Gavin Howe
Yes, you can get a master's degree in law. There are several types of master's degrees in law, including the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), LLM (Masters of Laws), and Master in Law. These degrees can provide advanced legal knowledge and skills, enhance career opportunities, and deepen understanding in specific areas of law. The MLS is particularly suitable for individuals seeking working knowledge of the law without intending to become practicing lawyers. On the other hand, an LLM can help specialize and extend credentials in a particular field, benefiting both international and US/Canadian graduates. Pursuing a master's degree in law can be a valuable step for career advancement and developing expertise to complement various professional paths.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Type | Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Laws (LLM), Master in Law (ML) |
| Purpose | Cultivate interest in the legal system, advance career, deepen knowledge in a specific area of law, gain legal skills and expertise |
| Target Audience | Individuals who interact with lawyers, middle or upper management professionals, international students, US and Canadian JD graduates |
| Benefits | Higher salaries, enhanced employment opportunities, advanced reasoning and research skills, preparation for JD program |
| Considerations | Not designed to train for a specific job, may not provide a competitive advantage for law school admissions |
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What You'll Learn
Master's in Law as a career booster
A Master of Laws degree can be a great career booster for those seeking to advance their careers with valuable legal knowledge and skills. It can provide a deeper understanding of the law and its influence on various industries, enabling individuals to pursue new career opportunities that directly or indirectly interact with lawyers and the legal system.
For those already working in middle or upper management, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) can be a stepping stone to more authority and responsibility within their organization. The degree equips students with legal skills that can be applied in a variety of ways, and is not limited to training for a specific job. Graduates may find themselves joining legal practices, shaping policy, becoming educators, or starting businesses to address global challenges.
An MLS can also be a valuable credential for those who regularly interact with lawyers as part of their job and wish to engage with them more effectively. It can help individuals move up the ranks in their current companies and stand out among other applicants. Additionally, for those who are unsure about pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, an MLS can serve as a test before committing to a full law program.
International students or those interested in international law can benefit from an LLM (Master of Laws) degree, which offers exposure to the U.S. or Canadian legal systems and common law legal reasoning. This can be especially useful for global credibility, engaging in international legal practice, or dealing with North American clients in areas such as business law. An LLM can also help U.S. and Canadian JD graduates deepen their knowledge in a particular area of law, making them more valuable to their organizations.
Overall, a Master's degree in Law can provide advanced reasoning, knowledge, and research skills that are highly valued by employers in today's complex and dynamic workplace. It can open doors to new career opportunities and enhance an individual's employability across various sectors, including business, government, and non-government organizations.
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Master's in Law for international students
A master's degree in law is a great option for international students who want to advance their legal careers or gain expertise in a specific area of law. An LLM, or Master of Law Degree, is a one-year programme that serves as an introduction to the US legal system. It is commonly pursued by foreign attorneys seeking admission to the bar in the US. While an LLM is not required in all US states, it can be a valuable qualification for international lawyers wishing to practise in the country.
The University of Liverpool, for instance, offers an online LLM programme in International Business Law, International Finance and Banking, and Technology and Intellectual Property Law. These programmes prepare students for careers in international law firms, multinational companies, or governmental organisations. Similarly, the University of Tartu offers a two-year master's programme in International Law and Human Rights, providing comprehensive knowledge in the field.
In addition to general LLMs, there are also specialised master's programmes in various fields of international law. For instance, the Technische Universität Berlin offers a Master of Business Law in European and International Energy Law. There are also master's programmes in International Sports Law, International Security and Law, and Diplomacy and International Law. These programmes offer both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to specific areas of international law.
Pursuing a master's degree in law can have several benefits for international students. It can provide advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular field of law, enhancing career prospects and potentially leading to higher salaries. For foreign-educated lawyers seeking to practise in the US, an LLM can be a crucial step towards bar admission. Additionally, a master's degree can serve as a career booster for individuals already working in management roles, providing legal skills that can be applied in various industries.
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Master's in Law vs. Juris Doctor (JD)
A Juris Doctor (JD) is the most common way to practice law in the US, and it is the initial postsecondary law degree necessary to sit for the bar examination and practice as a lawyer. A JD trains a student to be an attorney, and most law firms seek JD graduates. A Master of Legal Studies (MLS), on the other hand, is a relatively new type of degree created for individuals who need working knowledge of the law but do not intend to become practising lawyers. An MLS is well-suited for professionals whose work overlaps with the legal field and who would benefit from additional legal knowledge in their role. While an MLS degree can unlock advancement opportunities and open doors to different careers, it will not allow someone to practice law.
