What kind of degree do you need to be a lawyer?

Answer 1

The law school degree has two alternative names. Originally it was called an "LL.B", which means Bachelor of Legal Letters. It was referred to as a Bachelor's Degree even though it was a post-graduate degree. More recently the degree has changed to the more fitting title (in my opinion) of "Juris Doctor", meaning Doctor of Law. The title of "Doctor" is a much more accurate descripton of the stature, education and nobility of lawyers everywhere. There are some states where a law degree is not required to become a lawyer. One still has to take the bar exam, but on the job training and self study can be used to qualify for the exam.

Answer 2

To become a lawyer in the US, one needs a "Juris Doctor" or "JD" degree. A JD is a professional degree, and so is not really at the academic doctoral level. To become a lawyer in the US, one first gets a bachelors (or an associates, and then a bachelors, whichever one prefers) degree in pretty much anything; and then one may enter law school, attend for three years, and emerge with a JD degree. From there, one takes the bar and ethics exams, survives the background check, and gets sworn in as an attorney-at-law.

After that, the next higher law degree is a "Master of Laws" (LLM) degree.

After that, the precise designation of the next higher law degree depends on the school. A law degree that really is at an academic doctoral level (as opposed to the JD, which, though it has the word "doctor" in it, is a professional degree, and not at the academic doctoral level) is the "Scientiae Juridicae Doctor," or, in English, "Doctor of Juridical Science" (SJD or JSD).

In the UK, the degree that allows one to practice law is at The Bachelor level, and is called the "Bachelor of Laws" (LLB) degree. From there one gets the "Master of Laws" (LLM); and from there, one gets the "Legum Doctor" or "Doctor of Laws" (LLD) degree.

Of course, all of the above presumes the the JD or LLB holder wants a higher-level degree in law. If s/he wishes higher degrees in any other academic area, then either the "Master of Arts" (MA) or "Master of Science" (MS) degree in whatever subject is desired is the next-highest degree; and then the "Doctor of Philosophy" (PhD) is the next highest after that... just like anyone else, whether or not s/he's a lawyer.

Answer 3

There is really no such thing as a "level of a lawyer." Perhaps you mean partner in a firm? ADDED: Perhaps you mean the highest degree of certification/education? That would be the holder of an "LLD" degree. Meaning the holder passesses a doctorate degree in the study of law.

Answer 4

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

A Doctor of Juridical Science degree is considered the highest level of a law degree and is designed for professionals who are looking to gain an advanced legal education after earning their JD and LLM.

Answer 5

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Answer 6

They start with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Then they can study and obtain a Masters in the Letters of Law, or an LLM degree.

Answer 7

It is the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, although higher degrees are available.

Answer 8

It is the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, although higher degrees are available.

Answer 9

J.D. (Juris Doctorate)