The benefits of an LLM

There are a number of benefits of doing an LLM, not least because it allows you to build upon the knowledge you have gained during your undergraduate law degree (LLB).

Through an LLM, you are able to specialise in a particular area of law that you have an interest in. LLM courses are much more specific compared to a more generalised LLB.

Whilst an LLM doesn’t shorten the route to qualifying as a solicitor or barrister, it certainly makes you stand out as a candidate later on when you will be applying for training contracts and qualifying work experience.

An LLM provides you with the opportunity to delve deeper into your chosen field of study, which will make you a more attractive candidate if you are considering a career in that particular area of law.

What can you do with an LLM?

The most common direction to take with an LLM is to pursue a career in the legal industry.

Even though it is a postgraduate course and it improves your knowledge of a particular area of law, an LLM is not considered a qualifying law degree, meaning you would have to enrol on a law conversion course if you haven’t earned a qualifying law degree such as an LLB previously.

A law conversion course, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), will get you up to speed with students who studied law at undergraduate level and it will teach you the necessary knowledge from an LLB course in the space of a year.

The new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route does not require you to do a law conversion course if you do not possess a qualifying law degree. Nonetheless, there are courses such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) that you can also consider doing to prepare you for the demands of the SQE after completing your LLM.

Since the LLM gives you a firm theoretical grounding in law, it puts you in a good position to teach law in secondary and higher education. Throughout your LLM, you will gain vital interpersonal skills that will make you an ideal person to stand in front of students.

By doing an LLM, you are demonstrating an interest in your field of study. Thus, you may want to pursue a PhD and consider a career in academia and research.

What jobs are available outside of the legal sector?

An LLM also opens the door to opportunities outside of the legal sector. The kind of jobs that you can pursue really depends on your degree’s specialisation.

If you are interested in working in the public sector, you may want to check out the openings available at the Civil Service. A range of departments, not least the Ministry of Justice, require people who have a background in law to carry out their responsibilities.

An LLM allows you to earn a job in the sector that your degree focuses on. For instance, if you studied commercial law or tax law, you would be an ideal candidate to work in the financial sector and banking.

The skills you gained on your LLM are compatible with roles that are not necessarily related to the legal sector. Many LLM graduates choose to commit to a career in consulting.

From being a good researcher to having excellent communication skills and being charismatic, a lot of the credentials you have gained on your LLM course are transferable to this career pathway. In fact, you may be able to find a consulting firm working in the area of law that your LLM specialises in.

Even though an LLM gives you a thorough preparation to pursue a career in law, it also unlocks a bunch of other job opportunities outside of the legal industry.