Are you already in the judicial field and want to expand your career to become a lawyer?  One thing that may be holding you back from returning to school for your advanced degrees is the time commitment.  Thankfully, many high profile colleges have started offering online Juris Doctor programs, allowing working professional obtain their advanced degree with little disruption to their family and professional commitments.

JD or EJD?

Until recently, online Juris Doctor programs were only offered by American institutions.  The JD is considered a professional degree, similar to the MD, rather than a research degree.  The primary goal of these programs is to prepare you to practice professional law.  Programs usually take three to four years to complete with full time study. They differ from other doctorate level programs because they require no dissertation or thesis.

For entry into online Juris Doctor programs, you must have a bachelors degree. Courses focus on the study of the diverse law and its applications in the courtroom. With the training provided by the program, you will be ready for entry into practice with no apprenticeship being required.

Executive online Juris Doctor programs are offered by only two online universities in the US, Concord Law School and Taft Law School.  The program is for those professionals who desire a law degree to supplement their current profession but have no intention to practice law. The degree is not recognized by the American Bar Association, and those with an EJD are not eligible to sit for the bar exam without an additional qualifying law degree. The program requires 72 semester hours and can often be completed in three years of full time study

Importance of a JD

Society’s demand for lawyers continues to grow, thus so does the importance of their role.  Without attorneys and their role in the judicial system, we would not have the law framework we have today. As a lawyer, you will serve to protect defendant’s rights, protect victim’s rights, and be a server of justice. Without attorneys, our judicial system would cease to exist in the way we know and need.

Career Paths

Beyond the obvious career path of a private law firm attorney, online Juris Doctor programs will prepare you for a wide range of other career options as well.  Other opportunities include in-house lawyers for corporations, public service attorneys, and non-profit organization lawyers.

If you are currently in the judicial field and looking for that next step, a JD may be the right choice for you.  The number of online programs is increasing, so there is certain to be a program that will fit your needs.