Basic Law degrees
A law degree can come in several forms.
A Bachelor of Laws (abbreviated LL.B. or LI. B., for Legum Baccalaureus) is the basic baccalaureate degree in law. This is the program of study one might undertake if one is interested in studying law and nothing else. In the US, this degree is sometimes called a Bachelor of Legal Letters.
The Juris Doctor is still considered to be a higher degree by some, though the line is blurring. It used to designate a three year program of study one can take after one has completed any undergraduate degree, including degrees in Arts, Social Sciences or other faculties. Distinctions between these two basic law degrees can vary widely from one country to another and even among US states.
The LL. M. (Master of Laws) is the advanced law degree higher than these two. The degree above all these is the doctor of laws, which comes in various forms, including most commonly the SJD, JSD (Doctorate of Judicial Sciences) or LL.D.
A typical law degree will consist of six modules, each focusing on a different subject area. These modules will include:
- Contract law
- Criminal law
- Law of evidence
- Public law
- Property law
- Trusts and equity
Online law degree programs
The most common form of online law degree may be the paralegal. You can find more information on paralegals.
Since law is sometimes a choice that people make later in life, online law degrees are growing in popularity, especially higher level degrees like the Juris Doctor. Law is typically fairly knowledge intensive, while practicum is an important (separate) aspect. Online universities are responding to the growing need for online degrees with several programs, including online Juris Doctors. Some online universities offer programs wholly online. As you look into these programs, you need to be sure of two things with respect to these:
- That it meets your personal needs in terms of career, time and other needs
- That it is accredited by the ABA (American Bar Association)
You can also learn more about:
Lawyers and the legal profession
Lawyers’ employment and pay, present and future
Qualifications and training for lawyers.
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