LL.M course

An LL.M is an abbreviation of the Latin words Legum Magister which means “Master of Laws”. Legum is the plural form of the Latin word Lex which means “Specific laws”. The LL.M degree or course is designed for those who hold an undergraduate law degree or a degree in some other related disciplines such as business, international studies, or taxation. As a matter of fact, a Masters degree provides an academic foundation in a more specialised field. For its part, the LL.M also allows undergraduates to pursue studies in a more specialised area of law and is aimed at those who want to obtain specialist knowledge prior to setting on a professional career. The LL.M course is suitable for those who have recently completed their undergraduate studies or for lawyers who are already in practice but would like to specialise themselves to meet more complex challenges. This is precisely why, after acquiring specialist knowledge in a particular area of law, some lawyers adopt titles such as corporate lawyers; or family lawyers; or tax lawyers and this reflects their area of specialisation.

At most universities in the United Kingdom, the LL.M course is taught over a period of one year if one wants to study full-time or over two years for those willing to study part-time. The course is mainly taught by providing regular lectures during the week coupled by seminars which are small-group sessions during which students may discuss particular issues with their personal tutors. Most lecturers teaching on the LL.M course are well-respected individuals who have carried out extensive research and have excelled in their respective areas of specialisation. An LL.M course is like the cherry on a cake as it provides those with a first degree to choose one area of law which is of most interest to them and to carry extensive and in-depth study in the area.

Studying for an LL.M degree is no easy task. It requires students to make thorough and in-depth research. This may involve going to law libraries such as the library of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS) at Russell Square in London. Students are required to go through leading textbooks on the area of law and to research journals to grasp a high-level of understanding in the area of law. Other students may be required to meet leading academics and practitioners so that they can discuss particular matters to understand how those matters are dealt with in practice.

Prospective students for an LL.M course have a choice amongst the different areas in which they can specialise in the different universities across the United Kingdom. For those interested in corporate law, they can opt for an LL.M in Commercial and Corporate Law. Another area that is growing in importance is Alternative Dispute Resolution and this why others choose to study an LL.M in International Commercial Arbitration. Other LL.M specialisations would include people specialising in Taxation; Family law; Criminology; or Construction Law. Other popular areas of specialisation amongst prospective students are an LL.M in Banking or an LL.M in International Finance. Whichever programme that one can choose, an LL.M degree provides students with an advanced and thorough understanding of the key and current trends in the field of specialisation.

There are different ways as to how students are examined on an LL.M course which would depend on universities. At some universities, students may be required to undertake around four unseen exams which last for three hours each whilst at other universities there could be a blend of unseen exams and a dissertation. For those who enjoy making thorough research and have a preference to writing a dissertation, they could choose a university where the LL.M is examined by writing a dissertation on the area of specialisation which dissertation could be up-to 25,000 words. During studies, students would be dealing with complex issues systematically and creatively. An LL.M degree may be awarded with a Distinction, or a Merit, or a Pass depending on the results achieved.

There are many advantages for studying an LL.M. First of all, it will provide students with an in-depth understanding of all complex issues in a field of specialisation so that one can become a specialist in the area. With the acquired specialist knowledge, this could act as a stepping stone to putting into practice professional expertise. It will allow students to extend their systematic understanding of the law whilst at the same time provide them with an ability to critically analyse current complex issues. An LL.M degree will also enhance one’s intellectual, transferable, and inter-personal skills. It aims at preparing students to conduct independent and in-depth research using all available resources.

An LL.M degree will open up a number of other avenues for students. For instance, lawyers with an expertise in particular areas of law will be able to practise and project themselves as specialists in their respective areas. They will be able to take on more complex cases on behalf of more important clients such as multinationals or high net-worth individuals. Others may seek employment at more senior levels in different organisations such as the United Nations; Multinational companies; or Investment Banks. Due to its academic nature, an LL.M degree also opens up opportunities for students to find employment in academia and as such can aspire to become lecturers in law at universities. For those willing to study a particular area of the law even further, an LL.M degree will be the gateway on getting admission on a Phd programme at a university. As such, it is a pre-requisite for most students willing to study on an M-Phil programme and subsequently for a Phd. Others may always seek employment at senior levels in government and inter-governmental organisations. Finally, for those who have completed a law degree and the vocational courses but have not yet been able to secure a training contract or a pupillage, it could be a good idea to study for an LL.M degree as most firms and chambers seek to take on-board the best qualified trainees and pupil barristers.

The LL.M course is challenging in that students are required to study for long hours and to be consistent. Furthermore, students will have to be self-disciplined so that they carry out all requisite research and understand and digest the enormous amount of information to which they will be exposed.