03,Oct 2023
“To me, a lawyer is basically the person that knows the rules of the country. We're all throwing the dice, playing the game, moving our pieces around the board, but if there is a problem the lawyer is the only person who has read the inside of the top of the box.” - Jerry Seinfeld
Understanding the LLM Degree: An Overview
The LLM (Master of Laws) degree is a specialized postgraduate program that delves into the complexities of law. Developed for aspirants who have already accomplished their undergraduate degree in law, the LLM degree provides a unique opportunity to discover legal subjects in greater profoundness. Across the span of the LLM program, students can amplify their understanding of various legal areas, refine their research skills, and nurture expertise in a specific field of law.
This advanced degree empowers graduates with the knowledge and critical thinking proficiency necessary to direct complex legal complications in today is rapidly changing world. This blog will touch upon important aspects of LLM degree program, admission eligibility, college, fees and job opportunities for a law postgraduate.
Reasons to Pursue an LLM Degree: Exploring the Benefits
Choosing to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) degree after concluding bachelor’s law degree, such five-year integrated or three-year LLB program in India can propose several benefits. Here are some motives why individuals might prefer to pursue an LLM degree after graduation:
- Specialized Knowledge: An LLM enables you to excel in a particular area of law that aligns with your interests and career objective. This specialization can make you skilled in a specific legal field and open up scopes for advanced positions and specialized legal responsibilities.
- Career Augmentation: Having an LLM can set you asunder from other candidates in a challenging job market. It demonstrates your commitment to further education and expertise in a specific legal domain.
- Global Opportunities: LLM programs are rendered around the world, and seeking an LLM in various countries can provide a broader perception of legal issues, international law, and cross-border matters.
- Academic and Research Opportunities: If you're intrigued by pursuing a career in academia or legal research, an LLM can deliver the necessary foundation. Many LLM programs incorporate research components that allow you to engage in scholarly work and contribute to legal literature.
- Networking: LLM programs often carry collectively legal professionals from various backgrounds and countries. This provides an exceptional opportunity to expand your professional network and connect with specialists in your selected field.
- Career Evolution: If you're looking to switch to a different area of law or explore a new legal field, an LLM can deliver the knowledge and skills required to make a triumphant transition.
- Personal Advancement: Seeking an LLM can be a rewarding personal and cognitive challenge. It allows you to intensify your comprehension of the law and develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Higher Earning Aptitude: In some cases, having an LLM can persuade one to have higher earning potential, especially in specialized legal roles or reputable law firms.
- Continued Learning: If you have an enthusiasm for learning and yearn to stay up-to-date with advancement in your field, an LLM can proffer a structured platform for continuous education.
- Preparation for Bar Exams: For aspirants seeking to practice law in a new jurisdiction, an LLM program can support them to meet the qualifications needed for that jurisdiction's bar exam.
Suitability of LLM: Who Should Consider Pursuing This Degree
Nearly any student presently engaged in the practice of law or working within the legal field can find value in deliberating the option of studying through a distance learning LLM program. Individuals wishing to pursue a path in legal writing or aspire to become professors at prestigious law institutions should profoundly contemplate enrolling an LLM course after concluding their undergraduate education.
Navigating the LLM Admission Process
Individuals with a longing to enroll in the Master of Legislative Laws program are essential to participate in an entrance examination that serves as the gateway to gaining admission into esteemed law institutions throughout India.
Typically, these entrance exams feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs), even though there might be a component or some questions that entail subjective acknowledgments. The content of these examinations generally incorporates legal and law-related inquiries, assessing the examinee's grasp of the subject matter.
Admission Process for LLM Programs
"Universities consider the results of national or university-level entrance examinations conducted within law colleges, for which an aspirant has enrolled.
Some of the distinguished LLM entrance examinations include,
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- IPU-CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- DU LLM (Delhi University) (Master of Laws)
- AP LAWCET (Andhra Pradesh Common Law Entrance Test)
For LLM admissions, the application form fees range from INR 750 to 2,000 for general candidates, while reserved categories can forebode a trimmed application fee of INR 350."
Eligibility Requirements for LLM Program
Promising applicants aiming to enroll in the Master of Laws program must encounter the following stipulated eligibility prerequisites:
- Successful completion of LLB or a Bachelor of Law degree with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.
- Additionally, they should have also cleared any of the prominent law entrance exams such as:
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
- AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), and others
LLM Entrance Exams
Individuals ambitious to undertake LLM courses are required to effectively pass the designated entrance examination for the specific course. Admission to LLM regimens are done by the scores achieved in the entrance examination and presentation during the successive interview phase, executed by the respective universities. Various entrance exams are available for selection, inclusive of CLAT PG, AILET, DU LLM, JMI LLM, IPU CET, BHU UET etc.
