The LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate qualification recognised worldwide. The qualification is administered by accredited institutions and can be offered and delivered in different ways, from a one year full-time on-campus course to a multi-year part-time or distance learning basis.
Unlike the academic study undertaken by lawyers as part of the qualification process, the LLM is not always a pre-requisite to admission and practice in a jurisdiction. Indeed, some LLMs don’t require prior undergraduate study in law at all. That said, in some countries the LLM can cover the basic principles of that country’s legal system as an aid for international lawyers seeking to broaden their knowledge of different legal systems.
Other LLM programmes may have a focus on a specialised area or topic of law; such programmes are ideal for lawyers seeking to enhance their interest or knowledge of a particular area of legal theory or practice. For law graduates who wish to focus on jurisprudence or forge a career in research or teaching, an LLM is often the precursor to a doctoral degree in law or a segue from practice into academia.
An LLM may be assessed by way of taught and examined classes, coursework or a combination of both. In this way, an LLM offers candidates the opportunity to sharpen their research and writing skills and delve deeper into an area of law they are especially interested in.
The motivations for studying for the LLM, and the benefits of holding the qualification, differ among candidates. These can include ‘upgrading’ one’s alma mater; networking opportunities; academic recognition of study in an area of law of special interest to the candidate; research into an area of law that isn’t commonly practised; standing out in a crowded job market; or to add to a CV as part of an application for a non-solicitor role where specialist study in a relevant area of law will help their chances.
The view of LLMs by employers differs. Some law firms may not attach any weight to it, and to these firms, an LLM graduate is no better off than a candidate without an LLM and less desirable than a candidate with industry experience.
While the quote in the linked article – “We’d be neutral about a masters, which we don’t view as intrinsically better than a year spent working in industry” – was made in the context of domestic applicants, internationally-qualified applicants may also need to consider whether building up experience in their home jurisdiction before doing either the LLM or the SQE would be a wise move based on their circumstances and aspirations.
On average, 19% of lawyers at 11 of the 20 largest law firms in the world hold an LLM. That said, candidates wishing to apply for specialist legal roles or for work involving international law may find an LLM in that area good evidence of commitment to and interest in that field of law.
