Law degrees have always been one of the most sought after and respected degree of study in universities and for many, studying law is the first step towards a career in the legal industry often followed by training to become a practicing lawyer.

Types Of Law Degrees

There are different types of law degrees and they vary depending on where you are studying. 

• LL.B (Bachelor of Law)
• LL.M (Master of Law)
• JD (Juris Doctor Degree)

Law Degree Study Option (LL.B  Specialization)

The degree is called Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) In the UK, Australia, India, and a few other countries. In some other countries, you can do a regular Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in law.

The LL.B is a bachelor’s degree that typically focuses on core modules and specializations.

The focus program usually includes:

• Criminal Law: This law regulates social conduct that is threatening, endangering, or harmful to people.
• Constitutional/Administrative Law:  It focuses on the well-being of society.
• Contract Law: Deals with a set of written obligations between two or more companies or people.
• Equity and Trusts: Deals with property and Common Law.
• Land Law: Refers to the land use act.
• Tort law: Focuses on the consequence of negligence.
• European law: The law focus on the boundaries and regulations of the European Union (EU).

Some LLB degrees are combined with subjects from other areas and can take an additional year.

After completing an LLB degree, you have the option of enrolling for an LL.M, a two-year program open to students with a bachelor’s degree in a field in law.

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Law Degree Study Option (LL.M Specialization)

LLM (Master’s of Law) degrees are a valuable investment for many lawyers as the degree allows an exploration of different aspects of the law.

LLM degrees allow lawyers to specialize in a broad field of studies, such as international law or a field of study of much more limited scope, such as arbitration or tax law.

Other LLM degrees allow students to design their degree programs to focus on their specific career interests. There are different types of LLM programs depending on your career goals and interests.

LL.M Specializations include:

• Business Law
• Environmental Law
• Human Right Law
• Public Influence Law
• Criminal Law
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment and Social Security
• Health and Medical Law
• Family and Elder Law

Other Types Of Degrees In Law

There are other types of degrees in law and these degrees are all important because they allow you explore other different career paths.

Such degrees include:

• Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

This is an advanced degree for those who do not wish to pursue legal practice after completing a law degree. The role involves assisting lawyers, such as paralegals or legal clerks.

• Ph.D

A doctorate in law is also a rare option and takes about three years. Juris doctorates are used primarily by professors and other scholars and can have a more interdisciplinary approach.

• Joint Degree

These degrees are rare, but also possible. Joint degrees involve combining two different law degrees. Joint degrees are done usually to impact highly specialized knowledge in a certain area, such as medical or technology law.

• Master’s of Dispute Resolution (MDR)

This degree is useful for anyone who wants to improve their professional skills and work with any kind of dispute resolution. An MDR requires at least a bachelor’s degree and typically lasts two years.

Other Types Of Law Specializations Include

• Intellectual property law
• Business law
• Civil liberties
• Constitutional law
• Admiralty law
• Immigration law
• Criminal law
• Patent law
• First Amendment law
• Tax law
• Healthcare law
• Environmental law

What To Expect From A Law Degree

Like most academic degrees, law degrees start with compulsory core courses and there are opportunities to choose legal subjects that are tailored to a particular career. 

Classes are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, presentations, class discussions, and hands-on legal training in a courtroom to help students master key legal skills such as research analysis and public speaking.

 

If you need further guidance on degree options and career paths in Law to study or counselling regarding schools to apply to for your degree, please click here to chat with our counsellors. 

 

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