Law Degrees: Education and Career Paths

What is Law?

Law is the system of rules and guidelines that govern how societies function, aiming to maintain order, protect rights, and resolve disputes. It shapes nearly every aspect of daily life, from personal freedoms and property rights to criminal justice and business practices. Whether you’re looking at contracts, civil rights, or criminal law, legal systems are essential to ensuring fairness and justice.

Studying law helps you understand these complex systems and prepares you for careers in legal professions, such as becoming a lawyer, paralegal, or legal consultant. Law degrees offer a wide range of specializations, so you can focus on areas like corporate law, environmental law, or family law, depending on your career goals.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Law Degrees by Level

Law degrees are offered at multiple levels, each preparing you for specific roles within the legal field, from entry-level positions to advanced legal practice.

Associate’s in Law

An associate’s degree in law, often referred to as an associate’s in paralegal studies or legal studies, is typically a two-year program. This degree focuses on foundational knowledge of the legal system, legal terminology, and basic legal research.

• Prepares You For: Entry-level roles such as paralegal, legal assistant, or law office manager.
• Minimum Degree for: Paralegal and legal assistant positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.

Bachelor’s in Law

A bachelor’s degree in legal studies or a related field offers a more in-depth understanding of legal concepts, the judicial system, and specialized areas of law such as criminal or civil law. It typically takes four years to complete.

• Prepares You For: Roles such as senior paralegal, legal analyst, or compliance officer.
• Minimum Degree for: Advanced paralegal positions, legal analyst roles, and certain government legal support roles.

Master’s in Law

A master’s degree in law (LL.M.) is ideal for those who already have a law degree and wish to specialize in a specific area of law, such as international law or tax law. For non-lawyers, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) helps professionals understand legal frameworks without becoming a lawyer.

• Prepares You For: Specialized roles in legal consulting, compliance, or policy advising.
• Minimum Degree for: Higher-level compliance roles, policy analysts, and specialized legal consulting.

Doctorate in Law (JD)

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the standard doctorate-level law degree required to become a practicing lawyer. It typically takes three years post-bachelor’s to complete and prepares you for legal practice, law firm roles, or judicial careers.

• Prepares You For: Licensed attorney, judge, or public prosecutor.
• Minimum Degree for: Practicing attorney, judge, or legal counsel for corporations and government bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Law Degrees

What can you do with a legal studies degree?

A legal studies degree prepares you for a range of careers in the legal field without becoming a lawyer. You can work as a paralegal, legal assistant, court clerk, or compliance officer in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. This degree also provides a strong foundation for roles in legal research, policy analysis, and administrative positions in the justice system. If you’re interested in further education, a legal studies degree can be a stepping stone toward law school or specialized legal certifications.

How long does it take to get a law degree?

It typically takes about seven years to become a lawyer: four years to earn a bachelor’s degree and three more years to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) program. However, if you start with an associate’s degree in legal studies, it may take you two years for that, plus additional years for a bachelor’s and law school. Keep in mind that part-time or online programs may extend the timeline.

What can you do with a law degree?

A law degree opens doors to a variety of careers. You can work as a lawyer, judge, or prosecutor, but there are also opportunities in corporate law, public policy, and academia. You could also pursue roles in compliance, legal consulting, or government.

What degree do you need to be a lawyer?

To become a practicing lawyer in the U.S., you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. You’ll also need to pass the bar exam in your state to gain your license to practice law.

What can you do with a law degree besides be a lawyer?

If you don’t want to practice law, a law degree still offers plenty of career paths. You can work as a legal consultant, compliance officer, mediator, or in government and nonprofit organizations where legal expertise is valuable.