SHOULD I DO LLM?

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While some people might dread the through of spending another two years in college, spending time reading longer papers, writing longer essays and giving even more tougher exams, others might be much more eager to learn more about law and get in-depth knowledge of the field that they like. There is no correct answer to the question of whether or not I should do LLM? It all comes down to answering one question “what do i gain by pursuing LLM and it is worth it?”

What is LLM?

LLM (Masters of Law) is a post-graduate degree in Law. LLM Courses offers specialization in multiple sub-streams of law and enables you to become a professional in your field. The duration of the programme is 2 years. However, there are a few universities such as Symbiosis Law School, Pune, that offer a one-year LL.M. course. The duration of LLM programme may vary according to the institutes. 

A candidate needs to secure at least 55% aggregate marks in his Bachelors in Law degree to be able to enroll in any LLM Course.

Advantages of doing LLM

Most college courses are designed in a general way and hence it is highly possible that you did not get a chance to study the subject you wish to specialize in. So if you’re particularly keen to focus on any one area of law, such as tax law or intellectual property law – as most lawyers do, to differentiate themselves from others, then this might be it.

• An LLM Course gives you an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the specialization you choose to pursue your career in.
• If you obtain an LLM Degree from the top universities, you could significantly lift your earning potential and your chances of bagging a job in the top law firms will also increase exponentially.
• LLM programs also give you an opportunity to write and publish legal research. If you are someone who is hoping to pursue this route or to become a academic, then LLM Course is your golden ticket to this route. This degree will also help you when you get into a PhD and post-doctoral programs.
• One of the biggest advantage of adding a second degree of law in your resumé is that you get a whole new set of law friends, professors and alumni, and hence, you build a stronger and more wider network. These connections will be of help when you go job hunting.

So, should you do LLM after Bachelors?

As I stated earlier, there is no right answer to this question. If you want to pursue this degree for the sole purpose of postponing the responsibility of searching for a job, then it’s better to not pursue this course, as you’ll be spending your time, money and energy over something which you didn’t want to do in the first place.

However, if you’re someone who has interest in a particular specialization and you want to pursue your career in that specialization only, then you definitely should pursue this LLM Course(say you want to specialize in tax law to become a tax advocate). Adding to that, a LLM degree makes it a little easier for you to obtain your dream job.

Whether you decide to pursue LLM is up to you, but whatever you decide, remember to weigh-out the pros and cons of your decision!

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