Undergraduate-entry law degree (often first law qualification)

Common in Commonwealth and many civil-law jurisdictions as an initial law program

Core foundational subjects (contracts, torts, criminal, public/constitutional law)

Electives in later years; may include skills modules (legal writing, advocacy)

Bar/solicitor training or professional qualifying exams (jurisdiction-specific)

Graduate specialization (e.g., LLM)

Graduate-entry professional law degree (primary US law degree for practice)

Typically requires a prior bachelor’s degree for admission

1L core curriculum (contracts, torts, civil procedure, criminal law, property, constitutional law)

Upper-year electives, clinics, journals, internships

Bar exam eligibility in most US states (subject to state rules)

Practice in US-focused legal roles; possible international practice with additional steps

Postgraduate specialization degree in law

Generally requires a prior law degree (LLB/JD or equivalent)

Specialization (tax, IP, arbitration, human rights, corporate, etc.)

Academic/research interests or credential enhancement

Cross-border recognition/eligibility support in some jurisdictions (depends on rules)

Coursework-based, thesis-based, or mixed

Often flexible electives; may include research dissertation

LLB: secondary school completion (or equivalent); sometimes direct-entry from high school

JD: bachelor’s degree required (any major); LSAT/GRE depending on school; holistic review

LLM: prior law degree required; sometimes proof of standing to practice or strong academic record

English proficiency tests often required for international applicants (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL)

LLB: grades and national admissions systems

JD: undergraduate GPA + standardized test + essays/recommendations

LLM: law grades, CV, statement of purpose, references; sometimes writing sample

LLB: ~3–4 years (varies by country; some include integrated programs)

JD: ~3 years full-time (some part-time/accelerated options)

LLM: ~1 year full-time (or 1–2 years part-time; thesis options may extend)

LLB: broad legal foundations early; jurisdiction’s legal system focus

JD: professional preparation for US legal practice; strong skills/clinical opportunities

LLM: depth in a specialty or comparative/international focus; more self-directed

LLB: common route to practice in many jurisdictions after professional training/exams

JD: standard route to US practice; bar admission required

LLM: rarely a standalone qualification for initial practice; can support niche roles or licensing routes in limited contexts

LLB/JD: entry point; research-heavy interests may lead to LLM/PhD

LLM: stronger academic signaling; can be a stepping stone to doctoral study

LLB: may translate well within Commonwealth systems; still requires local qualification steps

JD: strong US credential; may need conversion/exams abroad

LLM: useful for international specialization, networks, and comparative exposure; not automatically practice-qualifying

LLB: widely recognized across Commonwealth and many global systems as first law degree

JD: primarily US (and some other countries adopting the model); treated as graduate professional degree

LLM: globally recognized as postgraduate specialization, but not equivalent to a primary law qualification

Ability to practice depends on local bar requirements, credential evaluation, and citizenship/visa rules

Some jurisdictions offer conversion pathways (e.g., exams, supervised practice, additional coursework)

Where you plan to practice long-term

Whether you already hold a first law degree

Desired specialization vs general qualification