A Juris Doctor (JD) is a graduate-entry professional degree in law, which is the standard degree obtained to practice law in the United States
. The JD is a rigorous course of study aimed at preparing students for a career as an attorney
. The degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the legal profession. To become a Juris Doctor, students must have completed an undergraduate degree, preferably in a Bachelor of Science or Arts, but there is no specific undergraduate coursework required for admission
. Students with a high grade-point average are also looked upon more favorably. Once admitted, a Juris Doctor degree requires three years of full- time study
. After completing the degree, graduates are eligible to sit for the bar exam in the state in which they wish to practice law
. A Juris Doctor degree can lead to various career options, including:
- Practicing law : The most common choice for JD graduates is to pursue a career as a lawyer, with multiple duties and responsibilities depending on the type of law they practice
- Work in other high-paying careers : The skills and discipline taught in a JD program can also lead to careers in consulting, editing, becoming a judge, and mediation
- Academic pursuits : Some lawyers may pursue advanced degrees, such as a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), to specialize in specific areas of law or teach at law schools
The JD degree is different from other law degrees, such as the Master of Laws (LLM) or the Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.), which are not meant to be an entry point to practice law
. The JD is the main route to becoming a lawyer, and it is essential for individuals who want to practice law in the United States
