Helen Saulnier 
Law Degree Abbreviations: A Guide to the Most Common
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in law, you’ll need to understand the different law degree abbreviations. There are many different types of law degrees available, and the abbreviations can be confusing.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common law degree abbreviations and what they mean. We’ll also discuss the different types of law degrees and what they prepare you for.
What Are Law Degree Abbreviations?
Law degree abbreviations are used to shorten the names of different law degrees. They are typically made up of the first few letters of the degree name. For example, the abbreviation JD stands for Juris Doctor, which is the most common law degree in the United States.
Here are some of the most common law degree abbreviations:
- JD: Juris Doctor
- LLM: Master of Laws
- JSD: Doctor of Juridical Science
- LLB: Bachelor of Laws
- DCL: Doctor of Civil Law
- DPhil: Doctor of Philosophy
What Do Law Degree Abbreviations Mean?
The meaning of law degree abbreviations can vary depending on the country or region. However, in the United States, the most common law degree abbreviations have the following meanings:
- JD: Juris Doctor is the most common law degree in the United States. It is a three-year degree that prepares students for entry-level positions in the legal field.
- LLM: Master of Laws is a one- or two-year degree that is typically offered to lawyers who already have a JD. It can be specialized in a particular area of law, such as tax law or environmental law.
- JSD: Doctor of Juridical Science is a research-based degree that is typically offered to lawyers who want to pursue a career in academia. It is a more advanced degree than an LLM.
- LLB: Bachelor of Laws is a four-year degree that is offered in countries outside of the United States. It is the equivalent of a JD in the United States.
- DCL: Doctor of Civil Law is a research-based degree that is typically offered to lawyers who want to pursue a career in academia. It is a more advanced degree than a JSD.
- DPhil: Doctor of Philosophy is a research-based degree that is offered in a variety of fields, including law. It is the highest degree that can be awarded in law.
Different Types of Law Degrees
There are many different types of law degrees available, each with its own unique focus. Some of the most common types of law degrees include:
- Juris Doctor (JD): The JD is the most common law degree in the United States. It is a three-year degree that prepares students for entry-level positions in the legal field.
- Master of Laws (LLM): The LLM is a one- or two-year degree that is typically offered to lawyers who already have a JD. It can be specialized in a particular area of law, such as tax law or environmental law.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD): The JSD is a research-based degree that is typically offered to lawyers who want to pursue a career in academia. It is a more advanced degree than an LLM.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): The LLB is a four-year degree that is offered in countries outside of the United States. It is the equivalent of a JD in the United States.
Law degree abbreviations can be confusing, but they are important to understand if you’re interested in pursuing a career in law. By understanding the different law degree abbreviations and what they mean, you can make an informed decision about the type of law degree that is right for you.
Here are some additional tips for understanding law degree abbreviations:
- Do your research: There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn more about law degree abbreviations.
- Talk to your professors: If you’re a student, talk to your professors about law degree abbreviations. They can help you understand the different types of law degrees and what they prepare you for.
- Visit your school’s career center: Your school’s career center may have resources available to help you understand law degree abbreviations.
By following these tips, you can learn more about law degree abbreviations and make an informed decision about the type of law degree that is right for you.
