Top 7 LLM Specializations in India
Have you thought of pursuing an LLM course after completing LLB? If not, this article will go into details of why a Master of Laws (LLM) is important, and the best LLM specialization in India.
The LLM (Master of Laws) degree is for the Bachelor of Laws graduates who want to excel in a specific field of law. In law, there are many specializations offered, such as Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Cyber Law, Taxation Law, and many more. First, we’ll understand why LLM is important, what the top specializations in LLM are, the top LLM exams, and the career scope after LLM.
While an LLB(Bachelor’s of law) degree qualifies you to become a lawyer, an LLM (Master of Laws) makes you an expert in a specific field of law. A LLM graduate has a higher earning potential, subject expertise, and opportunities to build a professional network.
Check out the eligibility requirements to pursue an LLM course below.
Eligibility Criteria For LLM
To pursue an LLM (Master of Laws) programme, a candidate should have
- Complete LLB degree from a recognized university
- Scored 50 - 60% marks in bachelor’s (depends on the institute)
Many Institutes also take admission in the LLM program based on the score of top law entrance exams, such as CLAT PG, AILET PG, CUET LLM, and other regional exams.
Top 7 LLM Specializations in India
Below, we’ve discussed the top 7 LLM (Master of Laws) specializations in India. By having an LLM degree in the field of your choice, you can get a higher salary as a fresher or an experienced professional, and can even start your career with the top law firms of India.
1. Corporate Law
A career as a corporate lawyer is in high demand and rewarding as well. Through, LLM in Corporate Law course, you get to work with companies or organizations, and you will deal with mergers and acquisitions, company legal polices, contracts, and agreements, and business law compliance.
| LLM in Corporate Law |
|
| Duration |
1 - 2 years |
| Starting Salary |
INR 6 - 12 LPA |
| Focused on |
Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Commercial Transactions, Compliance |
| Best Colleges |
NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, Jindal Global Law School, Symbiosis Law School |
| Job Roles |
Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Compliance Officer, Corporate Counsel |
2. Dispute Resolution
The Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution degree trains students with the skills to resolve conflicts outside the courtroom.
| LLM in Dispute Resolution |
|
| Duration |
1 year |
| Starting Salary |
INR 7.5 - 10 LPA |
| Focused on |
Commercial Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation, Negotiation, Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| Best Colleges |
Manav Rachna University (Specialized LLM in Arbitration), Jindal Global Law School |
| Job Roles |
International Arbitrator, Mediator, Dispute Resolution Counsel, In-house Arbitration Manager |
3. Criminal Law
An LLM in Criminal Law course provides specialized training in the criminal justice system. You’ll understand criminal procedure and present-day issues in crime and justice.
| LLM in Criminal Law |
|
| Duration |
1 - 2 years |
| Starting Salary |
INR 6 - 7.5 LPA |
| Focused on |
Criminal Justice Reform, Forensic Law, Criminal Procedure, 21st Century Crimes, Victimology |
| Best Colleges |
Bennett University, VMLS, National Law University Delhi, Jindal Global Law School |
| Job Roles |
Criminal Advocate, Prosecution Counsel, Public Defender, Policy Advisor, Forensic Lawyer, Judicial Officer |
4. Intellectual Property (IP) Law
The Master of Laws (LLM) specialization in Intellectual Property (IP) is for expertise in legal understanding of patents, copyrights, and trademarks. You’ll study legal protection of creative work and innovations.
| LLM in Intellectual Property Law |
|
| Duration |
1 - 2 years |
| Starting Salary |
INR 7 - 10 LPA |
| Focused on |
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Cyber Law, AI Patents |
| Best Colleges |
Rajiv Gandhi School of IP Law (IIT Kharagpur), NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, Symbiosis Law School, Jindal Global Law School |
| Job Roles |
IP Attorney, Corporate Counsel, Patent Examiner, IP Consultant, Litigation Specialist |
Also Read: What is Intellectual Property (IP) Law
5. Taxation
An LLM in Taxation or Tax Law provides knowledge of the domestic and international tax system. In this specialization course, you’ll learn about different types of taxation.
| LLM in Tax Law |
|
| Duration |
1 - 2 years |
| Starting Salary |
INR 6 - 12 LPA |
| Focused on |
Corporate Tax Planning, International Taxation, GST Law, Customs Duty, Estate Tax, Tax Litigation |
| Best Colleges |
NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, NLU Delhi, GNLU Gandhinagar, Symbiosis Law School |
| Job Roles |
Tax Consultant, Tax Litigation Lawyer, Compliance Officer, Corporate Tax Advisor, Tax Policy Analyst |
Also Read: What is Tax Law?
6. Environmental Law
In the LLM in Environmental Law course, students learn the legal aspects to tackle environmental challenges. You’ll understand climate policies, energy regulations, etc.
| LLM in Environmental Law |
|
| Duration |
1 - 2 years |
| Starting Salary |
INR 5.5 - 7 LPA |
| Focused on |
Climate Change Law, Energy Law, Mining & Mineral Laws, Forest Law, Biodiversity, Water & Air Protection |
| Best Colleges |
Jindal Global Law School, TERI University, Hidayatullah National Law University, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University |
| Job Roles |
Environmental Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Policy Maker, Environmental Consultant, Advocate, Academician |
Also Read: What is Environmental Law?
7. Human Rights Law
LLM in Human Rights Law is the legal study of protecting human rights at the international level. You’ll learn how international law protects human rights.
| LLM in Human Rights Law |
|
| Duration |
1 -2 years |
| Starting Salary |
INR 5.5 - 7.5 LPA |
| Focused on |
Constitutional Law & Human Rights, International Human Rights Law, Humanitarian Law, Child Rights, Women's Rights, Refugee Law |
| Best Colleges |
NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, Sharda University, Bennett University |
| Job Roles |
Human Rights Lawyer, Advocacy Officer, Legal Consultant, Judicial Clerk, Policy Advisor |
Getting an LLM (Master of Laws) degree opens multiple career paths. If you are unaware of career opportunities after an LLM, we've got you covered.