FAQ About Studying Law

After completing law school and obtaining a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, there are several options for continuing education and professional development in the legal field. Here are some common avenues for further education:

• LL.M. Programs: LL.M. (Master of Laws) programs offer specialized legal education beyond the J.D. degree. These programs allow you to focus on a specific area of law, such as tax law, international law, intellectual property law, or corporate law. LL.M. programs can deepen your knowledge and expertise in a particular field and may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Certificate Programs: Certificate programs provide focused legal education in a specific practice area. These programs are often shorter in duration compared to LL.M. programs and allow you to gain specialized knowledge and skills in areas like health law, environmental law, alternative dispute resolution, or intellectual property. Certificate programs can be completed while working or alongside other professional commitments.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Many jurisdictions require practicing attorneys to complete a certain number of continuing legal education credits to maintain their professional licenses. CLE programs offer ongoing education and updates on legal developments, ethics, and practice management. They are typically available in various formats, including live seminars, online courses, webinars, and conferences.
• Professional Development Courses: Law firms, bar associations, and legal organizations often offer professional development courses to enhance attorneys' skills and knowledge. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including legal writing, trial advocacy, negotiation skills, legal technology, and legal ethics. Professional development courses can help you stay current in your practice area and sharpen your legal skills.
• Specialized Training Programs: Depending on your area of interest, you may find specialized training programs that offer in-depth instruction and practical training in niche areas of law. For example, if you're interested in becoming a mediator or arbitrator, there are specialized training programs that provide the necessary skills and certification.
• Doctoral Programs (J.S.D./S.J.D.): Doctoral programs in law, such as the J.S.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) or S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science), are research-focused degrees. These programs are designed for individuals interested in pursuing academic careers or conducting advanced legal research. Doctoral programs typically require the completion of a significant research project or dissertation.