LLM (Masters of Law)

Overview

The LLM program is a master of a law degree which is usually perused after completion of a bachelor’s degree in law known as bachelors of law or LLB. Students pursue this degree in order to become lawyers. There are multiple paths that open after competition of degrees such as corporate law, criminal law and etc. The law degree that is available in different countries is exclusive to the law that is common to that particular nation. The LLM degree is usually of two years post which one can be officially listed as lawyers.

Type

The LLM degree is a master’s degree which is usually done after completion of an LLB degree. A student from commerce background can pursue this degree in the future. Ones who are passionate about being a lawyer in the future. The degree provides a specialization among the different fields of lawyers which helps a person choose the specific field they wish to develop in. The different field is corporate law, human rights, criminal law and etc. The lawyers can further develop in their field by getting attached to a firm or senior lawyers.  

Exams Required

LLM can be pursued within India after completing LLB in order to give the CLAT exam. The LLM is usually pursued after passing the LLB degree which is a degree of five years is passed with flying colors. However if one needs to pursue the same degree abroad one needs to qualify the English proficiency exam which is a guarantee providing that the student is fluent in speaking, writing and listening in English. 

Course Details

In order to study LLM abroad one needs to keep certain things in mind such as the following:

1. study one subject/legal topic
2. study in a specific university
3. study in a particular country/geographical region.

Usually, a student decides on the specialization with respect to their desires and what they are interested in. Specialization allows the student to master in one particular subject which will be the area in which the student will be working in.

It is also important that one selects the right place to study in and the driving factors might be due to family living in the same area, climatically conditions might suit one or the standard of living.

Candidates often pursue a bachelor’s degree within their national country and go for masters abroad. The master’s degree is often for 2 years in India and abroad. However often countries reduce the tuition period to one and a half years and leave the 6 months' time for internship or so.

Salary Details

Approximately over 400 jobs are created per year and there are over 9000 law graduates who qualify the law course. One-third of the people apply for jobs straight away while the other half goes for LLM and spends a year or so completing that.

Whereas one-third of the people apply for government exams such as UPSC, army, and judiciary services. They seek their career in government jobs and hence their law career ends if they get into UPSC.

Normally people who get into decent jobs tend to land with an income of 12-15 lakh per annum.  

Top Universities for LLM

• New York University
• University of Cambridge
• Columbia University
• London School of Economics and Pol Science
• University of Oxford
• Queen Mary University of London
• Harvard University
• University of Toronto

Top Colleges for LLM by Location 

Top colleges according to the preference of location are given as follows:

• Oxford University: UK
• New York University: United States of America
• University of Toronto: Canada

LLM Course Details

LLM- Top Universities

The top best university that offers a course in LLM is in UK, USA, and Canada. Most of the universities are in London, UK. The detailed structure is explained below:

LLM-Requirements and Eligibility

The eligibility for LLM is to have decent marks in school and a degree of LLB with decent marks. 70% in English proficiency test score is mandatory but may vary according to different universities.

The general documents that are required for applying for an LLM degree are:

•  Acceptable High School Certificate
• High School Proficiency Examination Certificate
• English Language Proficiency Certificate
• Percentage minimum requirement:70
• TOEFL: Not applicable to all universities;
• IELTS: 7.0

 LLM-Admission and Procedure

In order to get into LLM programs in universities abroad, one has to apply online and submit all the required documents. Followed by the IELTS exam which has a basic requirement of 7.0 percent.

The universities offer two session winter and fall session and therefore the students have plenty of time to apply for the course. The important documentation required are as follows:

• Acceptable High School and class 12th transcripts
• High School Proficiency Examination Certificate
• Financial account information in case any aid is required
• English Language Proficiency Certificate
• Visa certificate

LLM- Course and Syllabus Details

LLM offers a master’s degree in an already studied course of LLB which is a prior requirement of this degree. There is a basic degree which has been completed by students and therefore LLM is just a building up course. It provides specialization in that particular field.

The most acceptable and preferable duration is 2 years mostly comprising 4 semesters.

LLM- Fees and University Wise Course Fees

LLM is a course duration of 2 years however the tuition fees vary from country to country and therefore the scholarships are also applicable from university to university. However following are the top three universities and the expenses offered by that university.  

LLM - Career Scope

Career offers a great variety of scope in different fields however the students need to be focused on which field they wish to get into in terms of their career. The law career offers a great path to prosper even in India itself. Lawyers tend to receive a great deal of pay since once they have attached to a particular firm or even a senior lawyer they will be able to make that cut. The lawyers tend to handle multiple cases simultaneously and once if they receive a case that involves a big celebrity or even a huge name involved then the pay varies accordingly. Lawyers have greater scope once they get attached to firms abroad since places like the USA and Canada often conceal this career in firms. 

LLM- Jobs and Salary Scope

Post completion of LLM one can avail of several jobs in India both in the government sector and private sector. This varies according to the post in the government sector. Where the starting pay is slightly towards the lower end initially however as one develops in the field the pay also rises. The jobs that are available in the government sector are as follows: 

The jobs offered abroad are as follows: