Welcome to the LLM guide

What does LLM stand for?

A master’s degree in law is commonly referred to as an LLM, and is written LL.M. in its’ correct form. The letters stand for Latin Legum Magister, which means “master of laws”.

What is an LLM degree?

An LLM degree is a postgraduate qualification designed to expand and deepen academic knowledge of law. Unlike an LLB law degree, which is an undergraduate Qualifying Law Degree, LLM programmes do not qualify students to take a Legal Practice Course (LPC) - the required step before obtaining a training contract at a law firm.

Can I practice law with an LLM?

An LLM degree is not required in order to be able to practice law. As mentioned above, the required qualifications in order to practice law include an LLB undergraduate law degree, or a GDL law conversion qualification, plus the successful completion of the Legal Practice Course (LPC). However, for those practicing law and wishing to specialise in a specific field, and non-lawyers wishing to add a specialised legal component to their professional skillset, the LLM is simply the best legal post- graduate qualification to pursue.

Why should I do an LLM?

An LLM degree is a great option for graduates of almost any academic background to really expand their career opportunities both within and without the legal industry. A master’s-level foundation in legal theory and practical skills is a solid qualification for a broad range of top-level international careers. LLM graduates can expect salary increases, better promotion prospects, and the gravitas and respect that comes with being an expert in a field that affects almost every aspect of civilisation.

Can I specialise?

The University of Law offers two LLM programmes that give graduates the opportunity to specialise in the most relevant skills for application in international law and business today. The LLM (Conflict Resolution) is a specialised course that trains graduates in the theory and application of negotiation and arbitration in a wide variety of contexts. The LLM (Intellectual Property) is a specialised course that delves deep into the details of the legal protection of creations of the mind.

Why should I do an LLM (Conflict Resolution)?

The advanced skills and techniques used in dispute resolution are some of the most transferable and marketable job skills, regardless of industry. In this respect, the LLM (Conflict Resolution) is a specialised course that comes with truly broad career potential. For the benefits that come with this qualification, studying this LLM online provides incredible value and return on investment.

Why should I do an LLM (Intellectual Property)?

The business of intellectual property and legal protection of artistic works, design and technology is booming. With more and more companies needing to protect their intellectual assets against ever-greater competition and fraudulent copy-merchants, the job openings for experts in intellectual property protection are exploding worldwide. Our LLM (Intellectual Property) will give you the opportunity to get right to the heart of an evolving, international, and largely unchartered industry.

Which careers can I do with an LLM degree?

Our online LLM programmes comprehensively equip graduates with advanced academic knowledge of the law applicable across international career paths in public, private, legal and commercial sectors.

Graduates will have rigorously prepared to engage at a high-level in job positions within the fields of law, business, diplomacy, and a broad selection of fields of employment that require specialist knowledge of conflict resolution or intellectual property law.

Have a look below at the range of careers our specialist LLM programmes in conflict resolution and intellectual property can prepare you for.

Careers with LLM (Conflict Resolution)

Undertaking the LLM in Legal Practice (Conflict Resolution) will provide graduates the opportunity to gain substantial knowledge and practice in negotiation and arbitration that can be applied across a diverse range of careers including, but not limited to, the fields of human rights, family law, media relations, and corporate counsel. Skills in conflict resolution are some of the most transferrable and professionally marketable.

Human Rights Officer

A Human Rights Officer’s duties include the monitoring of human rights violations, establishing cooperation with Government ministries and institutions to expand protection of human rights programmes, and significantly contributing to reports and briefings. Average Salary: £42,000

Divorce Lawyer

Divorce lawyers typically use their extensive training in family law and conflict resolution to mediate disputes between separating couples. Responsibilities can include advice, asset distribution, negotiating child custody and visitation rights, prenuptial contract reviews and all aspects of family law. Average Salary: £45,000

Arbitrator

An Arbitrator works to resolve a wide range of disputes involving individuals and businesses e.g. trade union negotiations. Usually court-appointed, an Arbitrator is able to make legally binding agreements in order to resolve disputes arguing parties cannot resolve themselves. Average Salary: £52,000

Media Relations Officer

Essential duties of a Media Relations Officer include handling crisis communications, developing strategic media plans, and maintaining relationships with local, regional and national media. Average Salary: £45,000

General Counsel

A General Counsel in a company carries out a selection of advanced duties across a broad range of commercial matters and transactions, such as marketing, licensing, compliance, contract negotiation, litigation, and supervision of external counsel. Average Salary: £110,000

Careers with LLM (Intellectual Property)

Graduates electing for the LLM in Legal Practice (Intellectual Property) will have the opportunity to gain substantial skills in the legal fields of international patent, trademark, and copyright protection that can be applied across a specialised range of careers including, but not limited to, product law litigation, corporate brand management, new technology acquisition, and artistic works copyright protection.

Legal Counsel, Product Law

A Legal Counsel in Product Law advises engineering and operations teams, as well as clients, on a wide variety of matters related to company products, including technology development, licensing, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

Average Salary: £58,000

Global Copyright Protection Manager

Experienced IP paralegals, or anti-piracy specialists, with substantial experience in protecting rights and content develop strategic initiatives and tactical take-down efforts with the goal of reducing online piracy to a socially unacceptable fringe activity in the top markets. Average Salary: £62,000

Copyright Royalty Analyst

Copyright royalty analysts identify exploitations of assets, research ownership, and verify and assign copyright ownership splits with internal and external parties as required. These positions require focus, diligence, and accuracy, accomplished in fast-paced media environments. Average Salary: £34,000

Brand Protection Manager

A Brand Protection Manager polices the market (including the internet) for counterfeit products and other infringements of company intellectual property, and develops relationships with customs, police, intellectual property offices and prosecutors. Average Salary: £60,000