Do you need JD to get LLM?
Asked by: Caesar Gorczany | Last update: October 26, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)
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.
Can you do 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 required for an LLM?
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 ...
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.
What are the requirements for LLM?
Candidates must have completed LLB or five-year integrated LLB from recognised university. They must have also scored 50% in average in their course in order to be eligible to pursue LLM. For candidates belonging to reserved categories, the minimum marks scored in graduation is 45% in aggregate.
What Is the Difference Between a JD Degree, LLM Degree, and Master of Legal Studies?
Who is eligible for LLM in the US?
Eligibility for LLM in USA
A bachelor's degree (Juris Docter, LLB, or equivalent) from an ABA-approved US law school or a foreign law school. Minimum 3 GPA on a 4 scale or 83% in the bachelor's degree. This requirement may vary for every law school/university.
Do you need a LLM to be a lawyer?
While it's not necessary to have an LLM to be a practicing lawyer, many professionals pursue one because it can make them more desirable candidates in a specific area or within a large law firm that handles international clients. An LLM may also provide you with the qualifications to become a firm partner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do all lawyers need a JD?
However, not every state in the US requires you to have a JD before you can sit for a bar exam. For instance, in California, instead of getting a JD, you can get a law office study degree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is a JD technically a doctorate?
In the United States, the JD has the academic standing of a professional doctorate (in contrast to a research doctorate), and is described as a "doctor's degree – professional practice" by the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics.
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.
Can I get an LLM without a JD?
Yes, it is possible to obtain an LLM (Master of Laws) degree without first completing a JD (Juris Doctor) program. Many law schools offer LLM programs specifically designed for individuals who already hold a law degree from their home country or have equivalent legal education and experience.
Is LLM a terminal degree?
An LL. M. is known as a terminal degree, which means that it is the highest level or most advanced degree in the study of law.
Does an LLM help you get a job?
Expand Your Career Possibilities
A major factor that makes an LLM degree worth it is the competitive edge in the job market. The LLM can help you get your foot in the door at a law firm, corporate legal department or government agency.
What is required for LLM?
Aspirants need to complete a three or five-year LLB degree from the University of Delhi or any other Indian or Foreign University recognised as equivalent by DU with at least 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for OBC-NCL/ PwD/ CW and 40% aggregate for SC/ ST) or equivalent can apply for LLM course.
Is a JD higher than a Masters?
Another interesting fact is that while J.D. certification “ranks” higher than a master's degree in law in the U.S., a lawyer will actually pursue the latter after obtaining their J.D. degree. The Master of Laws (L.L.M) is primarily used to specialize in a certain area, such as criminal law or corporate law.
Should I pursue 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 ...