Cameron Miranda
Postgraduate law degrees are a great way to gain specialist skills and knowledge in the field of law. They are often pursued by individuals who want to become solicitors or barristers, but they can also be beneficial for those interested in other careers, such as business or teaching. In the United States, a Master of Laws (LLM) is a common postgraduate law degree that offers specializations in various areas of law, while in other countries, such as Ireland and the United Kingdom, there are different postgraduate law degrees and training systems. Regardless of the country, a postgraduate law degree can provide valuable legal knowledge and skills that can be applied to a variety of careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To set oneself on course for a legal career, or to gain a deeper understanding of law following graduation from an unrelated undergraduate degree |
| Location | Colleges in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales, the United States, and Canada offer postgraduate law courses |
| Course Types | Postgraduate Diploma in Law, Master of Laws (LLM), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Legal Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, SQE, GDL, JD, PhD |
| Requirements | A first degree in law, proficiency in English if it is not your first language, LSAT test scores, and work experience |
| Career Options | Solicitor, barrister, attorney, paralegal, in-house legal counsel, academic researcher |
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What You'll Learn
Postgraduate law degree types
There are several postgraduate law degree types that can be pursued. The most common one is the Master of Law (LLM), which is a nine-month master's degree that is intended for those who wish to pursue further legal studies after completing their first degree in law. The LLM is designed for those considering an academic career or intending to practise law, and students can choose four courses from a list of around 30 LLM course offerings.
Another option is a postgraduate conversion course, which is suitable for those who have a degree in another subject and want to switch to law. These courses are designed to condense all the essential knowledge of the law into one year of study. They are a great way to acquire specialist skills needed for a career in law and can open up a different spectrum of career options.
The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is the next stage for law graduates aiming to become solicitors. Most solicitors specialize in one area of law, such as property, criminal, or family law, and can offer legal advice to a variety of clients. The SQE is another postgraduate course that can be done after any undergraduate program, along with two years of qualifying work experience.
Postgraduate law degrees can also be useful for those who do not want to pursue a career in law but want to gain a better understanding of the subject. This can be beneficial for those starting their own businesses or working in fields like investment, where knowledge of business laws and regulations is essential.
Additionally, some graduates may choose to pursue a PhD in Law, allowing them to influence law on a global scale and contribute to human rights research.
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Postgraduate law careers
A postgraduate law degree can open up a variety of career paths, depending on your past experience and interests. Here are some options for postgraduate law careers:
Solicitor
The path to becoming a solicitor typically involves completing a law degree as an undergraduate or doing a "conversion course" if you have a degree in another subject. After that, aspiring solicitors in the UK need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and gain two years of qualifying work experience. Most solicitors specialise in one area of law, such as property, criminal, or family law, and can advise a range of clients, from multinational companies to small local firms.
In-house Legal Counsel
Many medium to large businesses have in-house legal teams that handle all the company's legal dealings, including internal matters like contracts and data breaches and external issues like mergers, acquisitions, and legal challenges. A postgraduate law degree can prepare you for a role in an in-house legal team, providing an understanding of the laws relevant to the company's operations.
Investment Industry
A career in the investment world can benefit from a deep knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern the industry. A postgraduate law degree can provide this expertise, along with valuable professional skills such as report writing, researching, and communication.
Human Rights Research and Policy
Some postgraduate law graduates may choose to pursue academic careers, obtaining a Master's degree or a PhD to influence law on a global scale. For example, graduates from Birmingham City University's Centre for Human Rights have advised organisations like the UN. This path allows individuals to shape law and policy while also gaining specialised knowledge in their field.
Non-Legal Careers
It's important to note that not all careers for postgraduate law graduates are directly linked to law. A law degree can complement a wide range of fields and industries. For example, if you plan to start your own business, understanding business laws can be immensely beneficial. Additionally, the transferable skills gained from a law degree, such as research, communication, and analytical skills, are valuable in various sectors.
