What it is
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary professional law degree in the US. After three years of law school and passing a state bar exam, graduates can practice as licensed attorneys.
The degrees & designations
How long it takes
Three years of full-time law school (part-time programs run longer).
What you study
Foundational law (contracts, torts, constitutional law), then electives, clinics, and legal writing; graduates sit for a state bar exam.
Getting in
Requires a bachelor's degree and prerequisites, plus the field's admission test; admission is typically very competitive.
Cost & funding
Professional degrees are among the most expensive, and debt can be significant; loans, scholarships, and service-based repayment are common.
Where it leads
Leads to practice as an attorney and law-adjacent careers in business, government, and policy.
How it compares
The first professional law degree; the LLM is post-JD specialization, the SJD/JSD the research doctorate.
Is it right for you?
Fits those pursuing law and attorney licensure.
Explore further
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Key facts
- WhatThe primary US law degree
- Length3 years
- EntryBachelor's + LSAT
- Leads toBar admission & legal practice
- BeyondLLM, SJD
Where to learn more
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