Juris Doctor (JD)
Candlefocus EditorJuris Doctor degrees are usually divided into two components: class work and field work. During the first years, prospective JDs attend a rigorous course of study, including courses in civil procedure, constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, torts, civil rights law and property law. During the last year or two, students gain hands-on experience and apply the knowledge learned during their academic studies by working in legal clinics, externships and other field programs under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
To obtain their JD degrees, students must complete required coursework and pass the bar exam. Passing the bar exam is the next step that allows individuals to earn a license and practice law in their state or in the federal government. To prepare for the bar exam, most students consult a bar exam preparation course approved by their state bar. Quality bar preparation courses provide students with the skills, knowledge and strategies needed to succeed on the bar exam.
As lawyers, JDs are often highly respected in the legal community and beyond. Lawyers with a JD degree can specialize in areas such as tax law, civil litigation, bankruptcy law, international law, and corporate law. Their median annual salary for 2020 was $126,930 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, but pay can range from a low of 40K to six figures or higher depending on experience and expertise.
JD degree-holders can pursue a variety of paths. They can join a large law firm, become an in-house counsel for a company, work in government or become a public defender, teach at a university, provide pro bono services, or open their own law practice. Additionally, some JD degree-holders may choose to pursue entrepreneurship in related fields such as the legal technology industry.
There are a select number of law schools that offer the option of a two-year JD degree. Examples include Drexel, Rutgers, Columbia, and Fordham. Students who wish to pursue this option must meet certain requirements such as a high GPA and LSAT scores. In most cases, the two-year JD degree is intended for students who have already obtained a masters or PhD degree in another field.
Overall, the Juris Doctor degree is an excellent option for those pursuing a career in the legal field. It requires dedication, hard work, and a strong foundation in the law. JD degree-holders can pursue a variety of paths - from traditional law to emerging technologies. Whatever their choice, a JD degree provides graduates with a valuable credential and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.