Chicago Legal Studies Graduate Programs

Legal studies and law degree graduate programs offer individuals who have earned a basic law degree the opportunity to pursue advanced law degrees such as the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Juris Doctor (JD). Post graduate law degree programs are also offered in various specializations such as environmental law and taxation law.

Why Consider Legal Studies and Law Degree Graduate Programs?

Legal studies and law degree graduate programs may appeal to current and aspiring lawyers as well as other professionals who might benefit from an expanded study of law, legal systems and policy making. In fact, per the BLS., after they graduate, lawyers are obliged to keep informed about legal developments that affect their practices, and may be required by their state to continue their legal education either every year of every three years.^[i]

Some legal studies and law degree graduate programs may be geared to the academic or professional who is interested in studying the law, while others are designed for the as the aspiring attorney who is interested in practicing law.

Legal studies graduate programs might prepare students to pursue a variety of potential career paths such as academia, the judiciary, business, and public policy.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common degree type awarded to current students graduating in Law is the Professional Doctorate; 44,426 professional doctorate degrees in law were awarded in 2014.^[ii]

What is Legal Studies?

Legal studies and law degree graduate programs might encompass the values, practices and institutions (e.g. judicial system) of law and legality (e.g. regulations). Legal studies provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law, political science, society and cultures. Whereas law degree programs and law school educates the student in the law, legal studies might offer more of a theoretical education about law from a critical and scientific perspective.

Types of Legal Studies and Law Degree Graduate Programs

Legal studies and law degree graduate programs offer different directions for post graduate law education. A variety of legal studies majors are designed for professionals who seek further knowledge but only two graduate degrees in law are designed for aspiring attorneys who intend to take the bar exams in their state and practice in a court of law; these are the Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and the Master of Laws (LL.M.).

LLM vs JD Degree

One of the decisions students may face when it comes to exploring legal studies and law graduate programs is to understand the distinctions between the Master of Laws (LLM) degree and the Juris Doctor (JD)Degree.

The Master of Laws (LLM) Degree

The LLM degree is typically a one-year, full-time or two-year part-time course of study that may range from 22 to 28 credits. Prospective need a first degree in law for admission to LLM degree programs. For United States-educated students, this means a JD degree, while international students must have a first degree in law from their country of origin, The Master of Law degree is considered an advanced law certification and has global credibility.

The Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

The JD degree is usually a three-year full-time program after 4 years of undergraduate study. The Juris Doctor is considered a first law degree in the United States and is usually required to practice law in the U.S. Prospective applicants into JD law programs are typically required to have a Bachelors degree, and pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Most states require lawyers to complete a juris doctor degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to take and pass the ‘Bar exams’.^[ii]