Master of Law or LL.M. is a post-graduate degree that is selected by interested students after the completion of their LL.B. degree. After concluding a Bachelors's Degree in Law one can choose to pursue their higher studies to widen their knowledge and scope of employability. Students in the area of legal studies usually go on to pursue their LL.M. degree in order to gain specialization in the field of Law studies. Individuals can specialize in several areas such as Criminal Law, Civil Law, Corporate Law, and so on.

LL.M degrees are internationally recognized and help law students deepen their legal knowledge and broaden their career prospects. In order to qualify for an LL.M program, most universities require students to possess a professional law degree. The duration of LL.M courses varies depending on the university. The study program is a combination of lectures, seminars, and case studies with an emphasis on research.

There are several entrance examinations that a student has to clear to pursue an LL.M. degree like the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). To be successful in this field, law students need to display their critical thinking, analytical, and reasoning skills along with good communication skills.

Study levels  

Various universities throughout the world offer LL.M degrees. The course is pursued at the postgraduate level, however different degrees are available depending on the specialization, some of which are:

• Master of Law (LL.M)
• LL.M in European Law
• LL.M in International Business Law
• LL.M in International Corporate and Commercial Law
• LL.M in International Dispute Resolution
• LL.M in International Law and Justice
• LL.M in Law and Business
• LL.M in Real Estate Law

Specializations

LL.M. is a very wide study program and offers a wide area of specialization in various types of legal courses depending on the area of interest of a Law student.

The following are some of the primary areas of specialization, which are offered under this masters program:

• Administrative law
• Civil Law
• Criminal Law
• Public law
• International Law
• Business or Commercial Law
• Cyber Law
• Family Law
• Competition and Consumer Protection Law
• International Trade law
• Environmental Law
• Comparative Law of Marriage, Divorce and Civil Code
• Human rights
• Administrative process and Judicial control
• Corporate and White Collar Crimes
• World Trade Law
• Law of International Organization and Human Rights
• Law of Women and Child rights
• Administrative Action and Judicial Review
• Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration

Employability

LL.M. degree widens one's knowledge in the legal profession in addition to expanding one’s scope of employability. An individual with a Masters's Degree in Law can engage in various employment opportunities. They can work as legal advisors in several fields in rhythm with their choice of specialization, as lawyers, judges, and so forth.

LL.M degree holders can engage in employment opportunities as solicitors and as advocates. They also have access to several global career alternatives and engage in job opportunities as diplomats and legal advisors on an International standard.

After the completion of their Masters's Degree, individuals can also choose to pursue their doctoral degree and eventually teach in several national and international law universities.

Job roles include:

• Lawyer
• Judge
• Advocate
• Solicitor
• Mediator
• Law Teacher/Professor
• Legal Advisor
• Diplomat
• Legal Counsellor
• Politician