would somebody please be so kind as to explain to me the difference between the american school system and the UK school system?
in the USA, it is first undergrad (bachelors)----->then graduate (masters) or a law degree (JD). ---> then an LLM if you wish.

i have both a bachelors and a masters from american universities and want to apply to an LLM program in environmental law in the UK (such as UCL or kent university) for 2010. what is the equivalent of an LLB in the UK? and do i qualify to apply to an LLM even though i dont have a primary degree in law? what is a primary degree in law (is it the LLb)? in america, you either have a law degree or you dont.

For entry into a UK LLM programme, the UK LLB equivalent is a JD (despite the JD being a postgraduate degree, and the UK LLB being an undergraduate degree).

There are some exceptions eg. if your UG and Masters is in a law-related subject (eg international relations, finance, banking, accountancy etc) and/or you have solid legal experience - you may get gain entry without a JD.

There are also a few programmes that don't require a law degree (the External London LLM - I think!).

Hi! My name is Anna, and I volunteer as part of Education UK's program to answer questions about studying in the UK.

I'm not a law student myself (I'm studying Creative Writing and Literature), but I've done some searching online. It looks like some LLM programs do accept students who don't have previous law-related qualifications. I'd recommend emailing the programs you're interested in and asking them directly. When I was choosing my PhD program, I found that people were tremendously helpful when I emailed my questions, and our communications were often enough to give me a feel for the program and school.

Here's a short list of universities that accept students without law degrees, although I'm certain there are many more:
University of London External System (as previously mentioned)
University of Edinburgh
University of Leicester
Queen's University

Good luck!