1.LLM (Master of Laws) is called Master of Laws. Most LLM degrees in American law schools are for international students, but applicants need to have obtained a bachelor's or postgraduate degree in their home countries. Applicants only need to provide language test scores, that is, TOEFL scores. LLM degrees are divided into general projects and professional projects. Procedures, both of which are one-year academic system and adopt credit system. General law schools require 24 credits. The general project course is the study of American basic laws, including constitution, contract law, tort law, criminal law, company law, bankruptcy law, family law and legal writing. Professionals. Projects are courses aimed at specific research directions, such as international tax projects, comparative law projects and international law projects. At present, many American law schools offer scholarships to applicants with LLM degrees, and applicants can get one-third, one-half or even 100% tuition exemption. Graduates with LLM degrees from ABA (American Bar Association) accredited law schools can take the bar exam in New York or California. After passing the lawyer qualification examination and the national lawyer professional responsibility examination (MPRE), you can be qualified as a lawyer in New York or California.
2.JD (Dr. Julies), known as Doctor of Law. Some people regard JD as a master of law in our country, because for American students, there is no bachelor of law degree in American universities, and only students who have obtained undergraduate degrees in other majors can apply for JD. For international students, unlike LLM, applying for JD does not require the applicant to obtain a law degree in his own country, but needs to provide language test scores and LSAT (Law School Entrance Examination) law school entrance examination scores. JD degree lasts for three years, and general law schools need to complete 90 credits. Its course focuses on cultivating students' legal practical skills. Compared with LLM degree, JD degree is a more systematic study of American law, which is not restricted like LLM degree. The winner of JD degree can take the bar exam in any state in the United States and become a practicing lawyer in that state.
3.SJD or JSD (Doctor of Law) is called Doctor of Law. The academic system of SJD or JSD. A degree is usually three years, and it aims to train students who want to do further research in a specific legal field. Usually, they can apply for a doctorate in SJD or JSD after obtaining LLM degree. American law schools have limited places to enroll SJD or JSD, and some law schools only enroll LLM graduates from their own law schools. To apply for a SJD or JSD degree, applicants usually need a good academic background and a comprehensive academic research plan.
Since most students who want to apply for American law schools will generally choose LLM or JD, this paper mainly talks about the choice and choice of these two degrees.
LLM degree is originally an academic degree, which is designed for scholars with certain academic background, such as professors in domestic law schools and legal workers with certain work experience, such as prosecutors, judges or lawyers. However, LLM has attracted many domestic law graduates because of its short time, easier application and lower cost than JD. However, because LLM degrees are basically for international students, and their original intention is to enable these international students to return to China for better development after studying in American law schools for one year, it is very difficult for students who have obtained LLM degrees to stay in the United States for development. Doctor of law degree is a degree to cultivate the ability of legal practice. Compared with LLM degree, one year's study time is short, and the study of American law is superficial. JD degree can make students learn American law more systematically and their practical application ability, and JD degree can also have a good development prospect in the American legal market.