About the course
A Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a postgraduate academic degree in law. It is an advanced qualification for those who have already completed a first degree in law and are
seeking further specialization or career advancement. The LL.M. offers lawyers and legal professionals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in a specific area of
law or broaden their understanding of legal systems, practice, and theory. The LL.M. program typically lasts one year when pursued full-time, or two years for part-time study.
Many LL.M. programs are designed with an international outlook, providing students with a broader understanding of global legal systems and international treaties.
Some programs even offer dual degrees or opportunities for international exchanges between universities, allowing students to experience different legal cultures.
The reputation of the institution offering the LL.M. can influence the degree’s value and the networking opportunities available to graduates.
Eligibility
- MINIMUM EDUCATION - Completion of 10+2, candidates must have completed an LLB degree from a recognized university or law school.
- MINIMUM MARKS - Qualified from a recognized University with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent.
- ENTRANCE EXAM - CLAT, LSAT, AILET , PU CET, AP LAW, TS PGLCET, and AP LAWCET
Why to study LLM
- One of the primary reasons to study for an LL.M. is to specialize in a particular area of law. Law is a vast field, and an LL.M. provides the opportunity to delve deeply into a niche area such as corporate law, human rights law, international law, taxation law, or intellectual property law.
- An LL.M. can significantly enhance your resume, especially if you’re looking to climb the career ladder in your current legal practice or switch to a different field within law. The advanced qualifications gained through an LL.M. can open doors to higher-paying jobs, leadership roles, or prestigious firms.
- Whether you want to join a top law firm, work for a multinational corporation, or enter the public sector, an LL.M. can improve your chances of landing a more desirable position. The degree is also valued by employers who are looking for expertise in specific legal issues.
- Many LL.M. programs offer an international perspective on law. This is ideal for those looking to work in international law, engage with global legal challenges, or work for organizations like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, or international NGOs.
- For those with a law degree who want to change their focus or explore a new area of legal practice, an LL.M. can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to make the transition smoother. For example, a lawyer trained in criminal law may choose to pursue an LL.M.
- If you have aspirations to teach law at the university level or engage in legal research, an LL.M. provides the foundation needed for these careers. It prepares you to critically analyze legal concepts and contribute to academic debates and publications.
Scope of LLM
- At the heart of most LL.M. programs is an emphasis on advanced legal research and theory. Students learn to critically engage with legal texts, case law, and academic writings, often with a focus on legal analysis and comparative law. Research skills are crucial, as students may be required to complete a dissertation or extensive research projects.
- A significant portion of the study involves mastering legal methodology, which includes case analysis, statutory interpretation, and understanding the practical implications of various legal theories. Students explore how laws are applied in real-world contexts, developing the ability to analyze legal issues from multiple perspectives.
- One of the most popular and wide-ranging specializations, international law covers treaties, diplomacy, international organizations (like the United Nations), human rights, and international trade law. It provides an understanding of how nations interact legally and the laws that govern these relationships.
- Students specializing in business law focus on commercial transactions, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and antitrust regulations. They explore legal issues that arise in the operation of businesses and corporations, both nationally and internationally.
- This specialization delves into laws protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals. It includes both domestic and international perspectives, covering topics such as civil liberties, discrimination, refugee law, and humanitarian law. It's ideal for those interested in working with NGOs, international organizations, or public policy advocacy.
- For those drawn to the justice system, specializing in criminal law provides an in-depth look at criminal statutes, criminal defense, prosecution, and penal reform. It can also include aspects of forensic law, evidence, and the rights of defendants.
Top 10 colleges in India
| RANK | NAME OF THE COLLEGE | AVG PACKAGE | NO OF SEATS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NATIONAL LAW SCHOOL OF INDIA UNIVERSITY(NLSIU), Banglore | 16LPA | 120 |
| 2 | NATIONAL ACADEMY OF LEGAL STUDIES AND RESEARCH(NALSAR), Hyderabad | 7LPLA | 66 |
| 3 | WEST BENGAL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF JURIDICAL SCIENCES(WBNUJS), Kolkata | 12LPA | 102 |
| 4 | NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY DELHI(NLU), New Delhi | 12PA | 81 |
| 5 | GUJARAT NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY(GNLU), Gujarat | 6LPA | 89 |
| 6 | DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY(RMLNLU), Luckmow | 9LPA | 31 |
| 7 | NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY(NLU), Odisha | 10LPA | 180 |
| 8 | NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES(NUALS), Kochi | 10.12LPA | 40 |
| 9 | RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LAW(RGNUL),Panjab | 9LPA | 80 |
| 10 | NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, Jodhpur | 16LPA | 50 |
Syllabus of the course
YEAR 1
| SEM 1 | SEM 2 |
|---|---|
| Law and Social Transformation in India | Research Methodology-II |
| Jurisprudence | Administrative Law |
| Constitutionalism | Finance Law |
| Legal Research and Methodology | Law and Technology |
| Practical Training | Law of Crimes |
| Dissertation I | Specialization Subject |
YEAR 2
| SEM 3 | SEM 4 |
|---|---|
| Oral Pathology, Oral Microbiology & Forensic Odontology | Applied Basic Sciences |
| Applied Basic Sciences | Conservative Dentistry including Preventive dentistry and Dental Materials |
| Recent Advances In Oral Pathology | Recent Advances in Conservative Dentistry |
| Laboratory And Histopathological Techniques | Endodontics |
YEAR 3
| SEM 5 | SEM 6 |
|---|---|
| Specialization Elective-II | Field Work |
| Privileged Class Deviance | Report Work and Publication |
| International Business Law | Specialization Elective -III |
| Mass Media Law | Specialization Elective -III |
| Public Utilities Law | Viva Voice |
Fees Structure
| TYPE OF QUOTA | AVERAGE FEES PER YEAR |
|---|---|
| Government Quota | 1K-10K per yer |
| Management Quota | 1-5lkhs per year |
Job Roles
- Corporate Lawyer: Corporate lawyers, also known as business or commercial lawyers, advise companies on a variety of legal matters, including business transactions, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intellectual property rights, and regulatory compliance.
- Human Rights Lawyer: Human rights lawyers focus on legal issues related to the protection of fundamental rights, including freedoms of speech, equality, and protection from discrimination.
- Tax Lawyer: Tax lawyers specialize in advising individuals, businesses, and organizations on tax laws, regulations, and strategies.
- Environmental Lawyer: Environmental lawyers work on legal matters related to environmental protection, sustainability, and natural resource management.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer: IP lawyers focus on protecting the legal rights of creators and inventors over their creations and inventions. This includes patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Litigator / Trial Lawyer: Litigators or trial lawyers represent clients in court or arbitration hearings.
- Academia / Legal Educator: Legal educators teach law at universities or law schools. They may also engage in legal research, writing, and publishing.
- Legal Consultant: Legal consultants offer specialized advice to organizations, businesses, or government entities on specific legal issues.