JD(Juris Doctor), that is, doctor of law, or "doctor of law", is the first professional degree in American legal education system. JD program generally lasts for 3 years, requiring students to apply after graduation, and there is no requirement for the background of pre-law course.

LLM (Master of Laws), that is, Master of Laws. Students are required to have a legal background. Because there is no LLB degree in the legal education system in the United States, for American students, if they want to study LLM project, they must first obtain JD degree.