Why Law Master Degree (LLM) is Important in Law Studies?

 1. About LLM (Legum Magister)

The term “Legum Magister” originates from Latin, which is translated to as “Master of Laws”. As Latin has been used as language of academia for centuries for law and many legal terminologies as well phrases still have Latin roots. The term “Magister” was used to denote a master's degree, indicating advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular subject. The addition of “Legum” specifies that the degree pertains to the field of law.

The LLM degree is a globally recognized legal certificate with a long history in higher studies. Legum Magister is not a mandatory requirement for legal practitioners, however, if you want to work with a good legal employer, then this advanced training is perfect for you. Most of them have a specific focus, allowing you to thoroughly study a particular field of law. This may be advantageous if you wish to practice law in a specific area such as family or criminal law. LLM courses can also help you to succeed in other fields. For example, if you work in management or business, you may get positive results from the knowledge of corporate or economic law. 

2. Why is this important?

The Master qualification refines and develops a range of skills in individuals that can enhance their professional capabilities and career prospects. The students acquire advanced research skills, including the ability to identify relevant legal sources, analyze complex legal issues, and synthesize information from various legal authorities. The LLM program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling graduates to deepen understanding of legal systems, evaluate legal problems, apply legal principles, and develop logical arguments.

Many LLM programs often focus on specific areas of law, such as international law, intellectual property, corporate law, or criminal law.  Also, LLM attracts international students, fostering a diverse and multicultural learning environment. The students gain cross-cultural competence, enhancing their ability to work with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders from different backgrounds across the globe.

3. LLM Course Eligibility

LLM eligibility requirements include - 

• An undergraduate degree in Law from any recognized university
• For the Master in Law course, the minimum percentage is mainly fixed by the colleges.
• However, to secure LLM admission, candidates must score at least 50% aggregate marks at the graduate level. 

Countries awarding Master’s degree in Law -

LLM education is offered in many countries and recognized internationally, however, country-specific curricula vary slightly with respect to their legal systems. Many LLM courses include international perspective in the range of different specializations available. 

Several universities worldwide are well-known for their LLM programs, especially in Anglophone university systems like the USA, UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. In Europe, LLM is often identified by the Bologna Process.

 In Asia, a Master in Law is popular as program for advancing a career in academics. With progression in fields like Arbitration, private international law, cross-boundary trade, cyber crimes, etc. Universities in Asia are adopting common Western Degree course structures. 

 Following are the well-known institutes for Masters in Law, outside India- 

1. Harvard Law School
2. Faculty of Law- Oxford University
3. Faculty of Law- University of Cambridge
4. Yale Law School
5. New York University (NYU) - Law
6. Stanford Law School
7. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - Law department
8. Melbourne Law School (MLS)
9. University of Chicago Law School
10. University of California, Berkeley (UCB) law

LLM in India

Legal education in India developed more after the passing of the Advocates’ Act, 1961 to regulate the Centers for Legal Education. The first Law University was established in 1986 in the form of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.  Now many Public and Private institutions offer Law programs as one of the in-demand degree education.

Best institutes offering LLM in India- 

1. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
2. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
3. National Law Institute University, Bhopal
4. National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
5. ILS Law College, Pune
6. National Law University, Jodhpur
7. Symbiosis Society’s Law College, Pune
8. Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
9. Amity Law School, Delhi

You can also check for Vishwakarma University, Pune, which is an emerging college from Western India offering students the best courses in Law. At Vishwakarma University, you can enroll in the one-year full-time LLM course. 

Why LLM at Vishwakarma University?

The LLM program at Vishwakarma University is distinct from any other university in India because of its expert faculty and research-oriented rigorous academics. Amongst 1200 universities from 98 countries, Vishwakarma University, Pune is listed in the top institutions as per Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings 2021. The students from the Department of Law, Vishwakarma University actively participate in curricular and co-curricular activities and have won several competitions at the National level such as LLM students participated in the National Level Virtual Moot Court Competition, organized by I - WIN IP Services and Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), DPII, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and Osmania University and won as team for Best Researcher.  At Vishwakarma University, law students get career support programs and career readiness where they get proper training in soft skills. The university offers good placement opportunities to its law students by collaborating with various MNCs and has around 100 recruiters.

Duration of LLM Course

At the Department of Law, Vishwakarma University, Pune One-year Masters programme is offered spanning in two semesters. In these two terms students learn the core courses that emphasize on developing the understanding of research methodology, the legal and theoretical perspectives and specialization subjects in areas like Criminal Law, Business Laws, Cyber Laws etc. The programme includes Dissertation as an important component, starting from first term and submitted in the second term. 

4. Opportunities After LLM

Completing an LLM program unlocks a wide array of opportunities for legal professionals to excel in their chosen field. Whether it is legal practice, academia, public service, international organizations, the corporate sector, or alternative legal careers, LLM graduates possess the expertise and specialized knowledge to make a significant impact. The diverse range of career paths available to LLM graduates ensures that they can pursue their passions, contribute to the legal profession, and shape the future of law in a variety of ways.

1. Legal Practice:

Many LLM graduates choose to enter legal practice, either in law firms or as independent practitioners. Armed with specialized knowledge and expertise, they can offer valuable insights to clients and tackle complex legal issues within their chosen area of specialization. LLM graduates often find themselves in high demand due to their advanced understanding of specific legal concepts and their ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks.

2. Academia and Research:

For those with a passion for teaching and a thirst for legal scholarship, pursuing a career in academia or research is a natural progression after completing an LLM program. Graduates can explore opportunities as professors, lecturers, or researchers in law schools and universities. They can contribute to the development of legal knowledge, publish scholarly articles, and engage in cutting-edge research in their specialized field.

3. Government and Public Service:

LLM graduates often find rewarding opportunities in government agencies, public interest organizations, and regulatory bodies. Their advanced legal knowledge allows them to contribute to policy development, draft legislation, and offer expert advice on legal matters. By working in the public sector, LLM graduates can make a meaningful impact on society, advocate for justice, and shape public policy in their area of expertise.

4. International Organizations and NGOs:

With globalization and the interconnectedness of legal systems, there is an increasing demand for legal professionals who possess a deep understanding of international law and cross-border issues. LLM graduates can explore careers with international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or European Union, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on human rights, environmental protection, or humanitarian issues. These roles often involve addressing complex legal challenges on a global scale.

5. Corporate Sector:

Corporations, especially those with global operations, require legal expertise in various specialized areas. LLM graduates can find opportunities as in-house counsel or legal advisors in corporations, where their advanced knowledge and understanding of specific legal domains are highly valued. Industries such as intellectual property, technology, finance, and international trade seek professionals with LLM qualifications to navigate the legal complexities within their respective sectors.

6. Alternative Legal Careers:

Beyond traditional legal paths, LLM graduates have the flexibility to explore alternative careers that leverage their legal skills and knowledge. They can venture into legal consulting, compliance roles, mediation, arbitration, legal journalism, or even entrepreneurship in legal tech startups. The versatility of an LLM qualification enables graduates to adapt to evolving legal landscapes and pursue non-traditional yet fulfilling career paths.

Whether you are interested in climbing the ladder in your current career or wishing to switch, you are most likely to benefit from a Master in Law degree if you know exactly what you want. Earning a Master’s Degree in Law may be simply what you need to learn the language of law and take your career to the next height, especially if you are regularly interacting with lawyers and the law. Though the listed above job titles are most commonly sought by the LLM graduate, the truth is that knowledge learned through the Legum Magister degree can be applied to multiple careers in any number of fields.