The MLS is a more flexible option for working professionals, as it can be earned via online and part-time programs. It is also a less expensive option than a JD. The MLS is often used as a career booster for individuals whose job performance would benefit from legal knowledge and expertise. The degree is not designed to train students to perform a specific job but to equip them with legal skills that can be put to use in a variety of ways.
The JD and LLM are universal degree titles, while the MSL goes by different names, such as Master of Science in Law, Master of Legal Studies, Juris Master, and Master of Jurisprudence. The curriculum, cohorts, and job outcomes of these three degrees vary significantly, so it is important to determine your career goals before selecting a program. If you want to practice law, a JD is the best option. If you are already a lawyer and want to specialise in a particular area of law, an LLM is the best choice. If you do not want to be a lawyer but would benefit from legal knowledge in your career, an MSL is the right choice.
While a JD is the prevailing law degree in the US, in many other countries, it is an undergraduate program. An LLM is a secondary degree for lawyers who have achieved their JD and passed the bar exam and are interested in gaining advanced knowledge in a specific area of law.
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Master's in Law specialisations
A Master's in Law can be a great way to gain specialised knowledge in a particular area of law, which can help you excel in your career. While the traditional specialisations were in constitutional law, family law, and taxation law, newer areas of specialisation include corporate law, intellectual property law, and international trade law.
In India, for example, the establishment of specialised autonomous law schools has led to a shift in specialisations towards newer areas of law. Similarly, in Pakistan, universities teach comparative constitutional law, comparative human rights law, and comparative jurisprudence as mandatory subjects, along with elective subjects such as company law, taxation law, intellectual property law, and banking law.
In China, the China-EU School of Law (CESL) in Beijing offers a unique Double Master Programme, including a Master of Chinese Law and a Master of European and International Law. This programme is taught in English and is open to international students. For those interested in Chinese law specifically, Beijing Foreign Studies University offers an online LLM programme that can be completed in two years, including an online dissertation defence.
In the United States, the Master of Laws (LLM) is a popular option for lawyers looking to expand their knowledge, study a specialised area of law, or gain international qualifications. The LLM is typically designed for lawyers who have earned a law degree outside of the US or Canada and want to gain exposure to the US or Canadian legal system. NYU School of Law, for instance, offers over 300 courses in various areas of law, allowing students to specialise in one or two areas or take a broad range of classes.
Additionally, some universities offer unique programmes such as the Master of Science in Law (MSL), which focuses on the intersection of law, business, and technology. This degree may be ideal for those who want to gain legal knowledge without necessarily becoming practising lawyers.
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Master's in Law graduate outcomes
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a relatively new type of degree that is designed for individuals who need a working knowledge of the law but do not intend to become practising lawyers. The degree is often used as a career booster, particularly for those in middle or upper management who are looking to climb the ranks within their industry or organisation.
Graduates of an MLS program can expect to gain legal skills that can be put to use in a variety of ways. While the degree is not designed to train students to perform a specific job, it can open doors to new career opportunities that directly and indirectly interact with lawyers and the law. For example, an MLS graduate may be able to pursue roles such as compliance officer, human resources manager, or paralegal.
The salary data for MLS graduates varies by location and experience, among other factors. However, on average, individuals with a master's degree earn a higher salary than those with only a bachelor's degree. According to one source, the average salary for master's degree holders is $86,372 compared to $74,464 for bachelor's degree holders.
Some students pursue an MLS as a way to test the waters of law school without committing to earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The lessons learned while earning an MLS can be invaluable, even if the student ultimately decides not to further their study of law. Additionally, having a master's degree can make a resume more competitive when applying to law school. However, other sources suggest that a master's degree may not provide much benefit when applying to law school and could be a waste of time and money.
Overall, the outcomes for MLS graduates can vary depending on their individual career goals and interests. The degree can provide a solid foundation for a variety of legal and non-legal careers, but it is important for students to consider their specific goals and how an MLS will help them achieve those goals.
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Frequently asked questions
A Master of Legal Studies is a degree created for individuals who need working knowledge of the law but do not intend to become practising lawyers.
An MLS degree can help boost your career and increase your salary. It can also help you develop legal skills that can be put to use in a variety of ways.
LLM stands for Masters of Laws. It can help students specialise and extend their credentials in a specific area or field of practice.
A JD, or Juris Doctor, trains a student to be an attorney. An MLS, on the other hand, is for those who want to work with lawyers and the law without becoming practising lawyers.