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Conversion courses
There are several conversion courses available, including:
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), which is a general conversion course for those who have yet to decide between a career as a solicitor or barrister. It is a replacement for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The course takes one year to study full-time and two years part-time.
- The Master of Arts in Law (MA Law Conversion), which is a postgraduate degree for non-law graduates who want to gain a general legal qualification at the Master's level. This course is also offered by the University of Sussex, where it is simply called the Law MA.
- The Bar Practice Course (BPC), which is a course that can be taken after the PGDL or MA Law Conversion to qualify as a barrister.
- The LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2), which can be taken after the PGDL or MA Law Conversion to qualify as a solicitor.
- The SQE1 Preparation Course, which can be taken after the PGDL or MA Law Conversion to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
The University of Brighton also offers a Law Conversion LLM, which takes one year to complete full-time. BPP University offers an eight-month PGDL conversion course that is closely aligned with the foundational law elements of SQE1.
It is important to note that the GDL is being phased out in favour of new law conversion courses due to the introduction of the SQE. However, transitional arrangements are in place, and the GDL will still be accepted for the time being.
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Postgraduate law entrance exams
In India, there are several law entrance exams for postgraduate programmes. These include CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, DU LLB, MHCET Law, and TS LAWCET. Each exam has its own eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus. For example, the CLAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test proficiency in English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques. The AILET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Law University, Delhi (NLUD) for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes. The LSAT India is conducted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law schools in India.
In the UK, the route to becoming a solicitor or barrister typically begins with an undergraduate law degree. However, it is possible to take a "'conversion course' if you have a degree in another subject. After this, solicitors must complete the SQE, which consists of two exams: SQE1 and SQE2. These can be studied for independently or as part of a course, and must be completed alongside two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
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Studying law in the US
US law schools offer a postgraduate Juris Doctor (JD) program, typically lasting three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. The JD is considered the first degree in law and is required for those planning to practice law in the US. It is available at law schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), with a total of 202 ABA-approved schools across the country. The first year of the JD focuses on foundational law topics, while subsequent years allow for customization based on student interests.
Admission to US law schools is highly competitive. Prospective students must hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, although choosing a degree that enhances oratory, analytical, written, and critical thinking skills is beneficial. The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is also a crucial part of the admissions process, evaluating reasoning, analytical, and logical skills.
During the first year of law school, students typically take courses in legal writing, contracts, torts, criminal law, and constitutional law. The second year often involves extracurricular activities like Law Review and Moot Court, as well as internships, which can lead to future job opportunities. In the third year, students may take electives such as international law, immigration law, anti-trust law, or intellectual property law.
The US legal system is complex, with an interconnected system of checks and balances involving judicial, regulatory, and governmental authorities. It is based on common law, derived from the British system. While a JD from a US law school may not directly qualify an individual to practice law in other countries, it is still recognised and valued by law firms globally.
Pursuing a law degree in the US can open doors to a financially rewarding career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in the US was $126,930 in May 2020, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,000. However, it is important to note that studying law is a challenging journey that requires discipline and commitment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can study law as a postgraduate. There are a variety of postgraduate law degrees available, including diplomas, Master of Laws (LLM), and PhDs.
A postgraduate law degree can help you develop specialist skills and knowledge in a particular area of law, such as criminal law or intellectual property law. It can also provide valuable professional skills such as report writing, researching, and communication.
The prerequisites for postgraduate law programs vary. Some programs require a first degree in law, while others accept applicants with a degree in another subject. It is important to check the specific requirements of the program you are interested in.
A postgraduate law degree can lead to a variety of career paths, including working as a solicitor, barrister, or in-house legal counsel. It can also be useful for non-legal careers, such as business, where knowledge of relevant laws and regulations is valuable.
The steps to becoming a lawyer vary depending on your jurisdiction. In some countries, you may need to pass a bar exam or complete additional training and examinations. It is important to research the specific requirements for the jurisdiction in which you intend to practice.
