Juris Doctor

A Juris Doctor is a graduate degree granted after successful completion of the juris doctor program, three years of full-time or four years of part-time study at a law school accredited or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

The LSATs

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is the first step in earning a Juris Doctor. The test measures (1) reading comprehension, (2) analytical reasoning and (3) logical reasoning. These skills are important components to success in law school and, while some schools place more weight on the LSAT score than others, taking the test at least once prior to admission, is required. For information on taking the LSAT and applying to law school, please visit the Law School Admissions Council's website at http://www.lsac.org.

Law School

Most law schools have similar juris doctor programs. The programs are designed to train students to become successful lawyers. Professors teach various subjects with the use of case books, books containing past court decisions, explaining the law to students. Required courses often include: (1) civil procedure, (2) constitutional law, (3) criminal law, (4) contracts, (5) legal research and writing, and (6) evidence.

Skills Courses

More recently, juris doctor programs have included clinical or skills requirements. This means that upper level students will gain practical experience with real cases, drafting legal documents, counseling clients or making court appearances.

The Bar Exam

After completing the juris doctor program you will be required to take and pass the two- or three-day bar exam---offered in February and July---in order to be permitted to practice law. On the first day you will take the multi-state bar exam and on the second day, and sometimes third day, you will take the state portion for the state where you reside and/or plan to practice.

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Juris Doctor programs

LSAT

Bar Exam