LLB/LLM vs. JD

Hey all,

I was noticing that they seem to have a two tiered law set-up and can't figure out how it compares back to what I know in the states.  So far I've figured out that an LLB is effectively a second Bachelors and an LLM is a master's, but which one is equivilant to a JD?  Do most UK students get an LLB the first time in Uni or can returning students get one as well?

Thanks all!

An LLB is a first degree, an LLM is a second dgeree. 

An LLB is a first degree, an LLM is a second dgeree.

Thanks, but what does that mean?  Is an LLM more like an JD than an LLB then?

I don't think you can equate either of them really, it's totally different but there is a body in the UK you can contact to find out, I seem to have lost the link but I am sure someone else will know. 

hey,

I'm no expert, but I'll be starting my PhD in law in a month.  I think the LLB is basically a bachellor's in Law, and is closest to a JD, although not quite as prestigious.  It's basically and undergraduate law degree, but it's all you need to practice in the UK. 

LLM's are the same in the US and UK, its a master's in law, and usually takes a year.  PhD's in law are non-existant in the US from what I've found. 

hope this helps,

Derek

hey,

I'm no expert, but I'll be starting my PhD in law in a month.  I think the LLB is basically a bachellor's in Law, and is closest to a JD, although not quite as prestigious.  It's basically and undergraduate law degree, but it's all you need to practice in the UK. 

Um, no.  You also need a year-long diploma course after the LLB, for which you must apply and be (hopefull) accepted, and then a two-year traineeship in order to become a qualified solicitor, at least up here in Scotland.  So you're looking at the same amount of time as the 'pre-law' or whatever undergrad degree you do in the States, and then the 3-year JD programme, plus or minus a year. 

But in the US as well as the JD you would also have to pass a Bar exam wouldn't you?

But in the US as well as the JD you would also have to pass a Bar exam wouldn't you?

Yep.  Instead of the LLB + Diploma + 2 years traineeship, you do an undergrad degree, then the 3 year JD programme, then sit your Bar exam. 

Foxie,

not sure if this is helpful, but if you have an undergrad degree in the States, you can finish your LLB in the UK in just 2 years, and then if you want you can come back to the states and get a JD in 2 years.  You'd have degrees in both countries in just one extra year.  I thought about trying that one a few years ago. 

Also, does anyone know what the prospects would be for a PhD student working part time for a law firm in Scotland while I'm getting my PhD. 

Thanks,

Derek

I decided to do the entire LLB as a second undergrad degree after finding out it's only possible to graduate 'Ordinary' if you do the two-year conversion course here in Scotland.  Nothing wrong w/that, until it comes time to apply for the year-long diploma course necessary to move onto the traineeship.  This course costs about £7,000 and funding - and acceptance - is generally not a major issue - if you graduate honours.  So I've decided to go this route.

Don't know if it makes any difference to you financially, foxie, but I waited the 3 years to become a 'home' student.  This may be an option for you as you are married to a UK national IIRC and can stay in the UK on that condition.  It was WELL worth the wait for us, b/c the difference in tuition and fees is huge.  I did a lot of research into it b/c I will be in my 40s when I qualify and age is, unfortunately, a factor in some sectors. 

Things may be different for qualifying down south, but here you must have the diploma course AND the traineeship, each completely successfully, to qualify.  The traineeship presents its own set of challenges, b/c you're generally only paid about £10,000- £12,000/pa and are seen as - well, in a nutshell - sort of as slave labour, so it's necessary to budget accordingly.

Thanks for the input all!

expat - I'm not married to a UK national; Hubby and I are both US citizens, and I'm not really wanting to wait.  Currently I'm looking at doing the LLB part time through Birkbeck, which has a program for those who already have a second degree. 

As for the follow-on course, how does that work?  Is there an independant body that administers it?  Does everyone have to take it or only those planning on practicing law in the UK? (as opposed to those doing legal analysis for an investment bank or NGO, which is probably the route I would go)

D-rock, thanks for the heads up on that!  I'll look into that option as well.

Thanks for your help all!

You probably wouldn't NEED to do the solicitors' exam/training contract for that kind of work. Have a look at www.lawsociety.org.uk for more details.

Good luck!

Britwife is right, you only need to go the whole 9 yards w/the diploma course and traineeship if you plan to become a practicing solicitor in the UK.  Legal analysis for an investment bank or NGO would probably not require you to a qualified UK solicitor.  The conversion course would also be an option.

England has something called a Legal Executive, which is sort of like a paralegal.  Scotland, however, has no such thing.   .