What is a J.D.? Commonly referred to as a law degree Professional degree (like MD, DO, DDS, DVM) Different from a doctorate (Ph.D, Ed.D) Graduation from a J.D. program enables the graduate to gain entrance to the bar exam The J.D. graduate must pass the “bar” to practice law in their state Similar to a BSN graduate needing to pass the state “boards” to practice as a Registered Nurse

Why Pursue a J.D.? The era of “a job for life” is over. You will need to continually improve, broaden and enhance your skills to stay competitive. Do it for your kids. Children of educated parents do better (Crawford, Goodman, Greaves and Joyce). Study shows a deficit in cognitive and socio-emotional development at ages 3, 5 and 7 in children whose parents’ have lower levels of education and income. You’ll be bored with just working after you finish nursing school. Every family needs a lawyer. Why not that be you? Impress your friends!

Education Attainment and Effect on Earnings An Important Relationship

Employment Outlook & Median Salaries Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition, Lawyers - 13% Increase in the decade - Median wage $110k

What Can I Do with a RN, JD Combo? Risk Management Manage liability exposures arising from clinical variances, including training, reporting, management, investigation, loss reserving, communications with insurance providers and external counsel, and trend reporting. Corporate Compliance Develop, implement and monitor a comprehensive and effective corporate compliance program. Collaborate with key stakeholders to advise them on developing compliance controls, objectives and strategies to promote adherence to applicable laws, regulations, company policies and industry standards. Promote a culture of compliance and ethics within the company. Legal Nurse Consulting Performs medical case review for adherence to standard of care. Report findings of case review, including identifying severity of a case. General Counsel for Healthcare Organization Litigate Medical Malpractice Healthcare Administrator Source: CareerBuilder. Job Search: Director of Risk Management, Corporate Compliance, etc.

How Do I Earn a J.D.? Select one of the 200 law schools that have been approved by the American Bar Association to offer a J.D. Only three (3) Years in a Full-Time program Just like the BSN! Part-time, evening, weekend and distance learning programs available Perfect for working nurses

Facts about a J.D. Education Source: American Bar Association. Legal Education Statistics from ABA-Approved Law Schools Data from 2008/2009/2010 Academic Year $18, 472Average Law School Tuition (public school/resident) $12,878Average Living & Book Expenses for On Campus Student $68,827 $106,249 Average Amount Borrowed – Public Average Amount Borrowed - Private $815,701,392Grants & Scholarships available 14.6Average Student to Faculty Ratio 22.1%J.D. Degrees Awarded to Minority 47.1%J.D. Degrees Awarded to Females

Where Can I Go to Earn my J.D.? Schools within 2 +/- hours of the Coachella Valley California Western School of Law, San Diego Chapman University School of Law, Orange Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego University of California at Irvine (UCI), School of Law University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Law University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego USC, Gould School of Law, Los Angeles Western State College, School of Law, Fullerton Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa Source: American Bar Association. ABA-Approved Law Schools

Take Away Message Be unrelenting in your pursuit of higher education and more knowledge. If a J.D. is not for you, pursue professional certification in a specialty (CPHRM, CPHQ, AOCNS ® ) and work on a post graduate degree (MSN, MHA, MPA, MBA, DNP, Ph.D.) Never sit on your laurels, you’ll be at risk for becoming irrelevant.

Resources American Bar Association (ABA) The ABA provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) ASHRM promotes effective and innovative risk management strategies and professional leadership through education, recognition, advocacy, publications, networking and interactions with leading health care organizations and government agencies. ASHRM initiatives focus on developing and implementing safe and effective patient care practices, the preservation of financial resources and the maintenance of safe working environments. American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) Nonprofit organization dedicated to the professional enhancement of registered nurses practicing as legal consultants.

References American Bar Association. Legal Education Statistics from ABA- Approved Law Schools. Retrieved from: Crawford, J., Goodman, A., Greaves, E., Joyce, R. (2011, July). The Institute for Fiscal Studies. Cohabitation, marriage, relationship stability and child outcomes: an update. doi: /co.ifs Julian, J. and Kominski, R. Education and Synthetic Work-Life Earnings Estimates - American Community Survey Reports. Retrieved from: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition, Lawyers. Retrieved from: