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JD is considered to be the "terminal" degree for law. While its technically the "standard and lowest law degree" its also the highest. Professors at law school
by rhino369 6y ago
JD is considered to be the "terminal" degree for law. While its technically the "standard and lowest law degree" its also the highest. Professors at law schools mostly have JDs (some also have PhDs, but most don't).
Some programs have a SJD that is a rough approximation for research doctorate for law. But they are mostly money-grab degrees aimed at foreigners.
LLMs are basically the lawyer equivalent of a "graduate certificate." You take ~7-9 classes (the same electives JD candidates are taking). LLMs for people with foreign law degrees can be worth while, but the rest are money grab programs (with the exception of a Tax LLM since most law students don't take any tax classes).
Professional "doctorates" aren't really the same as doctorate. But I'd lump MD and D.Ed in with JD too.
- dragonwriter 6y ago> JD is considered to be the "terminal" degree for law. No, that's the SJD. > While its technically the "standard and lowest law degree" No, that is the BSL, though most students pursuing law get a different baccalaureate degree and then enter a JD program. JD is a first-professional degree, not the lowest degree in the field. > LLMs for people with foreign law degrees can be worth while Also, IIRC, an LLM is a cheaper and quicker alternative to an ABA-accredited JD as a qualification to sit for the bar exam in certain jurisdictions, if you are already admitted to practice in a foreign jurisdiction.