Indolawppower

The United States is home to some of the most prestigious law schools in the world. For international and domestic students alike, navigating the different types of law degrees offered can be confusing. Whether you’re a law student (SH) dreaming of a legal career or a practicing lawyer seeking advanced credentials, this guide will break down the main law degrees available at top U.S. institutions: JD, LLM, and JSD.

1. Juris Doctor (JD)

What is it?

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the standard law degree required to practice law in the United States. It’s considered a professional doctorate, although it is typically the first degree in law for American students.

Who is it for?

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents planning to sit for the bar exam.

• International students who want to qualify for the U.S. bar exam.

• People with a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Program Length: 3 years (full-time)

What You’ll Study:

• Core U.S. legal subjects: contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure.

• Legal writing, research, and clinical experiences.

• Electives in fields like international law, corporate law, and human rights.

Top Schools Offering JD Programs:

• Yale Law School

• Harvard Law School

• Stanford Law School

• Columbia Law School

• NYU School of Law

Can I Apply from Indonesia?

Yes, but you must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree first. The JD is not a graduate-level law degree like the LLM.

2. Master of Laws (LLM)

What is it?

The LLM (Legum Magister) is a one-year graduate law degree designed for:

• Foreign-trained lawyers seeking to study U.S. law.

• U.S. JD graduates specializing in a particular area of law.

Who is it for?

• Law graduates from outside the U.S. (e.g., from Indonesia) who want to:

• Understand the U.S. legal system.

• Sit for a U.S. state bar exam (like New York or California).

• Boost their global credentials.

Program Length: 1 year (full-time)

Specializations Often Available:

• International Law

• Human Rights Law

• Corporate/Business Law

• Tax Law

• Environmental Law

• Dispute Resolution

Top Schools Offering LLM Programs:

• Harvard Law School

• NYU School of Law

• Columbia Law School

• UC Berkeley School of Law

• Georgetown University Law Center

Can I Practice Law in the U.S. After an LLM?

Some states (like New York and California) allow foreign LLM graduates to sit for the bar exam, but requirements vary. Always check the rules of the state where you want to practice.

3. Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD or SJD)

What is it?

The JSD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or SJD (Scientiae Juridicae Doctor) is the highest academic degree in law, comparable to a Ph.D.

Who is it for?

• Academics, legal scholars, or experienced lawyers.

• LLM or JD graduates with strong research interests.

• Those aiming for teaching or high-level policy careers.

Program Length: 3–5 years

Focus:

• Advanced legal research.

• A dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field of law.

• Limited coursework, heavy on academic writing and publication.

Top Schools Offering JSD/SJD Programs:

• Yale Law School

• Harvard Law School

• Stanford Law School

• NYU School of Law

• University of Chicago Law School

Is it for Me?

Unless you’re passionate about legal theory or academia, the JSD may not be necessary. It’s ideal for those looking to teach law at the university level or influence international legal policy.