02,Dec 2023
LLM is an acronym denoting Master of Laws, also recognized by its distinguished Latin counterpart, Legum Magister. It represents a postgraduate pursuit undertaken by erudite scholars subsequent to the acquisition of a bachelor's degree from an esteemed institution of higher learning. However, let’s take a quick look at the necessary details concerned to LLM programme.
Why Study LLM?
Pursuing an LLM course after graduating from the best law college in India is important to excel your career. It opens a door to your legal future to earn handsome pay. However, some of the other top reasons to pursue LLM course are as illustrated under:
- Gets Students Ready for a profession in International Law: LLM degrees with a specialty in International Law will help students establish themselves internationally and, eventually, pursue a profession in the field of international law, assuring a promising future.
- Pursue a job in Legal Writing and Research: After earning your LLM, pursuing an LLD might lead to a job in legal research and writing, depending on your LLM specialization.
- Diverse Specializations: The range of specializations offered in LLM programs can help students choose a career path in fields including human rights, corporate law, international law, and labor law, among others.
- Assist you in narrowing your focus: Unlike undergraduate legal studies, which concentrate on general law, the LLM enables you to specialize in a particular area of study. This progressively enables you to concentrate on the problem and give it more attention, enabling you to become an authority on it.
- Better Job Opportunities: Compared to a law bachelor's degree, a master's degree in law will pay you more and give you more career options.
Trending LLM Specialization Courses
- Constitutional Law
- Insurance Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Taxation Law
- International Trade and Business Law
- Human Rights
- Jurisprudence
- Intellectual Property Law
- Corporate Law and Governance etc.
Eligibility Criteria for LLM Programme
If you are the one looking for an LLM programme as a part of your higher study, you must be aware of the eligibility requirements. Let’s have a quick look at the basic eligibility criteria for LLM programme.
- Educational requirement: The applicant must have earned a bachelor degree in law from an accredited institution. Candidates may apply for an LLM program while awaiting their final year/semester graduation results. Candidates must, however, have earned their LLB degree prior to the admission date.
- Minimum qualifying marks: Each college has its own requirements for minimum marks.
LLM Admission Process
The admission process for LLM programme generally differs from university to university. There are few universities that follow Online Test and a Personal Interview. However, some common details concerned to LLM admission process are discussed under -
LL.M. Admission Open 2023 – 2 Year Program
- The candidate must have earned LL.B., BA.LL.B, B.Com.LL.B, B.B.A.LL.B., B.Sc.LL.B, Bed.LL.B, or any other equivalent program.
- The applicant may also be asked to provide Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from companies, academic institutions, and judicial bodies, depending on the university you choose.
Personal Interview
Personal interviews will be held in either an offline or online format at the candidate's convenience within the time period that has been reserved in accordance with their preferences. Candidates who select the online route will have personal interviews conducted, often via Zoom Video Meeting or any other virtual platform.
Career Option after LLM Programme
To get jobs in legal field, Masters in Law is not mandatory but it can be the ideal option if you want to specialize in a particular topic or area of your interest after earning an LLB degree. Master degree in law will assist in developing a successful career. Let's look at job opportunities after an LLM in India:
Law Professor
Earning an LLM degree can help to secure a job as a law professor. Candidates with LLM degree are offered to teach undergraduate students in an esteemed institution. Hence, give a try as an Assistant Professor to your career after completing LLM degree.
Research Assistant
LLM degree holders can also give a try as a Research Assistant in a private or government institute. Candidates are just required to qualify the NET exam and start their career as a research assistant.
Legal Positions in PSUs
You are qualified to apply for public sector undertaking units like ONGC, IOCL, Power Grid, BHEL, and NTPC after passing the CLAT PG LLM test. PSUs offer a wide range of advantages, including competitive pay, job stability, allowances, and other perks. Additionally, public sector banks like IBPS will let you work there. The recruiting procedure includes a separate exam for SEBI, RBU, and IRDAI.
Legal Associate (Law Firm) and Legal Advisor (Corporate Sector)
After earning your LLM degree, you can select a domestic or international legal firm depending on your area of specialty. You can work for any business, institution of higher learning, non-profit, startup, global organization, etc. Even a legal firm provides enormous financial advantages and fantastic professional advancement.
Work in Global Organizations and NGOs
Candidates with LLM degree and expertise in the field of human rights, international law, and environmental law can work with the Global Organization and NGOs.
Civil/ Judicial Services Aspirants
The other career option is to work with civil or judicial bodies. However, an LLM degree is not mandatory to work with these bodies but most of the services prefer candidates holding LLM degree.
Legal Journalist and legal process outsourcing
In the recent years, it is noticed that the demand for Legal journalist has grown rapidly. Candidates with LLM degree can outsource specialized services for foreign firms like consultation, drafting, advisories, reviewing, etc.
Legal Services Freelancer
You can be the boss of your own by with Legal Services Freelancer after pursuing an LLM degree. This career option is best fit for those who want to work freely without any time limitation.
Own a Law firm
Another career option after studying an LLM degree is starting your own law firm. Here, a law professional generally provide legal services to his/her client.
Other career choices
Apart from the above, some other career options may be like Oath Commissioner, Notary officer, and Legal Doc.
Hence, pursuing an LLM (Master of Laws) program opens up a world of opportunities for individuals who wish to advance their legal careers and specialize in a specific area of law. This postgraduate course equips students with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the legal field. Whether you're interested in international law, constitutional law, environmental law, or any other specialization, LLM programs offer diverse options to cater to your interests and career aspirations.
The eligibility criteria and admission process may vary from one institution to another, but generally, applicants should hold an LLB degree or an equivalent qualification to pursue an LLM. Top private law colleges in India follow a thorough admission process that includes a qualifying test and a personal interview to ensure the selection of qualified candidates.
The LLM degree not only enhances your legal knowledge but also opens the doors to a wide range of career options. Whether you aspire to become a law professor, work as a legal researcher, join the corporate sector, or contribute to global organizations and NGOs, an LLM degree provides the necessary foundation for these career paths. Additionally, you have the flexibility to work as a legal journalist, start your own law firm, or explore various other opportunities in the legal domain.
In a dynamic and ever-evolving field like law, obtaining an LLM degree can be a strategic move to stay competitive and advance your career. So, if you are considering furthering your legal education, exploring LLM specialization courses, and understanding the admission requirements is the first step toward a promising future in the legal profession.