LLM to JD

Are you a legal professional who has already established a career but is considering a Juris Doctor (JD)? In this case, you might be wondering whether a JD is worth pursuing.

Zoe, a practicing lawyer in California with an LLM from USC, contacted us to ask whether the JD credential would genuinely open new doors or if she should focus on alternative ways to achieve her goals. Here, we’ll explore how to assess the need for a JD and practical strategies to maximize your career potential without jumping back into school.

The Perceived Need for a JD

Many lawyers and legal professionals believe that a JD might be the missing piece needed to land certain positions, especially if they face difficulty securing a role in a new field. But before committing to a JD, it's essential to consider why employers may or may not see the LLM as sufficient. 

Zoe, for instance, has practiced law internationally and in California but feels limited in her pursuit of corporate law roles without a JD. Yet, the real question is whether employers specifically require the JD or if other factors are at play in her job search.

Re-evaluating Your Approach

Applying for corporate law positions through online applications alone can be challenging. Law firms, like many organizations, often prioritize candidates with referrals or existing connections within the firm. This networking gap can lead to qualified applicants being overlooked. 

Rather than relying solely on traditional applications, it's worthwhile to focus on relationship-building strategies, such as networking through platforms like LinkedIn or requesting informational interviews to discuss current trends and needs in corporate law.

Building a Network in Corporate Law

For attorneys like Zoe, finding a role in corporate law may not depend on additional degrees but rather on building connections within that specific legal field. Scheduling informational meetings with corporate lawyers or law firm partners can reveal helpful insights and potentially lead to new opportunities. This doesn’t just increase her visibility; it can also provide valuable information on whether law firms truly require a JD for the roles Zoe seeks or if other experience, such as a successful background in family law or corporate practice overseas, might hold more weight.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Pursuing a JD requires a substantial investment of both time and money. For attorneys who are already licensed and practicing, as in Zoe’s case, the JD might not provide the return on investment they anticipate. 

Unless there’s concrete evidence that a JD is necessary for your desired roles, you’ll probably find that other methods—such as networking, obtaining a professional mentor, or leveraging existing experience—provide a more practical solution.

Maximizing Your LSAT Performance

If you do decide that a JD is essential, taking the LSAT is an essential step, particularly as a strong LSAT score can increase your scholarship opportunities. You should focus on improving your previous LSAT score by committing to focused study and practice. Studying for the LSAT is now much easier, especially with modern prep tools. For attorneys re-entering the academic field, additional preparation might help you to optimize your scholarship chances, which can reduce the overall financial burden of pursuing a JD.

Conclusion

Making the decision to pursue a JD as an established attorney should stem from a clear understanding of how it will specifically impact your career progression. Before you commit to law school, focus on networking and evaluate whether your job rejections are genuinely due to lacking a JD or if other factors, like limited connections or narrow job search methods, are influencing the results. 

For Zoe, the better path may be to explore alternative ways to approach corporate law roles, rather than committing to three more years of education.

If you’re an attorney considering a JD, the key is to assess whether it’s genuinely necessary to reach your goals. Begin by exploring networking opportunities and revisiting your application approach. Through this, you may find you can achieve your career objectives without needing another degree.