Eeny meeny miney…degree? Much as I’d like to believe that readers of this blog are only here to bask in the sparkling wit and charm of our lovely authors, I know a self-serving fallacy when I see one. We’re all here for one reason: To absolutely decimate the LSAT—Blueprint is great at that, BTW. But is that the only reason we’re here? What’s after the LSAT? More importantly, do you even need to take the LSAT?
Sometimes it’s worth taking a moment to remember that the LSAT is only an intermediary conclusion. After all, there’s still law school to conquer. But what exactly does that mean? Is a legal education just the LSAT, three years of law school, the Bar exam, and then you’re out the door and into practice? It certainly can be. But that’s not the only path out there. There are a number of “law degrees” out there and each one can determine if you’re capable of suing or getting sued.
When people talk about a “law degrees,” generally they have something quite specific in mind. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a number of options available to an enterprising legal scholar. Here’s a brief overview of some of the different programs that can contribute to a legal education.
What is a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree?
A JD is the gold standard of a legal education. When you think of “law school,” this is the kind of program you’re likely picturing. Elle Woods got her JD in “Legally Blonde.” On “How to Get Away With Murder,” Viola Davis teaches students earning a JD.
But what is the meaning of a JD degree? According to LSAC, a JD degree is typically earned in three years, requires a Bachelor’s degree to enter, and often relies on a competitive LSAT score to ensure admission—this is why you prep for the LSAT. A JD provides the background knowledge needed to pass the Bar exam, which allows lawyers to practice law in state and federal courts.
Most JD programs will cover a core set of courses, including contracts, torts, and civil procedure—concepts that make up a huge amount of what lawyers actually do when practicing law. Students fill out the rest of their class hours with electives in different areas of study, like environmental or international law. Regardless of focus, successful graduates of these programs walk out the door with a JD degree in hand, pursue bar admission and, once admitted, practice law.
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What is an LL.M. Degree?
But what about people who want to continue their legal education beyond a JD? An LL.M. program (also known as Master of Laws or Legum Magister) can be used to augment your legal education after pursuing a JD.
LL.M. programs are aimed at lawyers who are seeking to deepen their professional credentials in a particular area of law, like taxation or human rights. An LL.M. might make a US attorney a more attractive hire for a particular law firm, or it could be used to help a lawyer from another country familiarize herself with U.S. law. These programs typically take one year to complete. Many law schools offer an LL.M. and some even offer joint or dual JD-LL.M. programs. However, whether or not you need an LL.M. is ultimately up to you and your career goals.
What is a Legal Certificate?
Legal certificate programs appeal to the widest group of potential students. Both practicing attorneys with a JD and people working in law-affiliated careers like court reporting can, and do, enroll in certificate programs. Some certificates are cross-disciplinary and available to business or med students.
These programs also tend to be on the shorter and more affordable ends of the spectrum of legal education. Before deciding on a Legal Certificate program, be sure to do your research to make sure that the program is aimed at the appropriate content and level of expertise. A paralegal hoping to expand her general knowledge of contracts is looking for a different program than a practicing attorney looking for a cybersecurity crash-course.
Master’s Degree
Another option for those interested in legal education is a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or a similar non-JD master’s degree. These programs go by different names depending on the school, including Master of Science in Law (MSL), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Juris Master (JM), and others. They’re generally designed for professionals who want to develop a stronger understanding of the law without becoming practicing attorneys.
The key difference between one of these Master’s degrees and an LLM is in how those degrees are used. Lawyers pursue an LLM as a professional degree; students earn an MSL or MLS in order to learn more about the law from a non-practicing point of view.
In summary, a chart:
| Type of Program | Minimum Degree Typically Required | Typical Program Length | Who It’s For | Can It Lead to Practicing Law? |
| JD (Juris Doctor) | Bachelor’s degree | 3 years full-time | People pursuing a career as a lawyer | Yes, after meeting your jurisdiction’s bar admission requirements |
| LL.M. (Master of Laws) | First professional law degree, such as a JD, LL.B., or equivalent | Typically about 1 year | Law graduates seeking advanced or specialized legal study | Sometimes. An LL.M. alone does not automatically qualify you to practice law; eligibility depends on your prior legal education and jurisdiction |
| Non-JD Master’s (MSL, MLS, JM, etc.) | Usually a bachelor’s degree; requirements vary | Often 1–2 years | Professionals who want legal knowledge without becoming practicing attorneys | Generally no. These programs typically do not qualify graduates for bar admission |
| Legal Certificate | Varies by program | Varies | Lawyers or nonlawyers seeking focused training in a specific area | Generally no on its own. Bar eligibility depends on your underlying legal education and jurisdiction |
*Note: Currently, four states—California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington—offer pathways that can allow applicants to qualify for the bar exam without graduating from law school, typically through a structured law-office study or apprenticeship program.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, not all law degrees make you a lawyer. For most aspiring lawyers in the U.S., the traditional path is to earn a JD and complete the bar admission requirements in the jurisdiction where they want to practice. But, in order to get into a top law school, you’ll need to get a competitive score on the LSAT.
A strong LSAT score can open doors to various law school options and scholarship opportunities. Blueprint LSAT students increase their LSAT scores by 15 points on average. We have the LSAT prep course that fits your learning style: a flexible Self-Paced Course, the best instructors guiding you in a Live Course or 170+ Course, and comprehensive private LSAT tutoring.
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