Masters of Law (LL.M.) is a post-graduate degree in Law. An LL.M. degree allows a law graduate to specialize in one of many legal sub-streams.

The basic eligibility for this program is a pass in an under-graduate law degree from any recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks.

An LL.M. program is of two years duration. The average tuition fee for the course ranges from 1 Lakh INR to 6 Lakh INR.

After completion of the course, an LL.M. graduate can find employment in any of the sectors which require legal expertise and work as Lawyers, Legal consultants, Indian Legal Services, Advisors, Solicitor, Legal Writer etc. Average entry level salary for LL.M. graduates are 12,000 INR to 30,000 INR per month.

What is the Course about?

The course enables the students to be specialized in the field of law and legal affairs of the country. This course is designed to give an overview of trademarks and trademark law and practice in countries around the world. There will also be some attention given to various international treaties, conventions and agreements. The focus will vary from historical, philosophical, legal and even practical topic.

Who should opt for LL.M.?

Law students and professionals mostly pursue the LL.M. to gain expertise in a specialized field of law, for example in the area of tax law or international law. Many law firms prefer job candidates with an LL.M. degree because it depicts that a lawyer has acquired advanced, specialized legal training, and is qualified to work in a multinational legal environment. Many lawyers prefer to do LL.M. to practice in United States as foreign lawyers are eligible to apply for a bar exam.

Duration

LL.M. course is generally of 2 years duration in which each year is comprised of two semesters with various subjects based on thesis and research work according to the curriculum of university. There are a few universities in India like Symbiosis Law School, Pune and Jindal Global Law School, Sonepat which offer 1 year LL.M. program.

Where to study?

There are more than 200 Institutes in India which offer LLM courses.

• University of Mumbai
• University of Delhi
• National Law School of India University, Bangalore
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
• Uttaranchal University, Dehradun
• Faculty of Law –Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh

ACADEMIC CAREER AFTER LL.M.

Students of LL.M. who do not wish to pursue a legal profession immediately after the completion of the course can always opt for further studies option. Available options are M.Phil. program or PhD program in law which is offered by many universities such as University of Delhi, University of Madras, University of Calcutta, and National Law School.