Is an LLM a law degree?

Asked by: Prof. Garry Bartoletti  |  Last update: October 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes)

An LLM, or Master of Laws, is a graduate qualification in the field of law.

Is an LLM higher than a JD?

An LLM takes a lawyer deeper, to gain "advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility, and/or expanded practice opportunities." The primary difference in the curriculum is that a JD program covers general law concepts; the LLM is focused on a specific area of expertise.

Are you a lawyer if you have an LLM?

An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.

What type of degree is an LLM?

A Master of Laws (M.L. or LL. M.; Latin: Magister Legum or Legum Magister) is an advanced postgraduate academic degree, pursued by those either holding an undergraduate academic law degree, a professional law degree, or an undergraduate degree in a related subject.

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).

Is Master of Law (LLM) Worth It...?

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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.

Is LLM the same as llb?

LLB is a three- or five-year study that covers the fundamental principles of law, such as civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, and procedural law. LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate law degree that focuses on one field of law.

Can you get an LLM without a law degree?

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.

How do you write LLM after your name?

How do you write JD LLM after a name? Use abbreviations without periods—such as AB, BA, MA, MS, MBA, JD, LLB, LLM, DPhil, and PhD—when the preferred form is cumbersome. Use the word degree after the abbreviation.

Is a LLM a judge?

“LLM as a judge” refers to the use of LLMs to evaluate or assess various types of content, responses, or performances, including the performance of other AI models. For example, using LLMs as judges for evaluating AI model accuracy, automating grading in education contexts, content moderation, or benchmarking.

Can an LLM sit for the bar?

Seton Hall's LL. M. in American Law gives students great flexibility to choose courses that align with their professional goals, including, in some cases, the ability to sit for a bar exam. Eligibility to sit for a particular state bar exam varies from state to state.

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 you practice law with just a Master's?

While a Master of Business, Law, and Technology degree does not allow you to practice law, it can open doors to emerging career avenues and opportunities.

Is LLM easier than law school?

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.

Can you become a lawyer with LLM?

1-Year LLM and 2-Year LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in New York, California, Washington D.C., or Washington. Online LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in California.

How hard is LLM?

LLM programmes may sometimes seem tough due to their study environment. Strong time management skills are required for LLM completion. The course emphasises legal analysis and problem-solving, which requires sophisticated legal terminology.

Is LLM a degree?

While obtaining a Juris Doctor (JD) is the most common way to practice law, there are other degrees — including Master of Laws (LLM) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) — available to those interested in the field.

Is LLM a title?

The Master of Laws degree abbreviates to 'LLM'.

Which is better LLM or JD?

While a JD program provides the foundational knowledge you need to practice law, an LLM allows you to specialize in your specific area of interest and distinguish yourself in the legal market. Since an LLM allows you to dig deeper into specialized subject matter, it can also open up more job opportunities.

Which LLM is most in demand?

Have a look at some of the most popular LLM programs below!
  • 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.

Is an LLM a doctorate degree?

An LLM degree is an advanced law certification with global credibility. This one-year, full-time or two-year, part-time course of study generally follows a first degree in law, such as the JD. According to the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), “The LLM curriculum varies depending on the program.

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.

What is the average age for LLM?

Because a JD degree or international equivalent is required for admittance to LLM programs, most LLM students are somewhat older than the typical law student. The majority (58%) of LLM students are between the ages of 26 and 40.

Does an LLM matter?

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 LLM called?

A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) program that can recognize and generate text, among other tasks. LLMs are trained on huge sets of data — hence the name "large." LLMs are built on machine learning: specifically, a type of neural network called a transformer model.