Latin Legum Magister a.k.a. LLM is the Latin abbreviation for a Master in Laws. Every law student, irrespective of the year or college of legal education has a covert desire to peruse an LLM course abroad. Pursuing LLM abroad, a couple of decades back was not in vogue as it is today. It remains one the preferred gateway to legal education abroad, considering that undergraduate courses in law across foreign universities are fairly expensive, competitive and unknown to the student community.
Why LLM?
So what makes this course so chic and exhilarating among law students? The answer to the question is threefold. Firstly, unlike any other professional degree, the realm of legal education is restricted within the physical boundaries of any state, to which it applies. Hence, an LLM pursed abroad brings about a fresh perspective and widens the horizon of legal education. Secondly, LLM provides an opportunity for specialization. LLM provides an opportunity to read, learn, examine and practice a specialized field of law, which may be unknown or at a rudimentary level at the home front or simply just not available. And lastly, it provides an international platform to make a career at an international level.
"Traditionally, LLM has been pursued by the student immediately after completion of the law course in India"
What is the purpose of doing an LLM?
One of the foremost questions one should ask in the event thought of doing an LLM abroad germinates in the cerebrum is- what is my purpose of doing an LLM abroad? Do you want to work abroad? Do you want to gain specialized knowledge in a specific field of law? Do you want a Master's degree tag from a foreign University? Do you want to do LLM since your peers are doing it? Do you want to do it because your parents told you to do so? These are some questions which one must answer to themselves before the LLM dream takes wings. Only once there is clarity on the purpose of doing an LLM, can you figure out the other aspects, like University, course, placement, cost, and more. of realizing that dream. If the purpose is ambiguous, then the road will be doused in haze and a disappointing end will await you. It is pertinent that students realize that LLM is only a means to an end. And not the end in itself. For, once the purpose is crystal clear, doing an LLM will merely is a pedestal for achieving the higher goal.
Who can do an LLM?
Can any law student do an LLM? The answer is 'yes'. Basis the grades you secure and the extra-curricular you indulge in law school and the money your parents have, all are entitled to pursue an LLM course abroad. What differentiates an LLM candidate vis-Ã -vis a student desirous to do an LLM is the determining factor.
Who should do an LLM?
Any student desirous to pursue an LLM course abroad for the purpose of gaining a specialized knowledge base or desirous to work abroad or both would be an ideal LLM candidate. All other reasons, though emotional in nature, will not do justice to the time, cost and money spent in pursuing an LLM course.
When to do LLM?
Traditionally, LLM has been pursued by the student immediately after completion of the law course in India. Some have justified it on grounds of continuity of studies, some on the ground of age while some have just done it. Fortunately, there is no right or wrong time in pursuing an LLM course. One may choose to pursue it right after college in India or do it after gaining some personal experience in the field of law. In my opinion, it is always advisable that an LLM course should be pursued after a couple of years of working. This has two benefits. Firstly, there is a clarity of thought on the field, type, and nature, of course, one needs to do. Secondly, you can actually use it to jump-start your career.
Where to do LLM?
Once the purpose and time are clear, the next step is identifying the University, college, and course. It is absolutely paramount that students zero down to two or three colleges, which surpasses the cost-benefit analysis and helps achieves ones the final objective. While applying to multiple colleges may seem comforting (given the increasing amount of competition) or tempting (given the numerous prestigious colleges in various continents) or easy maybe, please remember that applying to few colleges has tremendous merits. Choosing a few colleges enables the LLM candidate to focus on the specific requirement of the college during the application process, interact with the alumni, understand the academic requirement and employment opportunities, so on and so forth.
The Evil called Money
Irrespective of whether your parents have deep pockets or tattered, LLM courses abroad do cost a substantial sum of money. Hence, an LLM candidate needs to does a proper cost-benefit analysis before choosing a course. There is no use or sense in pursuing an LLM course, with a huge debt when you know that it will not generate a source of income or you wouldn't have the means to repay it. Similarly, spending millions of rupees to pursue courses only to practice in a diametrically opposite field of law is a complete waste of time. Nowadays, numerous scholarships are being offered by Universities, individual colleges, international organizations/groups, and private funds. Students must do thorough research (both offline and online) and apply in advance to ensure that the cost kept at a minimum. Alternatively, LLM candidates can explore to work part-time or take up voluntary services (if the visa rules in the country permits) to reduce the monetary burden.
Does LLM help?
The answer to the question is both a 'yes' and 'no'. Yes, if the candidate's sole aim is to gain knowledge or practice in a jurisdiction, which requires LLM as a prerequisite or uses the international platform to catapult its career. No, if the candidate merely does it to get a foreign tag or does it in a subject, in which he/she does not practice or want to practice in the future.
One of the myths surrounding the course is - LLM ensures employment in a foreign land. False! It is essential that students realize that LLM is not a bar exam, which will entitle them to practice in the jurisdiction. Nor completion will ensure employment as a lawyer. However, it does allow you to sit for the bar exam in certain jurisdictions or get an internship or help in networking with your peers and seniors.
Conclusion
Pursuing an LLM abroad is a personal choice and desire. Hence, it may not be always possible to put it in a straight jacket formula. However, it is essential that some of the points discussed above are seriously considered to get a more fruitful outcome.
Alternatively, students can explore other avenues before undertaking the LLM path. Doing a solicitor's program in the UK or procuring a job abroad, prior to doing an LLM, will tend to yield a better result.
Nevertheless, in my humble opinion, the benefits of doing an LLM greatly outweigh the downside. Having said that, I wish all the LLM candidates all the very best and sincerely hope that this article helps you to think clearly.
Soumya Banerjee, Executive Vice President - Legal
Currently working as Executive Vice President Legal at YES Bank, Mumbai, Soumya Banerjee holds experience of more almost a decade in the field of banking. Soumya holds a LLM Finance Law degree from Institute of Law and Finance, Goethe University. Prior to YES Bank he has served as Manager Corporate Legal at ICICI Bank and as an Intern at Clifford Chance LLP and DLA Piper, Germany. He has been awarded the Best Economic Crisis Paper Award by Global Strategic Management Inc. Michigan, USA.
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