LLM (Master of Laws) graduates have a wide range of employment choices that they can pursue both in the government and in the corporate sector. There are several Master of Laws graduates who work in law courts as judges and magistrates, public prosecutors or inventors of government quasi-judicial agencies, usually after having passed a competitive judicial exam.
Students graduating with LLM can work in the corporate sector as corporate counsels, intellectual property experts, and legal managers of various firms in banking, real estate and media houses where they attain high paying jobs. The starting salary offered by law firms including Khaitan & Co. and Luthra and Luthra is varied and ranges between INR 7 - 22 lakhs per annum which may increase with experience.
Master of Laws students who are academically bent or keen on research will likely be found in jobs such as an assistant professor or in PhD programs, and opportunities in NGOs and in other international bodies such as the UN. The LLM course increases the legal knowledge and capability that the graduates of the degree are able to pursue and master in specific areas of the law.
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Sector Wise LLM Jobs
Master of Laws graduates can work in different private and government sectors. The most popular jobs are the corporate lawyer, legal consultant, legal advisor, criminal lawyer and legal associate in law firms as well as multinational companies. For a detailed knowledge check the provided below tables for job roles, hiring organizations, average salary, and experience required after graduation:
Government Jobs after LLM
Positions in judicial services, legal advisory organizations, law commissions, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and federal and state government agencies are open to LLM graduates with an average salary of INR 7- 14 LPA.
Read more about: LLM Criminal Law
Private Jobs after LLM
Jobs in the private sector include positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, LPOs (Legal Process Outsourcing), and international organizations with salaries between INR 5 - 16 LPA.
Fresher Jobs after LLM
Recent LLM graduates can start out in entry-level legal positions in firms or startups, research, academia, or LPOs with INR 4 - 8 LPA.
LLM Jobs in India
For LLM graduates in India, there are numerous career options in tanks, corporate law, academia, and litigation with an average salary of INR 4 - 18 LPA.
LLM Jobs Abroad
In the areas of intellectual property, international law, arbitration, and human rights law, LLM graduates are in great demand overseas. Legal specialization and country have an impact on salaries and can range between INR 28 - 60 LPA.
FAQs
What is the advantage of LLM degree over an ordinary law degree to improve employability?
An LLM offers the professional use of the law in a given and specialized field therefore in corporate law, intellectual property, human rights, and international business among others, the graduates are highly demanded. Such expertise leads to a variety of opportunities both with high-end law firms and with legal consultancy in multinational firms and the government agencies, more than a classic LLB degree can provide.
What is the role of LLM graduates in such fast-developing directions as technology and fintech?
Tech and fintech firms hire LLM students because they are experts in law and can audit digital processes, run regulatory compliance (such as data privacy and cyber law) and help design future platforms and fintech products legally.
Are there professional opportunities that allow an individual holding an LLM degree to set up independent consulting or freelancing firms?
Yes, most of them will offer legal consulting services to new firms, small- and medium-sized businesses, non-governmental organizations, and individual clients, including the drafting of contracts and regulatory advice. The only way that a successful independent practice can grow is based on networking and continuing specialization.
What is the role of an LLM degree to get specialized jobs under Intellectual Property (IP) law?
LLM in IP law makes the graduates suitable to practice as Patent Attorneys, Trademark Lawyer, or IP Consultant in large companies or niche law firms, media houses, and R&D companies where protection of innovations is at the core of operation.
What role can legal journalism or media interest play in the career of a LLM student?
LLM graduates may also be employed in the media houses as legal columnists or analysts, or legal journalists translating complicated legal trends to the people via print media, electronic or even the internet.
What is the degree of competitiveness in the judicial services pathway of LLMs?
One can become a judge, magistrate or judicial officer by passing exams like PCS (J), and usually a history of law practice. In such exams, LLMs have an academic advantage and they could rise up the judicial system ladder through experience.
What is the future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as an LLM graduate?
A rising need of mediators and arbitrators implies that the LLMs holding ADR skills may develop highly satisfactory practices, especially as courts and companies require fast and affordable approaches to settling disputes.
What does networking or interaction with alumni do to the success of LLM jobs?
Good networks with previous students (friends), lecturers and attorney-at-laws are very crucial in attaining high-paying jobs, acclaims and professional engagements, which even take precedence over grades in the employment process.
Does the specialization such as Cyber Law, Environmental Law, or Human Rights make a career difference for LLM graduates?
LLMs that specialize in new fields are well-regarded. As an illustration, a cyber law expert deals with online platforms, environmental law specialists can consider corporate ESG compliance activities, and a human rights lawyer has employment opportunities at an NGO or intergovernmental organization.