International Law

LL.B. or J.D. ? Which is better?

Following the emerging trend of Canadian law schools making a switch from the LL.B. to J.D. degree designations the York University?s Senate has approved a change in Osgoode Hall Law School?s law degree designation from Bachelor of Laws (LLB) to Juris Doctor (JD).

According to a York University press release, the new designation will come into effect with graduating class of 2009 and will also apply retroactively to alumni who choose to convert their degree. Students can however opt out of the change and receive an LLB rather than a JD.

The primary reason for the switch appears to be a feeling amongst the student community that the move will make the degrees more attractive in the international legal marketplace. However experts believe that the switch may not make any difference on international hiring as the firms who hire internationally are global firms who hire graduates from different countries, and regardless of the degree designation they know just what they're getting.

Whether the switch will make a difference in international marketability or not the new designation is at least easier to say and remember. Not many people know what LL. B. actually stands for.

- Shashi K. Raina, Toronto

Visit our Toronto Law Firm website: www.wiselaw.net

EMPLOYMENT LAW ? CIVIL LITIGATION ? WILLS AND ESTATES ? FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT WISE LAW BLOG ? SUBSCRIBE TO WISE LAW BLOG

Full post as published by Wise Law Blog on January 27, 2009 (boomark / email).