LLB to JD Degree Conversion

The Province of Alberta approved the renaming of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree to that of Juris Doctor (JD).  The change took effect September 1, 2010. Those who entered our first year class in September 2010 will graduate with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Students who graduated in 2010 were able to convert their newly-minted LLB degrees to a JD degree without charge prior to August 31, 2011.  Students who enteried second or third year in September 2010 will have the opportunity to graduate with their choice of an LLB degree designation or a JD degree designation.

Dean Ian Holloway, Q.C., commented on the reasons for the change in degree designation in an article entitled "Canadian law schools switch from LL.Bs to JDs", published in the September 19, 2011 edition of Lexpert Magazine. 

 

JD Degree Conversion deadline date has been extended

Alumni had the opportunity to have their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree converted to the Juris Doctor (JD) if they applied before August 31, 2011.  The Office of the Registrar has agreed to extend the deadline date for individuals wanting to convert their degree.

To request the conversion of your degree, you will need to provide the University of Calgary with written authorization, your current LLB diploma (do not include your frame or degree folder) and pay the appropriate fee (see the forms below).

To convert your degree, fill in the appropriate Application for Change to Degree Designation form.
A)   2010 graduates
B)  2009 and earlier graduates

If you have lost your LLB diploma, you will need to complete a Statutory Declaration form

All conversion documents should be mailed, couriered or delivered to:

Office of the Registrar, University of Calgary
MLB 117
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4

If you have any questions about the conversion of the degree, please contact the Graduation and Convocation Office at (403) 220-8501.  If you have questions about the Juris Doctor (JD) designation itself, please contact the Development, Communications, and Alumni/ae Affairs Office at (403) 210-8720.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my degree?

No.  If you choose to not change your degree, your degree will remain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

Will a change to JD designation allow me to practice law in the United States?

Holders of a Canadian JD or LLB degree interested in being admitted to practice in the United States are subject to the requirements of the bar admission authorities in the relevant state.  For more information, please take a look at our Career Services website under NALP Directory of Legal Employers. http://www.law.ucalgary.ca/careerservices/resourcesbyregion/unitedstates.

For more information, you may contact our Career Services Advisor, Maryanne Forrayi at (403) 220-2177 or by e-mail: forrayim@ucalgary.ca.

Will I be able to use the prefix of "Dr." when I convert to a JD degree?

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is not considered a doctorate degree or a Master's degree - in part, because the research and dissertation components are not required for a JD.  The use of the prefix "Dr." cannot be used when one has a JD.

How did this conversion process start? 

The conversion idea from LLB to JD was started by law students in 2008.  The issue was brought forth in Faculty Council meetings before the idea was proposed to the Alberta Government to allow the university to make this change.  Having the name "Juris Doctor" on your degree may be a matter of prestige -- this is entirely an individual perception.  There are some alumni who will work in the United States.  The United States is more familiar with a JD degree instead of an LLB.  

Am I able to switch my degree back to an LLB from a JD?

No.  Once you make the decision to convert your degree from a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) to a Juris Doctor (JD), you will not have an opportunity to switch back.

 

Articles and blogs written about the LLB/JD degree conversion 

Below, you will find articles that have been written about Canadian law schools and the reasons behind the LLB/JD degree conversion.  Since these articles were written, more Canadian law schools have made the change to the LLB/JD degree conversion.

1.  Canadian law schools convert LL.B. to J.D.
Click here to read: http://lsatbooks.wordpress.com/canadian-law-applicants/canadian-law-schools-convert-llb-to-jd/

2.  Letter to Alum re: JD vs. LLB debate
Click here to read: http://www.law.ucalgary.ca/alumni/news_notices/jd_llb_letter

3.  Legal News
Click here to read: http://blog.lesaonline.org/?p=224

4.  Wise Law Blog
Click here to read: http://wiselaw.blogspot.com/2009/01/llb-or-jd-which-is-better.html

5.  SLAW - Canada's online legal magazine
Click here to read: http://www.slaw.ca/2007/11/14/globe-mail-article-on-jd-vs-llb/