LLM Full Form

Sudeshna chakrabartiUpdated On: September 11, 2023 11:07 am IST

LLM's full form is Legum Magister, a Latin term that means Master in Law. It's a 2 years postgraduate degree program pursued by law students after completing LLB. Candidates aspiring to embark on a fulfilling career in law and jurisdiction can reap benefits from this course as it has been designed to help students gain an in-depth knowledge of the legal system.

What is the Full form of LLM?

The full form of LLM is Legum Magister which is identified as master of Arts or Masters of Legislative Laws. This legal course builds a strong foundation for students willing to possess expertise in district fields of international law, corporate law, taxation law, criminal law, and many others. It enables law students to take a step further toward reaching their ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer, legal advisor, etc. LLM seems to suit the aspiration of students who want to choose a specific field and develop their expertise thereby opening better career avenues. The best part of this post-graduate course is students get the liberty to choose from unique fields of law. Securing a seat in any top LLM college will first require a candidate to perform well in their 3 to 5-year LLB course as it's the principal eligibility parameter.

Highlights on the LLM Course

LLM Full Form

Legum Magister ro Masters of Law

Course duration

2 years

Course Level

Post-graduate

Entrance Exams for LLM Admission

  • CLAT
  • MHCET,
  • AP LAWCET
  • ALIET

Course fee

Rs 50,000-100,000

Job Roles after LLM

  • Legal consultant
  • Advocate
  • Law Officer
  • Assistant Officer
  • Assistant Professor
  • Legal Manager

Brief Outline of LLM Course

The Bar Council of India administered the LLM course; earlier the duration was 1 year which got extended to 2 years looking at the relevance of the course for law students. As India’s legal landscape expands the demand for legal advisors grows. With this course, students can head to endless possibilities from a lawyer to a law school professor. During this 2 years course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of core subjects like legal methodology, constitutionalism, judicial process, law, and social transformation. The law student needs to appear for a 4-semester exam and have to submit a dissertation project in the final year. 

LLM can be availed at the executive level which is for 3 years; however, working professionals are only eligible for this course mode. Gradually this postgraduate course has gained prominence due to its focus on trademark laws of India that help shape legal careers for students. 

Who Can Pursue LLM?

As LLM, the full form of which is Master of Law, has been designed to enable law students to enhance professional skills a certain eligibility parameter has been formulated. Students aspiring to master any legal specialization need to first ensure they meet the following criteria before applying for the course.

  • An applicant should be 17 years of age to apply for an LLM course in any recognized university.
  • Students must qualify for their LLB degree from a renowned law college with at least 55 % marks. It might differ based on the university one chooses.
  • Besides graduation in law, candidates need to appear in the national or state-level law entrance exams like CLAT, ALIET, etc.
  • People working in the domain of law can also pursue this post-graduate degree program with proper experience certificates.

Syllabus and Specialisation in LLM

In LLM courses, no definite structured syllabus is followed, and it varies according to university; however, the core subjects remain the same. One of the prime objectives of the syllabus is a high-end focus on enhancing the professional skills of law students. Students are mainly taught about fundamental concepts of research methodologies, administrative laws, etc. Let’s delve deeper into the main subjects that comprise the syllabus.

  • Constitutionalism
  • Corporate law (group 5)
  • Judicial process
  • Human rights and humanitarian law (group 1)
  • Legal research and methodology
  • Alternative dispute resolution (group 2)
  • International trade law (group 4)
  • Law and Social Transformation in India
  • Intellectual property rights (group 3)

Top Specialisations to Choose in LLM

Tax law

Corporate law

Civil law

Contract law

Criminal law

Cyber law

Real estate law

Media and entertainment law

Tax law

Banking law

Commercial law

Family law

Business law

Labour law

Company law

International law

Consumer law

Education law

Top 5 Reasons for Choosing LLM after LLB

Law graduates often face issues when finding the right job in the area due to high competition. With the increasing complexities in the legal world, demand for capable, efficient, and knowledgeable legal advisors or lawyers is growing which is why students with a LLM degree are highly preferred by law firms and business enterprises.

To help you make the right choice, we have listed down some of the top reasons that can be covered in pursuing an LLM degree.

Enhance Legal Understanding

As already discussed, the legal landscape is continuously evolving and even turning complex at times which is adding to the demand for expert lawyers. With a LLB degree, students often stumble upon mastering complexities in the legal case and this is where the relevance of LLM comes to the fore. A master's degree in law provides students with in-depth knowledge of contemporary legal matters. Besides, theoretical understanding, the degree prepares them to brush up on professional skills.

Expertise in a Specific Field

Apart from the core fundamental legal subjects, the LLM degree has been designed in such a manner that helps students to move ahead in a specific direction. The students can choose from various legal fields like criminal law, corporate law, human rights law etc. When students master and portray their skills in a particular field of law, it becomes easier for them to bag the best job offers.

Get Recognition Worldwide

Master of Law degree has earned the status of global approval. Students who aspire to work as legal advisors in top international business enterprises can secure higher chances of employment with an LLM degree. 

Less Competition

Generally securing admission in LLM courses is less competitive compared to any other post graduate courses. One of the major reasons being candidates pursuing LLB often start with an internship at law firms which lowers the competition level.

Enhances chances of teaching career

Students who have an aspiration to work as a professor or lecturer in top law schools, LLM degree can pave the way to their future endeavours. As LLM is an  intensive, comprehensive and researched based course hence it can help LLB students enhance their chances of applying for teaching positions.

FAQs

What is the full form of LLM?

The full form of LLM is Legum Magister which refers to Masters in Law

 

Is LLM better in terms of career than LLB?

Yes, LLM enables students to enhance their expertise in specific fields of law which can open opportunistic career avenues for them

 

How much does an LLM professional earn in India?

As per the salary structure adopted by law firms, on average LLM students can get a salary of around Rs 3.5 to 5.5 LPA

 

What are the career prospects after completing LLM?

  1. Lawyer
  2. Law researchers
  3. College professors
  4. Corporate legal advisor
  5. Legal writers
  6. Advocate

What are the best colleges to pursue LLM?

  • National Law University, Delhi
  • National Law University, Jodhpur
  • NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
  • Symbiosis Law School, Pune

 

Top