Lloyd Law College provides the LLM degree programme among its academic offerings. The college admits students based on the merit list of the CCSU LLM Entrance Examination for the following courses:
- LLM in Business Law
- LLM in Torts & Criminal Law
- LLM in Administration Law
Preparation Strategies for LLM Entrance Exams
For those endeavoring to matriculate in an LLM degree course, it's imperative to prepare for the diverse LLM Entrance exams organized by various universities and institutes. Below, we outline some integral guidelines to ease the course of clearing LLM Entrance Exams.
- Start Preparation Early: Understanding the ideal time to begin LLM Entrance exam preparation is essential, particularly in light of recent modifications to the LLM entrance exam curriculum, which have resulted in more pervasive and difficult course structures. Therefore, we suggest a six-month advanced study period for all determined LLM candidates.
- Subject Preference: Proficiency in prioritizing subjects based on their significance is essential. Dedicate more time to subjects of utmost importance, such as Constitutional Law, Advanced Jurisprudence, and International Law, assessed to those of lesser weightage.
- Stay Updated: While preparing for LLM Entrance Exams, it is important to stay up-to-date about current affairs. This not only ensures attentiveness to recent developments but also aids in encompassing general awareness subjects comprehensively.
LLM Syllabus
The course structure of the LLM program subsumes an extensive array of subjects, spanning from Corporate Law to International Trade Law, among others. The following table outlines the subjects included within the LLM curriculum:
LLM Specialization Subjects
- Corporate Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Human Rights Law
- Health Law
- Family Law
- Labor and Employment Law
- Banking and Finance Law
Some Well-Known LLM Colleges in India
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
- Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Prospects of an LLM Program
The compass of an LLM (Master of Laws) course is wide-ranging and propitious. By pursuing an LLM degree, you create opportunities to numerous career opportunities in the legal field. Here are some areas where the LLM program can offer substantial career prospects:
- Academic Community
- Legal Practices
- Corporate World
- Government and Civil Sector
- Research and Policy Organizations
- Alternative Legal Careers
- International Practice
- Arbitration and Mediation
- Human Rights and NGOs
Post LLM Options
Upon the successful accomplishment of an LLM degree, individuals have the window of opportunity to pursue further education such as a PhD in Law or an LLD (Doctor of Law) degree. Various universities in India widen LLD admission possibilities, including institutions like Nalsar Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur, and NLU Jodhpur.
Career Opportunities for LLM Graduates
Law stands as one of the most robust during the recession, presenting opportunities in both public and private realms. Proficient LLM graduates are also sought after for private practice, where they can attain substantial returns by representing clients in different courts throughout the nation.
Prominent Employers
Listed below are noteworthy employers that purposefully seek to hire recent graduates with Master of Legislative Laws qualifications:
- Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
- DSK Legal
- Phoenix Legal
- Trilegal India
- AZB & Partners
- Desai & Dewanji
- Khaitan & Co.
- Anand & Anand
- J Sagar and Associates
- Sagar Associates
| Job Profiles | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Advocate | Advocates work independently, representing individuals who require legal assistance for issues beyond their own skills. |
| Judge | Judges hold an esteemed position in the judiciary, delivering judgments on cases conveyed to them. |
| Notary | Notaries witness the signing of legal documents, including legitimacy to the process. |
| Legal Document Reviewer | Reviewers analyze several legal documents, draft responses, and contribute to research-related works. |
| Professor | Professors educate students in various law subjects across different educational institutions. |
| Consultant | Legal Advisors/Associates aid in contract management, research, drafting, and other legal works. |
Salaries for LLM Graduates in India
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Advocate | 4.5 - 8 LPA |
| Judge | 12 - 18 LPA |
| Notary | 3 - 5 LPA |
| Professor | 5 - 10 LPA |
| Consultant | 6 - 9 LPA |
Source: multiple websites
Conclusion
Pursuing an LLM degree is a remarkable step in a legal professional’s journey. An LLM degree not only improves legal expertise but also opens the way for a rewarding and impactful legal career in India. By understanding the admission process, analyzing specializations, evaluating financial factors, and visualizing future career prospects, aspiring LLM candidates can make informed decisions that coordinate with their academic and professional objectives.
References
- https://www.enjuris.com/students/law-related-quotes/
- https://collegedunia.com/courses/master-of-laws-llm
- https://www.collegedekho.com/courses/master-of-law-llm
- https://www.careers360.com/courses/llm-master-of-legislative-law
- https://llm-guide.com/schools/asia/india
- https://www.shiksha.com/ll-m-chp
- https://zollege.in/courses/master-of-laws-llm