Master of Law Degree?

Question

What is it?
How does it differ from a JD?
How is it used?

Where is it offered?

Answer 1

It's the degree you get after the JD in the US (or comparative degree from another country). Foreign lawyers use it to become eligible in some states. The US is kinda strange because you get the doctorate (JD) first, before the masters (LLM).

Taranto explained its use for regular lawyers pretty well. Many law schools offer it.

We don't really have a LLD in the US anymore.

Answer 2

As I understand it: It is not a JD (obviously) and you cannot apply to the bar with the master's...meaning you can't practice law. It is usually pursued by people who have law degrees in another country and they are here to learn about the American system. I think most law schools offer a master's option.
Talking to an admissions person at a law school may be helpful.

Answer 3

The LLM is usually received after getting a JD. If you want to specialize in a particular area, you might get an LLM in tax law or corporate law. It would also be a good way for a foreign student (where law is often an undergraduate degree) to come up to speed in the US without having to spend three years getting a JD.

I've included a link to NYU where they discuss it.

Answer 4

Oftentimes, those who pursue an LLD have no intention of actually practicing as an attorney or sitting for the Bar exam; but will find postions in corporate offices in their legal department.

Many schools that offer courses in law will offer LLD's.

In addition, some on-line universities (like Concord in California) offer online LLD's since you won't be qualified as a licensed attorney or allowed to take the Bar exam. (But, you *WILL* have a legitimate law degree from an accredited university.)