Law school

Law School is the term used in the United States to indicate an institution where future lawyers obtain legal degrees, mainly teaching using the Socratic method. In the U.S. law is a graduate degree, which students embark upon only after completing an undergraduate degree in some other field; the undergraduate degree can be in any field. In most cases the degree granted by American law schools is the Juris Doctor, or J.D., degree, though the LL.B. degree is still common in other common law jurisdictions, mostly Commonwealth countries. Other degrees that are awarded include the Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science degree (J.S.D.). A law school is usually an autonomous entity within a larger university and is considered to be a graduate or professional school program.

Related Topics:
United States - Lawyer - Socratic method - Graduate - Juris Doctor - LL.B. - Common law - Commonwealth countries - Master of Laws - LL.M. - Professional school

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In other countries law programs are more completely integrated into the other university faculties, such as in Canada where they are often called a faculty of law. In most countries, law is an undergraduate degree and graduates of such a program are eligible to become lawyers by passing the country's equivalent of a bar exam. In such countries, graduate programs in law enable students to embark on academic careers or become specialized in a particular area of law.

Related Topics:
Faculty of law - Bar exam

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In considering law school, potential students should consider the advantages and disadvantages of lawyering and the law school experience. Many books are available about the realities of law school and lawyering. Before entering law school, potential students should also talk to both attorneys and law students about their experiences and recommendations.

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