What is an LL.B. degree?

An LL.B Degree or Legum Baccalaureus, is a Bachelor of Laws. In the United States, this degree was originally an undergraduate degree and the first earned in the study of law.

U.S. schools no longer award the LL.B. It was first awarded in 1820 by Harvard University. At that time law school applicants only needed to complete high school to begin the study of law, so the LL.B was an undergraduate degree. During the twentieth century, American law schools began requiring applicants to attain at least a college degree. Upon completion of the law courses, students then earned a Juris Doctor, or J.D. The Doctor of Law is a graduate degree.

Canada, South America, Scotland and other Commonwealth countries continue to award the LL.B as a post-graduate degree. Canadian common law programs usually award secondary degrees since prior college experience is required.