What Is the LLB Degree? Your Law Degree Guide

Key takeaways

An LLB is an undergraduate degree program for students beginning their law education in the UK and some other Commonwealth countries.

• LLB stands for Legum Baccalaureus, which is Latin for Bachelor of Laws. 

• The LLB differs from the Juris Doctorate (JD) used in the United States.

• You can build skills transferable across a range of careers, including negotiation, conflict resolution, research, time management, and problem-solving, while earning an LLB.

Learn about the LLB degree, who needs one, and how the JD came to replace the LLB in the United States.

What is an LLB degree?

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate program common in the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and the Canadian province of Quebec. An LLB degree is the first step to becoming a practicing solicitor or barrister, the titles for lawyers in the United Kingdom and several other countries. Upon completion of the LLB, a graduate can apply for a Master of Laws (LLM), the equivalent of the JD degree in the United States.

An LLB degree differs significantly from the Juris Doctor (JD) degree used in the United States. The LLB is for students who are beginning their law education. It’s typically a three-year program that prepares students for the Master of Laws degree or further training. 

While it's not necessary to have an LLB to practice law in the UK, aspiring solicitors do need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and two years of legal work training with a law firm.

Those who wish to become barristers must complete a law degree, a Bar course, and work-based learning.

Solicitor vs. barrister: What's the difference?

A solicitor provides legal advice and support to clients, while barristers can represent their clients in the courtroom. Becoming a barrister generally involves more training in subjects like courtroom practice, legal ethics, and laws of evidence. A solicitor may hire a barrister to represent a client in court.

What skills will you develop while attending an LLB program?

While attending an LLB program, you will have the opportunity to understand the law, which is beneficial even if you don't intend to pursue a legal career. Other skills include:

• Negotiation: Lawyers and solicitors need to negotiate verbally and in written communication.

• Conflict resolution: Working in the legal field requires good conflict resolution skills and the ability to understand others' perspectives.

• Working under pressure: The legal field can be fast-paced with strict timelines and deadlines. 

• Research: As a lawyer or solicitor, you’ll be doing much research to find evidence, understand case law, or do anything you need to complete a task.

• Problem-solving: Problem-solving is a significant component of the legal field. The skills you learn in your degree program can also help you in other careers.

Read more: What Is ChatGPT Deep Research? (And How to Use It Effectively)

What does LLB stand for?

LLB is short for Legum Baccalaureus, Latin for Bachelor of Laws. 

What are the law modules you are likely to study in a Bachelor of Laws program?

You will study a combination of compulsory and elective modules when you study for your LLB. The course offerings of your university determine your modules of study. You will likely take mandatory courses in your first two years, and your third year is primarily devoted to electives. Standard law modules include:

• Contract law

• Property law

• Public law

• Criminal law

• European Union law

• Jurisprudence and legal theory

• Tort law

• Trusts

• Land law

• Constitutional or administrative law

Studying law in the United States: Why did JD replace LLB?

The LLB degree wasn’t always unique to the UK and other Commonwealth countries. It has a history in the US dating back to the 19th century. In 1920, Harvard University awarded the first LLB degree in the United States. In 1902, the Harvard faculty suggested the JD degree be awarded, but the university didn’t accept it until 1969. By 1971, the JD replaced the LLB throughout the country. 

What is a JD law degree? To become a lawyer in most of the United States, you'll need to earn a JD degree and pass an exam to gain admittance to the state bar.

Reliable guidance when you need it most

If you’re interested in tips to help you navigate decision-making when it comes to college and career advancement, subscribe to our YouTube channel. You can also explore free resources to guide you in career and college-related decisions.

• Consider AI implications: AI Ethics: What It Is, Why It Matters + Challenges to Know

• Explore transferable skills: A Skill You’ll Use Your Entire Career: Writing

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

Complete your bachelor’s degree or pursue your master’s degree with flexible programs from esteemed university partners on Coursera.