Choosing whether or not to pursue a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree is a huge decision and one that many people find difficult to make. There are a lot of factors to consider, including what the school offers, what the cost is, and what career options you can expect after you graduate. This article will cover the history of the JD, the different types of schools, and the costs involved.
History
Getting a Juris Doctor is a no-brainer, as most people aspire to be a lawyer at some point in their lives. While the requisite two-year course is a given, there are a number of schools in the city and beyond that offer a one-year program or two. The best of the bunch is the University of Wisconsin law school. Its campus is located in Madison, a suburb of Milwaukee, where the state capital is held. Although it may be small in comparison to larger schools such as Harvard and Yale, the school offers a number of majors and minors in law, business, and engineering, among other subjects.
The best part is that the campus is not quite as cramped as some of the smaller universities, making it a pleasant place to study. Fortunately for prospective students, the school’s website provides a list of its accredited courses and degrees. In addition to the traditional classroom setting, the school also offers a number of online programs. For example, the school’s website boasts the e-Learning program, which features courses designed for students with busy schedules.
LLM vs JD
Choosing between a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Laws (LLM) can be confusing. While both programs are designed to provide lawyers with advanced legal knowledge and skills, there are some key differences between the two. You need to understand these differences before you make your choice.
The first major difference between the JD and LLM is the duration of the program. While the JD is a three-year degree, the LLM is a one-year course.
The LLM is a specialized law degree that provides students with a deeper knowledge of legal theory and practice. It is also intended to prepare lawyers for more lucrative careers in specific fields.
The LLM program is usually more theoretical than the JD. Law students may spend the first year focusing on the history of the legal system and the procedures involved. After graduation, they can begin practicing in a related field. In addition, a number of LLM programs require a license to practice law.
Cost
Getting a law degree can be expensive. Although a few schools offer affordable options, the costs can add up. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to cut back on your bill.
The most popular program is the Executive Juris Doctor, or EJD, a three-year course that is equivalent to a typical three-year JD. Students may also take classes in a per-credit-hour format during the summer. This type of degree will be most beneficial for those with specific goals, such as becoming a patent agent or health care administrator.
The cost of the EJD may seem like a lot of money, but if you’re considering a career change, you could be pleasantly surprised. The average EJD graduate earns an average of $99,000 per year. This is a significant increase over what you would have made prior to enrolling in the program.
The EJD may be the most impressive legal credential, but there are other ways to go about earning a law degree. Some employers will even help pay your way.
Career options after a J.D.
Getting a law degree is an excellent first step toward a variety of career options. You can become an attorney, an examiner, or a patent agent. You can also specialize in a specific field of law, such as international property law.
There are also several alternative careers for lawyers, such as environmental policy, real estate, and financial planning. However, you do need a law degree to become an attorney. In order to be licensed to practice law, you must graduate from law school and pass the bar exam. Alternatively, you can earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.).
If you want to get into law practice, you’ll need a Juris Doctor. There are more than 200 ABA-accredited law schools that offer the J.D., and it usually takes three years to complete. Once you graduate, you must request to enter the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA entry is required to practice law in the U.S. Depending on your state, you may be able to sit for the bar exam before you can become a practicing lawyer.
