Yes, a JD is considered a professional doctorate degree.
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.
Can you get a JD and LLM at the same time?
Options include combinations such as J.D./LL. M. in Banking & Financial Law, J.D./M.B.A. in Law & Management, J.D./M.P.H. in Law & Public Health, and J.D./M.A. in International Relations.
Does LLM require LSAT?
The LSAT is not required. Advanced standing may be granted upon review of the student's LLM transcript. LLM-JD transfer students may earn the Juris Doctor degree in five semesters.
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.
Can you be a lawyer with just an LLM?
A JD or an LLM can prepare you for a legal career, but you can't become a licensed lawyer without a JD degree. Also, a JD degree program takes longer and has a broader scope than an LLM program. What really determines if a JD or an LLM is the right one for you are your long-term career goals.
How much does an LLM cost in the US?
On average, the LLM fees in the USA range between 66,924 USD and 75,572 USD yearly. The cost of living can go up to 30,000 USD per month. You must also consider the pre-arrival expenses, which include the application fee, visa fee, SEVIS fee, etc.
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.
Is a JD enough to become a lawyer?
Possession of a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association is a requirement for practicing law in most states within the United States.
When should you do an LLM?
To my mind, there are 3 situations where doing an LLM is necessary and most desired - (i) when you want to enter academia, which makes an LLM a mandatory pre-requisite (this is why I am doing one), (ii) if you want to enter the policy advisory and/or research space (where an LLM is very preferable, although not ...
Do you need a JD before LLM?
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.
Can you transfer LLM credits to JD?
If the applicant is accepted into the J.D. Program, he or she may transfer the credits from law classes taken toward the completion of the LL. M.
Can you get a PhD with a JD?
The JD/PhD is an efficient and cohesive option for future legal academics, particularly as law schools increasingly seek faculty who hold dual degrees. Students are able to complete the entire program, including the dissertation, in as few as six years.
Which LLM is most in demand?
- Master of laws in Administrative Law Studies.
- Master of laws in National Law Studies.
- Master of laws in Economic Law Studies.
- Master of laws in Jurisprudence.
- Master of laws in Human Rights Law Studies.
- Master of laws in Dispute Resolution Studies.
What is a good GPA for LLM?
GPA Requirements by the program of study: J.D. Students must have a 2.23 by the end of their first year, and a 2.33 every year after the first year. LLM must have a GPA of 2.23. M.T. and MLS must have a 2.5 by the end of their first year, and a 3.0 every year after the first year.
How hard is an LLM?
US Law School is very tough, US LLMs are tough, but not as tough as JDs. Generally speaking, I think it is fair to say (with some exceptions of course) the first law degrees are tougher, statistically, than LLMs. US Law School is very tough, US LLMs are tough, but not as tough as JDs.
Can a JD call themselves a doctor?
Committee has held that the use of the J.D. is proper, and the use of the title "Doctor" is proper in reputable law lists, on academic occasions and in academic circles when in accordance with the customs of the school and when dealing with lawyers and others abroad in countries in which lawyers are referred to as " ...
Do you put JD after your name?
"J.D." stands for Juris Doctor — also known as a law degree. You may encounter the term "J.D." after someone's name in a resume, CV, or in an academic paper. Similar to other academic suffixes like "Ph. D." or "M.D.," a J.D. indicates that the titleholder has completed law school.
What degree is above a JD?
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
A Doctor of Juridical Science degree is considered the highest level of a law degree and is designed for professionals who are looking to gain an advanced legal education after earning their JD and LLM.