Going to law school is a big decision. And it’s natural for you, as a prospective law school applicant, to have simple questions like: how long is law school?
Short answer: three years. But … there's more nuance to consider.
For example, did you know an accelerated program can fast-track your Juris Doctor (JD) degree? Have you considered the pros and cons of attending law school part-time? You may want to—then you’d know you’re making an informed choice aligned with your personal goals and timeline.
In this blog post, you’ll learn about your options for law school programs, including how long each option takes to complete. We’ll start with the essential quick facts about and examples of each program.
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(click to skip ahead)How many years is law school?
Four years of undergraduate study, three years of law school—that’s the standard answer on how many years it takes to become a lawyer.
But … you don’t have to earn a JD to work in the legal field. And that standard answer isn’t even true—at least not for all JD-pursuing law school students.
You have more options. Here is an overview of your options for studying the law, the professional implications of each program, and how long each program takes to complete.
Legal Certificate
A legal certificate program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to work in the legal field. While a legal certificate doesn’t grant you the same professional opportunities as a full law degree, it can be a valuable asset in certain legal support roles or an enhancement to your current career.
Time to complete the program
Depending on the school and program structure, a legal certificate program can take a few months to a year.
Ideal candidate for this program
A legal certificate program is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of legal principles without committing to a full law degree.
Example program
Legal Essentials Certificate Program - eCornell
Master's Degree in Law
A Master's Degree in Law provides comprehensive knowledge and qualification in a specialized legal field. It also gives you the opportunity to develop foundational legal knowledge, preparing you to later pursue a full Juris Doctor degree. With this degree, you can work in various law-related roles but you cannot practice law as an attorney.
Time to complete the program
A Master's Degree in Law typically takes two years.
Ideal candidate for this program
A Master's Degree in Law is ideal for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree but want to understand the law to complement their existing skill set and work in law-related roles.
Example program
M.S.L. in Fashion Law - Fordham School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) Degree
The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the most common path for individuals seeking to become licensed attorneys. A JD program provides comprehensive legal education encompassing various areas of law, legal research, writing, and practical skills training.
Time to complete the program
The duration of a JD program is typically three years if pursued full-time. However, part-time or evening programs may extend the duration, while an accelerated program may shorten the duration. More information on that in a moment!
Ideal candidate for this program
A JD degree is ideal for anyone who hopes to practice law as a licensed attorney, allowing them to practice in various legal settings (including private, corporate, and public sectors).
Example program
J.D. Program - Harvard Law School
Master of Laws (LLM) Degree
A Master of Laws (LLM) is an advanced program that allows students who already hold a law degree (such as a JD) to specialize in a particular area of law. LLM programs delve deeper into legal theories, advanced research, and specialized coursework. Some students may also pursue an LLM to complement their preparation for the bar exam.
Time to complete the program
An LLM degree typically takes one to two years (on top of the time taken to already achieve a law degree). The timeline depends on factors such as program structure, specialization, and whether you pursue the degree full-time or part-time.
Ideal candidate for this program
An LLM program is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their knowledge and open doors to advanced legal positions, academia, or international legal practice.
Example program
International IP Law LL.M. - Texas A&M University School of Law
Part-time vs. Full-time vs. Accelerated Law Programs
When pursuing a law degree, you also have options for schedules that accommodate different lifestyles, priorities, and career goals.
Understanding the differences between part-time, full-time, and accelerated law programs can help you decide on the path that best suits your needs.
Part-time law programs
Part-time law programs offer flexibility and accommodate individuals with work or personal commitments that make full-time study challenging. Part-time programs are designed to be completed over an extended period, typically four years or more.
Consider the following before applying for part-time law programs:
Flexibility: Part-time students usually attend law school classes on evenings or weekends, making it possible to continue working or managing other obligations during the day.
Limited study paths: Part-time law programs often have a more restricted selection of courses compared to full-time programs. This limitation can affect the breadth and depth of your law school education.
Diverse student body: Interacting with a diverse group of part-time law students can provide unique networking opportunities and exposure to various professional backgrounds and experiences.
Networking challenges: Part-time law students tend to have fewer opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, attend events, or form connections with peers and faculty. This limited access to networking opportunities could potentially impact career prospects and professional development.
Example of part-time JD degree program: Professional Part-Time JD Program - Denver University Sturm College of Law
Full-time law programs
Full-time law programs are the traditional route for earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. These programs are typically completed in three years.
Here are some key considerations for full-time law programs:
Intensive schedule: Full-time programs require a significant time commitment, often involving a structured schedule of classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities.
