What is the abbreviation for master lawyer?

Asked by: Dr. Fidel Bergstrom III  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (17 votes)

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.

How do you abbreviate Master of law?

"LLM" is the standard abbreviation for the Master of Laws degree. It is derived from the name of the qualification in Latin, “Legum Magister”, with “legum” as the plural of "lex", meaning law.

Which is higher JD or 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 ...

What does LLM mean for a lawyer?

An LLM, or Master of Laws, is a graduate qualification in the field of law. The LLM was created for lawyers to expand their knowledge, study a specialized area of law, and gain international qualifications if they have earned a law degree outside the U.S. or Canada.

How to put LLM after 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.

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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.

Is LLM a title?

The Master of Laws degree abbreviates to 'LLM'.

What Master's degree is best for law?

While pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) is a surefire way to practicing law, students can also consider the Master of Laws (LLM) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) based on their experience and career goals.

How long does an LLM degree take?

The Master of Laws (LL. M.) degree is an advanced, one-year graduate program in which students have the flexibility to enroll in one of several distinct specializations or customize their studies in pursuit of their unique professional goals. Designed for those who already hold a J.D. or equivalent law degree, the LL.

What is LLM after someones name?

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. In most jurisdictions, the LL.

Can you get an LLM without a law degree?

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.

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.

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 an LLM higher than a JD?

1. Is JD Higher Than LLM? No, an LLM is a master's program, so it's more advanced and usually requires a JD or equivalent law degree.

Is there an abbreviation for Master?

The title Mr derived from earlier forms of master, as the equivalent female titles Mrs, Miss, and Ms all derived from earlier forms of mistress. Master is sometimes still used as an honorific for boys and young men.

Which LLM is most in demand?

However, if we see the LLM courses that are in demand these days, there is a list presented below:
  • International law.
  • Tax law.
  • International Trade Law.
  • Intellectual Property Law.
  • Family Law.
  • Human Right Law.

Does having an LLM make you 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.

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.

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.

What is a Master's degree in law called?

Master of Laws (LLM)

Are masters in law worth it?

If you're looking to level up your compliance and regulatory knowledge in your current field, then there are numerous reasons why a Master of Legal Studies is worth pursuing. With the skills and knowledge acquired from an M.L.S. program, you can advance your career and build your reputation as a leader in your field.

Can you be a lawyer with a Master's degree?

However, earning a master's degree alone will not allow you to sit for the bar or become an attorney. If these are your goals, you'll need a JD degree — or, in some cases, an LLM degree. Requirements for admission vary by school, but generally, an undergraduate degree is the main requirement.

What is an LLM degree salary?

As of Jan 21, 2025, the average annual pay for the Llm jobs category in California is $147,989 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $71.15 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,845/week or $12,332/month.

Why use LLM?

LLMs will likely reduce monotonous and repetitive tasks in the same way that robots did for repetitive manufacturing tasks. Possibilities include repetitive clerical tasks, customer service chatbots, and simple automated copywriting.

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.