Why pursue a JD?

Asked by: Mr. Rowan Prohaska  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (56 votes)

While many JD graduates go on to practice law, the skills and knowledge gained through a legal education can be applied to a wide range of professions. For example, a JD degree can be useful for those pursuing careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations.

Why should you get a JD?

A J.D. degree prepares you to practice as a licensed lawyer, as well as pass the bar exam. The amount you earn depends on the type of law you practice, and what state you practice in.

Why a JD is better than an MBA?

The JD teaches people more skills and other attributes than just the law, which are very useful for their roles as CEO's (and the MBA course may not have), It may be more cost effective because a JD CEO does not really have to hire legal counsel until it is absolutely necessary. Hope this helps!

What inspired you to go to law school?

Respect. Lawyers and law students derive satisfaction from being in a position of prestige. The prospect of working in a well known law firm or for a famous client excites many law students and lawyers who anticipate being respected by other adults.

What makes you a JD candidate?

The American law degree, called a Juris Doctor (JD), is a three-year professional degree. Law school applicants must already have a bachelor's degree. It typically takes three years to complete the J.D. degree, after which the graduate must pass the bar exam to practice law.

Why pursue a JD/MBA? Pat Andriola '15 weighs in

32 related questions found

What is a JD Advantage position?

Starting with the law school Class of 2011, a new term of art entered our lexicon — “JD Advantage.” It is a phrase that NALP and the ABA use to describe a category of jobs for which bar passage is not required but for which a JD degree provides a distinct advantage.

When can you say you're a JD candidate?

If you acquired a degree which employers might not recognize by its abbreviation, spell out the degree name. For your law degree, you can either list it as “J.D. Candidate” with your expected graduation date, or you can list “J.D.” and the date as “Expected May 20XX.”

What motivates going to law school?

Studying law gives you the opportunity to make a difference to people's lives for the better. You'll defend the truth and bring justice, and you'll give those who need to be heard a voice.

What made you want to pursue law?

Describe a personal experience that inspired you

For instance, maybe a family member is an attorney and shows passion, excitement and enjoyment for their job and that interests you, or maybe you're interested in family law because you've personally witnessed the impacts of a divorce.

What are good reasons for going to law school?

10 Reasons to Study Law
  • Make a Difference.
  • Receive Exceptional Remuneration. It's all about the money, money, money. ...
  • Gain Status and Prestige. ...
  • It's Challenging and Rewarding. ...
  • Have Complete Job Security. ...
  • Knowledge of the Law Can Protect You. ...
  • Explore The Frontiers of Law. ...
  • Learn Transferable Skills.

Is a JD closer to a Masters or Phd?

4. Is a JD a Doctorate? Yes, a JD is considered a professional doctorate degree.

How do I know if law school is right for me?

Shadowing attorneys and legal internships are the best gauge of whether law school is right for you. After seeing what typical weeks in the office are like for an attorney, you'll be able to gauge if law school is a good path for yourself.

Why would I want to work for JD?

I have heard great things about the company's culture, values, and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. I am seeking to join a company that values its employees and offers opportunities for growth and development, and JD Wetherspoon aligns perfectly with my career goals.

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 " ...

What is a good personal statement for law school?

A personal statement should illustrate the positive attributes the applicant has that would make him or her successful as a law student and lawyer. Sometimes the best way for an applicant to show his or her character strengths is to recount a moment when he or she was challenged and overcame adversity, experts say.

What motivates lawyers?

Commitment to Fairness: The desire to protect justice and guarantee fairness drives the motivation of many attorneys. Their dedication motivates them to exert the required effort to stand up for their clients' rights and pursue fair resolutions.

How did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?

You may realize you want to be a lawyer if you are interested in upholding laws and defending an individual's rights. If you have a desire to help others, becoming a lawyer is a way to do this through a variety of career paths. Lawyers also use strong persuasive skills to argue for a position.

How to answer the question why do you want to go to law school?

The more specific your answer is, the better. It will show your determination to pursue this challenging career. Your answer to personal law school interview question about your goals should include a detailed description of how your chosen program is going you help you get to where you want to be.

What makes you competitive for law school?

There's really no way around it—your LSAT score, GPA, and the rigor of your undergraduate course work are basically the most important things law schools are looking for. Also keep in mind that your LSAT score and GPA can make a huge difference in the scholarships and grants you'll be eligible for.

Why have you chosen to make your career in the field of law?

Due to the nature of their careers, lawyers have the unique opportunity to help others and make a difference in their lives. Even more, through their day-to-day role of offering legal services in a diverse array of environments, lawyers can typically challenge themselves intellectually.

What do you call someone with a JD degree?

It requires at least three academic years of full-time study. While the JD is a doctoral degree in the US, lawyers usually use the suffix "Esq." as opposed to the prefix "Dr.", and that only in a professional context, when needed to alert others that they are a biased party – acting as an agent for their client.

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 you put JD after your name?

Should I put JD after my name? JD can go after a lawyer's name, but it is usually only used in academic settings. Even though a legal degree is a doctorate, you do not usually address law degree holders as "doctor." Lawyers do not normally put Esq. after their name and many attorneys consider it old-fashioned.