Immersive learning experience: Being fully dedicated to law school, you create the opportunity for comprehensive immersion in legal studies and the potential to foster close relationships with peers and professors.
Fewer outside commitments: Given the demanding nature of full-time programs, students often have limited time for external work or personal commitments.
Standard graduation timeline: Graduating on the standard timeline gives you a smoother transition to post-graduation opportunities, such as clerkships, internships, or employment.
Example of full-time JD degree program: JD Full Time Program - University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Richardson Law School
Accelerated Law Programs
Accelerated law programs provide an expedited path to earning a JD degree. These programs condense the traditional three-year curriculum into two years.
Consider the following aspects before applying for accelerated law programs:
Intense workload: Accelerated programs demand a high level of dedication and focus. You’ll need to absorb a substantial amount of material in a shorter time frame.
Focused and efficient learning: You’ll learn to quickly grasp and apply legal concepts effectively. Thus, strong time management and study skills are essential.
Cost savings: Since accelerated programs require less time to complete, you can potentially save on tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs. You may also be able to enter the workforce and start earning a salary sooner.
Limited flexibility: Due to the compressed schedule, you may have fewer opportunities to engage in internships, part-time work, or extracurricular activities. You may find this to limit your opportunities for networking with your peers and professors.
Example of accelerated JD degree program: Accelerated JD Program - Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
How hard is it to get into law school
According to data from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), in 2022, 62,545 aspiring lawyers applied to an ABA-approved law school. Of those applicants, 43,571 (69.7%) gained admission to at least one law school.
That overall admission rate may seem high. But the competition for limited spots in reputable law schools can be intense. Acceptance rates at the most well-respected law schools are as low as 6%!
The law school application process can also be demanding. From preparing for the LSAT to researching law schools, writing personal statements, and completing applications, law school applicants typically need several months or more to navigate the law school application process effectively.
Here's an overview of the challenges and time commitment involved in gaining admission to law school.
Preparation for the LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test that plays a significant role in law school admissions. Achieving a competitive LSAT score requires diligent preparation, often involving months of studying and practice exams to demonstrate your aptitude for the analytical and logical reasoning skills essential for success in law school.
Researching and choosing law schools
Identifying law schools that align with your academic and career aspirations involves conducting thorough research. You’ll want to give yourself time to consider factors such as location, reputation, faculty, areas of specialization, and opportunities for internships or externships. This research can be time-consuming but is crucial to finding the right fit for your education.
Law school application process
Applying to law schools entails completing detailed applications to ensure you meet the law school requirements. This work includes crafting compelling personal statements, gathering recommendation letters, and gathering all required documents. This process requires time, organization, and attention to detail to present yourself as a strong and well-rounded candidate.
How hard is law school
Law school is undoubtedly rigorous and demanding. On average, most full-time law students pursuing a JD devote at least 30-40 hours per week to studying. The following factors also contribute to what makes law school challenging.
Intensive workload: Law school requires a substantial amount of reading, research, and preparation. You’re expected to digest complex legal concepts, analyze case law, and apply legal principles to hypothetical scenarios. The workload can be demanding, with heavy reading assignments, writing assignments, and preparation for class discussions.
Classroom discussions: Law school often employs the Socratic method, where professors engage students in a dynamic and challenging classroom environment. You are expected to actively participate, answer questions, and defend your positions. This can create a high-pressure learning environment that demands on-the-spot critical thinking and effective communication skills.
Time management: Balancing the demands of law school with personal obligations and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming. You’ll need to develop effective organization, time management, and prioritization skills to stay on top of assignments, readings, and other responsibilities.
Competitive environment: Law school can foster a competitive atmosphere among strong cohorts of talented students. The first year of law school (L1) is particularly competitive, as excelling academically during this year is an essential step toward securing desirable post-graduation employment opportunities.
Stress and mental health: The combination of heavy workload, high expectations, and the competitive nature of law school can lead to increased stress levels and impact mental health. Without proper self-care and support systems, law students can experience burnout.
Final thoughts
So, how long is law school? Ultimately, the time it takes to complete a law degree depends on a variety of factors, such as the program and schedule you choose.
Most full-time law students take three years to complete their JD, although there are accelerated programs that can be completed in two years or less. For working professionals, there are also part-time programs that can be completed in four or more years.
If you're looking for additional resources to help you apply for law school, we recommend speaking with our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you craft a strong personal statement and navigate the law school application process.
So, why wait? Schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your law school journey!
Special thanks to Ameer for writing this blog post.
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
