Should you be doing an LLM in 2024-25?

Do you know what is common between Ram Jethmalani, Zia Mody, and Harish Salve? These all are renowned LLM graduates who have significantly influenced the legal system. With over 10,000 students taking LLM Entrance Exams in 2023, the appeal of LLM programs remains still strong.

Are you puzzling over whether pursuing a Master's degree in law might be your next step? Given the ever-evolving legal panorama, it's natural to wonder about the value of pursuing an LLM in 2024-25. An LLM is a postgraduate law degree that allows graduate law students to specialise and gain valuable expertise. So, let's break it down whether a Master's in Law is the next step in your journey!

What is LLM, and who can pursue it?

The LLM is a full-time PG course in which students must fulfil credit requirements and submit dissertations at the end of the final semester. LLM is also offered in executive mode, generally offered only to working professionals.

Those candidates who have completed a three-year or five-year LLB programme can apply for LLM. Those who wish to pursue a career in academia must compulsorily pursue LLM. 

Who can take the LLM Entrance Exam? 

Admissions Requirements

• Candidates can apply for LLM admission if they have completed their law graduation from a recognised university/ college.

• As part of the eligibility criteria shared by some colleges, candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate marks at the graduation level to be eligible to secure admission to the LLM course they offer.

Different Types of LLM Programs

India has various LLM programs for different interests and career plans. These are categorised into the following types:

1. General LLM: These programs cover many legal topics for people who want a broad understanding of the Law. Universities like NALSAR and O.P. Jindal provide general LLM to students who are not opting for any particular specialisation.

2. Specialised LLM: Specialisations were offered in various streams and more focused on specific areas like Criminal Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, International Trade and Business Law and many more.

3. Research LLM: These programs are more about researching and writing a thesis on a legal topic. For example, some universities offer LLM in Legal Pedagogy and Research, which majorly focus on preparing researchers and teachers in the field of law. 

Specialisations in LLM

The key factor in deciding whether to pursue a Master's in Law is the range of specialisation options available. Below is a list of specialisations you can explore in an LLM program:

Career and Scope after LLM

Another deciding factor is what options are available for career advancement after LLM. A master's degree in law provides you with more prospects than a bachelor's degree in law. 

1. Pathway to Academics in Law

Pursuing an LLM establish the groundwork for a successful academic career. Numerous universities and institutions mandate a Master's degree as a teaching-role prerequisite. LLM programs are intense and research-oriented, providing candidates with the skills and knowledge needed for advanced academic pursuits like a PhD or MPhil in law. 

2. Must have for PhD

Completing an LLM program sets the stage for pursuing a PhD, and various academic and high-level legal positions necessitate a PhD. Some examples of specialisations in PhD are PhD in Interdisciplinary Law, PhD in Cyber Security, and PhD in Jurisprudence.

3. Recruitment in PSUs

Many prominent Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) utilise CLAT PG scores to hire candidates for legal positions. For instance, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited recruits Assistant Office Trainees (Law) through the CLAT PG exam, while Indian Oil Corporation Limited selects Assistant Law Managers and Executive Trainees based on CLAT PG scores. 

4. Edge on Hiring at Top Law Firms

Some top law firms, like AZB & Partners, Majumdar & Co, Khaitan & Co, Argus Partners, etc, hire LLM graduates. Other private companies like Ernst & Young, Times of India, ICICI Bank, Star India, Tata Sons Ltd, etc, also hire LLM passed-out students.

Some popular professionals that can be opted after LLM are:-

You can also read more about Career Opportunities after LLM in India here!

Relevance of LLM to the Indian Legal System

Indian LLM programs are tailored to fit the country's legal system and practice. This emphasis on local laws helps students gain practical skills directly useful in India's legal field, ensuring they're well-prepared for their careers.

In my opinion- Studying for an LLM helps students make important professional connections, which can help them find internships, jobs, and collaborations in different legal areas. Indian institution alumni networks often reach globally, offering chances for international connections, too.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What are the top entrance exams to pursue the LLM course?

Various entrance exams are conducted in India to pursue an LLM degree. These exams assess a student's aptitude, legal concepts, analytical skills, research abilities, and legal reasoning skills. Various LLM entrance exams are DU LLM, CLAT PG, AILET, LSAT, TISS NET, etc.

Check out the Top LLM Entrance Exams in India here.

Does the LLM Degree from India have International Recognition? 

Choosing an LLM program can open doors to global career paths, often overlooked. In Canada, the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) evaluates lawyers' qualifications, including those from abroad. Recently, the NCA recognised Indian law degrees on par with UK and Australian qualifications.

Is the LLM course offered in Distance mode?

Due to the Bar Council of India and the University Grants Commission's refusal to approve distance education in Law, the LLM course is unavailable via distance education, as they recognise neither Distance LLM nor Online LLM.

So, Should You Do It?

Here's the million-dollar question: is a Master's in Law worth it for you in 2024-25? The answer? Well, it depends. It depends on your goals, passion for law, and readiness to fully engage in legal studies.

If you want to understand the law better, seek new challenges, and enhance your legal skills, getting a Master's in Law could be your right choice!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Deciding to pursue an LLM is a big decision, especially after investing a lot of time and effort in undergraduate studies. Extra years of an LLM program can greatly boost your legal career, although it's a significant commitment. So whether you're getting ready for a Master's in law or still deciding what to do next, remember the legal field is huge, thrilling, and ready for you to leave your mark.

If you have more questions about LLM, feel free to email us at support@finology.in.