The four main types of law degrees
Basic requirements to become a lawyer usually include a four-year college degree, three years of law school, and passing a written bar examination, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Competition for admission to most law schools is intense. There are three law degrees that can be obtained today that vary in length of study, salary expectations and areas of focus.
Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)
The most recognized law degree in the United States is the Juris Doctor degree. This degree can be earned after four years of undergraduate study and approximately three full years of graduate study in a law school.
Juris Doctor programs will focus on international, tax, family and business law. Some students may choose to supplement this degree with a master's program focusing on litigation or intellectual property laws.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment rates of lawyers to increase by over 10 percent between 2008 and 2018. In 2008, the annual median salary for attorney with this degree was over $110,000.
Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.)
A Master of Laws degree is obtained after completing the Juris Doctor degree, which is a requirement for admission into a LL.M program. This degree has a focused area of study, which can range from environmental law to tax law. Because the areas of study for this degree vary so greatly, the salary outlook and job forecast is unknown.
Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D)
The most prestigious law degree in the United States is the Doctor of Juridical Science. The curriculum for the S.J.D will be based solely on research studies. The length of time for obtaining this degree varies, but a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degree is required to be accepted to a S.J.D program.
The majority of graduates with an S.J.D enter the workforce as a law professor. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 15 percent growth in employment for law professors with a Doctor of Juridical Science degree between 2008 and 2018. The median annual salary for those with this degree was estimated at almost $100,000 in 2009.
Legal Specialization Areas
While there are only three types of law degrees, there are numerous specialization areas for advanced legal degrees. Since the law impacts our lives in every way, the legal profession must cover a variety of areas of study. The most common legal specializations are: Administrative Law, Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Family law, Immigration Law, International Law, Real Estate Law, and Tax Law.
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