Should you get an LLM after a JD?

Asked by: Prof. Winifred Fritsch  |  Last update: October 20, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (1 votes)

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 an LLM worth it after a JD?

Generally, I would advise against doing an LLM right after your law degree. There are a few good reasons why this is conventional wisdom: 1. Having a few years in practice, teaching and/or in public service gives you experience and, more importantly, perspective.

Can you get an LLM with a JD?

Yes. A JD is the general advanced degree required to practice law as an attorney in the US; it is the credential you need to sit for most states' bar exams. The LLM is usually pursued for one of two reasons: (1) an attorney who is licensed in a fo...

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.

Is it a good idea to have an LLM?

Does An LLM Really Help? Like we mentioned above, there really isn't a huge amount of data to indicate that LLMs are beneficial to lawyers. Sure, some employers would like to see them on a resume. However, a lot of employers, the vast majority in fact, simply don't give the degrees much weight.

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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.

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 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.

Do you 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.

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.

Can you take the bar with just an LLM?

However, a few US states allow graduates of an LLM with no JD degree to sit for the bar exam, provided they fulfill additional conditions pertaining to their previous degrees and the credits gained during the LLM program.

Is a JD equivalent to a Masters?

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 an LLM from Harvard worth it?

If your goal is to secure a job at a law firm, particularly in New York or London, a Harvard LLM can help. However, I've also seen classmates struggle to find law firm jobs in the U.S. I don't know their exact strategies or reasons for rejection, but I assume they did everything they could and got really unlucky.

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.

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.

Can I transfer from LLM to JD?

You must apply for the JD degree within 3 years of completing your LLM program to be eligible. Please note that students in the online LLM, MITLE, MDR, or MSL programs are not eligible to apply as transfer students. We will grant up to 30 credit units from your LLM degree toward the 88-unit minimum for the JD degree.

Can LLM be a lawyer?

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.

What LSAT score do you need for Harvard LLM?

The 1L class at Harvard University has a median LSAT of 174. The 25th percentile LSAT is 171 and the 75th percentile LSAT is 176.

Who is a candidate for LLM?

Many LLM CAS–participating schools require that applicants have completed, or be in the process of completing, a first professional degree in law, be licensed to practice law, or have significant experience in legal practice.

Is a JD technically a doctorate?

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 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.

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.

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.

What is the highest salary in LLM?

Employees who know Llm earn an average of ₹37.4lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹22.6lakhs per year to ₹218.4lakhs per year based on 42 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹49.0lakhs per year.