When I was browsing through my LinkedIn account, I saw a post from a student where she uploaded a letter from the same alma mater saying -- "CONGRATULATIONS! You have satisfactorily completed the requirements leading to the degree of Juris Doctor." This led me to research what the difference are between Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.).
Bottomline, technically, there’s no difference and here’s why…
This follows the adoption of J.D. as the universal academic degree for all graduates of the Philippines' basic legal course by the Legal Education Board (LEB or the “Board”).
The Board mandated that all higher educational institutions (HEIs) offering basic law courses to award or confer J.D. to all graduating students in the second semester of the current academic year (2018-2019) and in the future, in a memorandum order approved in their 96th En Banc meeting last October 24, 2018.
What justifies the migration?
Prior to issuing the ruling, the LEB took note of the distinction established between the two fundamental law degrees, LL.B. and J.D., with the latter being considered as a "improved version."
J.D. is a professional doctorate degree used in countries where the fundamental legal degree is a graduate-level degree, according to the Board. When the sole qualification for entrance into a basic legal study is a senior high school certificate, the term LL.B. is often used.
The usage of Ll.B. also generates a "erroneous notion that the basic law degree is equal to other bachelor's level degrees," according to the report.
The Board stated in their approved memorandum, “The use of these two academic degree titles for graduates of the basic legal course may give the erroneous impression to the general public that attorneys with the former degree are inferior to those with the latter degree”.
What’s happening now?
It also directed that the present model curriculum be renamed. The J.D. Curricula will be renamed J.D. Thesis, while the Ll.B. Curricula will be called J.D. Non-Thesis.
Prior to the issue of the LEB Memorandum Order, schools and colleges offering basic law courses must henceforth regard the Ll.B degree given to former graduates as comparable to the J.D.
The Board also permitted HEIs to reprint diplomas, official transcripts of records, and other academic credentials for the purpose of replacing the academic degree Juris Doctor, subject to their approval.
How to move forward?
The Board has already started approving:
the revised JD Curricula
request to confer the J.D. Non-Thesis curriculum on second, third, and fourth-year students.
reissue academic certificates to former LL.B. graduates was likewise accepted by the Board.
Reissuance of academic certificates to former LL.B. graduates may require to take three (3) units of the subject Public International Law. The same subject was offered for only two (2) units in the previous curriculum.
What I’ll do?
I’ll reach out to my alma mater what the actual requirements, will comply and will keep you posted if I can get my revised certificate.