The difference between J.D. and Esq., as commonly used in the United States, is the ability to practice law. J.D. (Juris Doctor) You may encounter the term J.D. after someone's name in a resume, CV, or in an academic paper. The J.D. stands for Juris Doctor -- also known as a law degree. Similar to other academic terms like Ph.D., a J.D. indicates that the title holder has attended and graduated from law school. Having a J.D. from an accredited law school entitles that person to apply for and take any state's bar exam, but it does not allow him or her to practice law before being admitted to the bar.