Understanding the Equivalency of Law Degrees: Bachelor vs. Master
The equivalency of law degrees, particularly between a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in law, has long been a topic of discussion. While both degrees play crucial roles in the legal professions, they serve distinctly different purposes and are assessed based on varying factors globally.
A Bachelor's Degree in Law
A bachelor's degree in law (LLB) is typically the foundational step in a law career. This undergraduate program provides a solid introduction to legal principles, systems, and practices. In many countries, particularly in the United States, the first law degree is referred to as the Juris Doctor (JD) rather than the LLB. The legal landscape is complex, and the degree names and equivalencies can vary significantly across jurisdictions.
A Master's Degree in Law
A master's degree in law (LLM) is a graduate-level qualification that builds upon the knowledge gained at the bachelor's level. This degree is designed for students who already possess a legal background and wish to specialize in specific areas of the law. The LLM often requires a bachelor's degree in law or a related field as a prerequisite. It is an advanced degree that serves the purpose of enhancing expertise and providing specialized knowledge.
The Concept of 'Qualifying Degree'
The concept of a 'qualifying degree' is central to understanding the equivalency of law degrees. In the legal world, the primary or principal law degree is considered the 'qualifying degree'. This means it is the degree that contains all the necessary components for a candidate to proceed with professional licensing and practice. Whether a degree is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate is less important than its recognition as a qualifying degree within the legal system.
How Law Is Studied Around the World
The way law studies are structured varies widely across different jurisdictions, influencing how degrees are categorized and recognized. In some countries, like the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, law is studied first at the undergraduate level. Law students typically pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and then undergo vocational training, such as apprenticeships, followed by licensing exams.
Other countries, such as the United States, have a different approach. Here, law studies are started at the graduate level, with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) not recognized in the same way. Instead, the first law degree is the Juris Doctor (JD). In the U.S., the JD is often positioned as a doctorate-level degree but referred to as a "graduate degree."
To complicate matters further, some countries like Italy offer a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in a single program, leading directly to the first qualifying law degree at the master’s level.
Equivalence Ladder: Academic vs. Professional Degrees
The concept of a 'degree level' (bachelor, master, doctorate) is more complex when considering academic and professional degrees in the legal field. Academic degrees, which can cover a wide range of specialized professional degrees, are generally classed as bachelor, master, or doctorate, following the standard academic hierarchy.
Professional degrees, such as the qualifications required to practice law, are based on the 'qualifying' degree concept, which may not always align with the academic degree hierarchy. For example, in the United States, the JD (Juris Doctor) is recognized as a doctorate in the academic hierarchy but is described as a "graduate degree" rather than a postgraduate degree. In countries like the UK, the LLB can still be a qualifying degree despite being categorized at the undergraduate level.
Equivalency of Foreign vs. Domestic Law Degrees
When comparing degrees across different jurisdictions, the situation becomes even more nuanced. Specific rules are often issued by national law societies or bar associations to determine the equivalency of foreign law degrees. For example, the USA does not recognize most foreign law degrees as equivalent to the American JD, and candidates may need to obtain additional qualifications for practice within the U.S.
In contrast, some countries may recognize foreign degrees as equivalent to their own. This decision is based on the national standards and requirements for professional practice. Thus, the matter of degree equivalency is highly dependent on the specific legal framework of each country.
Examples of Law Degrees on the 'Ladder'
Bachelor of Law (LL.B.): This is typically the undergraduate law degree. In many countries, it is also the first qualifying law degree, and its level is usually equivalent to other academic degrees of the same country.
Master of Law (LL.M. or J.M.): In countries with the LL.B. as the qualifying law degree, the LL.M. is a postgraduate degree. It can be either an academic degree or a professional specialist degree. In some countries, it may serve as the qualifying law degree.
Juris Doctor (J.D.): This is specific to the United States and is the graduate-level qualification in law. The U.S. JD is recognized as a doctorate in the academic hierarchy but is described as a "graduate degree."
Doctor of Law (LL.D.): This is a postgraduate research degree at the same level as a Ph.D. It can be either academic or professional specialist.
Qualifying Primary Professional Degrees in Various Countries
Australia: The trend is shifting towards a graduate-level professional law degree, with the LLB being phased out in favor of the JD.
Canada: The LL.B. is now an undergraduate professional or semi-professional degree, with some universities requiring prior undergraduate study for entry.
Hong Kong: The LL.B. honors is an undergraduate professional degree, accessible to applicants with secondary-school leaving qualifications.
Italy: The LMG (Laurea Magistrale in Giurisprudenza) is a master-plus-bachelor professional degree, accessible via secondary-school qualifications.
Philippines: The LL.B. is a graduate professional degree, requiring a prior degree of any level. The Philippine J.D. coexists with the LL.B. at the same level, with some content and timeframes differing.
United Kingdom: The LL.B. honors is an undergraduate professional degree, accessible to applicants with secondary-school qualifications (GCSE O- and A-levels).
United States: The J.D. is a graduate professional degree, requiring a prior bachelors degree for entry. The J.D. is more like the primary professional medical degrees worldwide (M.D., MBBS, MBBCh, etc.).