10 Reasons Why Pursuing an LLM Can Advance Your Career

Many law graduates wonder whether an advanced degree is the right next step. Will it boost your career? Give you an edge in competitive legal fields? The short answer—YES! An LLM isn’t just about adding three extra letters to your name; it’s about deepening your expertise, expanding your opportunities, and shaping your legal career in ways you might not have imagined.

LLM stands for Latin Legum Magister, a postgraduate law degree. It is an advanced academic program that allows law graduates to specialise in a specific area of law and deepen their knowledge + understanding of the legal field.

In this quick guide, you will understand why pursuing an LLM degree is a great choice and when the right time is to take that step—helping you make a well-informed decision about advancing your legal studies beyond the undergraduate level. 👍🏻

1. Your NICHE with LLM 

You’re probably already aware that law offers a wide range of specializations. If you are particularly interested in areas like Criminal, Commercial, Intellectual Property Law, or others, an LLM program focused on that specialization could be the perfect next step for you.

Pursuing an LLM will deepen your expertise in your chosen field and open up career opportunities in that area, helping you secure roles in Criminal Law, IP Law, and more. With an LLM, you can build the career you're passionate about.

2. VIP Pass to the Professorship

This is one of the most fundamental benefits of pursuing an LLM—enhanced credibility and opportunities. Many prestigious educational institutions and high-paying teaching roles require an LLM degree. In fact, some colleges won't even consider candidates without one.

If you aspire to teach, applying for an LLM program should be a priority. Most top universities value strong UGC NET scores for admissions, and to be eligible for the UGC NET exam, you must have a minimum of 55% in your LLM. This is your pathway to becoming a law faculty member in leading universities.

3. Stepping Stone to a PhD

Pursuing an LLM can be a game-changer if you aspire to earn a Ph.D. Here's how it helps:

Building a Ph.D. Foundation: Completing an LLM creates a solid base for your PhD journey, opening doors to higher earnings and prestigious career prospects. Many top academic and legal roles demand a Ph.D., making the LLM an essential stepping stone.

Research & Expertise: An LLM sharpens your research abilities and provides specialized knowledge, making you a standout candidate for PhD programs. It arms you with the skills needed for advanced academic and legal research.

4. LLM Degree has International Recognition

Pursuing an LLM can open doors to working internationally—an often overlooked benefit.

In Canada, for example, the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) assesses the credentials of foreign lawyers wishing to practice there. Recently, they announced that law degrees from India will now be considered equivalent to those from the UK and Australia, making it easier for Indian legal professionals to practice in Canada.

5. LLM = Top-Tier Clients

If you're planning to start your own private law firm, holding an LLM in a niche specialization can help you attract higher-quality clients willing to pay more for your expertise.

Even if you're considering freelance work, an LLM gives you the depth of knowledge needed to work independently and confidently handle complex legal matters.

6. In-Depth Knowledge

Top private law firms like Morgan Stanley and L&L Partners often prefer hiring LLM graduates because they're looking for candidates with deep expertise in specialized areas such as Banking and Finance Law, Media Rights, and Senior Consulting.

With just an LLB degree, it's unlikely that you'll make it past the first round of interviews at these firms. If your goal is to work at multinational law firms worldwide, pursuing an LLM degree is a smart move.

7. PSU Jobs waiting!

Top PSUs like Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), BHEL, ONGC, and NTPC also offer job opportunities for LLM grads.

8. Network Your Way to Success!

Pursuing an LLM allows you to build a valuable network of professors, peers, and alumni from multiple universities. This expanded network can provide you with valuable connections and opportunities in the legal profession. 

Networking is crucial in career advancement and can lead to exciting job prospects and collaborations.

9. Better Earning Prospects

An LLM from a renowned university can significantly increase your earning potential. It boosts your credibility and makes you more attractive to top law firms.

While experience and specialization matter, having an LLM sets you apart, giving you that extra edge in the competitive legal job market.

Also read- What are the Career Opportunities after LLM in India?

10. Research Skills

Strong research skills are highly valued in the legal field. Pursuing an LLM involves regular research activities, such as writing papers, preparing submissions, and giving presentations.

Postgraduate studies in law typically require a higher degree of research compared to undergraduate studies. Engaging in meaningful research during your LLM will enrich your skillset and enhance your employability in the legal industry.

When to Pursue an LLM?

Deciding when to pursue an LLM can be confusing. Should you do it right after law school, or should you gain some experience first? Here's a structured guide to help you make the decision.

LLM Before Gaining Experience

Ideal for those with a clear career goal that requires an LLM, such as:

• Becoming a professor (LLM is mandatory for teaching in law colleges).

• Pursue PhD

• Applying for legal manager roles in banks or institutions where LLM is preferred.
  
  Benefits of Pursuing LLM Before Experience

• Easier to prepare for entrance exams as you're already in touch with legal subjects.

• More time for studies compared to when you start working.

LLM After Gaining Experience

Suitable for those who:

• Want to practice law or take judicial service exams (LLM is not mandatory).

• Are passionate about research and want deeper subject expertise.

• Wish to specialize based on practical experience in a particular field.

Benefits of Pursuing LLM After Experience

• More clarity on specialization—choosing Corporate Law, IPR, Family Law, etc., becomes easier after working in the field.

• However, managing time for studies can be challenging due to work commitments.

But Remember

There's no single right path—your decision should be based on your career goals, interest in specialization, and ability to manage time. If LLM is a necessity for your goal, pursue it early. If not, gain experience first and then decide