Candidates for the Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) are required to already have an undergraduate degree. The J.D. degree can be obtained within 3 years if pursued full-time. You will take courses in tax law, family law, criminal law, environmental law and securities regulation. Candidates are usually required to complete a professional residency of at least one year, as well as the research and completion of an academic dissertation.
In order to qualify for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) you must have already obtained the Juris Doctor degree. The LL.M. program focuses on topics such as bankruptcy, state and local taxation, corporate tax issues and estate planning. You may also get into European laws as well. Some law schools require a list of references (usually at least two) and an outstanding previous academic track record. In some cases, you may also be required to submit a Personal Statement of Professional Goals.
The most research intensive and taking a minimum of 3 years to complete, the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is the most prestigious and highest law degree a person can acquire. In order to even qualify for this a S.J.D. you must already have a bachelor's degree, a Juris Doctor as well as a Master of Laws Degree. Most applicants to this program are already established law professionals with years of experience behind them. This program covers topics such as civil procedures, legal advocacy and intensive Constitutional law.
Deciding which one of these degrees is for you may seem overwhelming. Decide what aspect of law you would like to practice. If you see yourself as a courtroom attorney, the Juris Doctor is the only degree you will need. Perhaps you see yourself working for a large corporation as a tax law analyzer. In that case, consider pursuing the Master of Laws degree. If Constitutional law is where you want your professional focus to be, a Doctor of Juridical Science degree is where you are likely headed.