A Juris Doctor (JD) is a graduate-entry professional degree in law, and it is the standard degree obtained to practice law in the United States, where there is no undergraduate professional law degree
. It is a terminal degree required to become a lawyer and is the first step in the process to begin practicing as one
. The JD program generally requires a bachelor's degree for entry, and it typically takes about three years to complete if attended full-time
. After obtaining a JD degree and passing the state bar exam, graduates can practice law, but they can also pursue careers in consulting, editing, politics, and other respected professions
. The JD degree is considered to be a "first degree" in law, and it is required for practicing law in the United States in almost all cases
