LLM in Criminal Law career : Paths, Opportunities & Earnings
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
LLM in Criminal Law careers include Criminal Lawyers or Defense Attorneys, who represent clients in criminal cases and appear in various courts. Many opt for government roles as Public Prosecutors, representing the state in criminal proceedings, which are secured through competitive exams.
In terms of salary, entry-level professionals usually earn between INR 3 to INR 7 LPA while those with 3–5 years of experience earn around INR 8 to INR 15 LPA. Senior employees can easily get around INR 15 to INR 25 LPA. Top recruiters are top law firms like Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., etc.
Useful Link:
Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India
Top LLM Criminal Law Careers
LLM in Criminal Law career options include public prosecution, defense law, corporate counsel, academia, research and working with NGOs. Students can take a look at the table below for more details -
|
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
|
Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Represents individuals accused of crimes, defends their rights, and seeks the best possible outcome. |
INR 1.5 - 10 LPA |
|
Public Prosecutor |
Represents the state in criminal proceedings, presenting evidence and arguing for convictions. |
INR 1.5 - 12.1 LPA |
|
Legal Advisor (Corporate) |
Provides legal advice to corporations on criminal law matters, such as compliance with regulations and responding to investigations. |
INR 2 - 13.9 LPA |
|
Academician |
Teaches criminal law courses at universities and law schools, conducts research, and publishes scholarly articles. |
INR 5 - 12 LPA |
|
Legal Researcher |
Conducts legal research and analysis for law firms, courts, or academic institutions. |
INR 1.2 - 7.8 LPA |
Note - This info is taken from Ambitionbox.com and may vary.
LLM Criminal Law Emerging Trends
Below are some of the important emerging trends shaping the practice and study of Criminal Law for LLM graduates -
- Cybercrime
- White Collar Crime and Corporate Liability
- Human Rights and Criminal Justice Reform
- Use of Artificial Intelligence in Crime Detection
- Transnational and International Criminal Law
- Restorative Justice and ADR
LLM Criminal Law Scope in India: Jobs, Salary & Further Education
From traditional roles in law firms and government agencies to emerging opportunities, the table highlights popular industries where graduates can build their careers -
|
Sector |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Law Firms |
Provide legal advice and represent clients in criminal cases across various courts. |
|
Corporate Sector |
Ensure companies comply with laws, handle white-collar crime, and manage internal investigations. |
|
Government & Public Sector |
Represent the state in criminal prosecutions and assist in law enforcement agencies. |
|
Judiciary |
Support judges by researching case law and drafting opinions in criminal matters. |
|
Academia & Research |
Teach criminal law and conduct research on evolving legal issues and reforms. |
|
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) |
Work on criminal justice reforms, prisoner rights, and advocacy for marginalized groups. |
|
Law Enforcement Agencies |
Provide legal guidance to police and assist in evidence analysis and criminal investigations. |
|
International Organizations |
Handle transnational crimes, international treaties, and global criminal justice policies. |
|
Media & Journalism |
Report on legal issues, analyze criminal law developments, and educate the public. |
|
Private Investigation |
Support criminal investigations by gathering evidence and advising on legal compliance. |
Courses after LLM Criminal Law Course
The table below highlights some popular courses and certifications available for further study after an LLM in Criminal Law -
|
Course Name |
Description |
|---|---|
|
PhD in Criminal Law |
Advanced research degree focused on original scholarship and contributions to criminal law. |
|
Diploma in Cyber Law |
Specialised training on laws governing cybercrimes, digital evidence, and IT regulations. |
|
Certification in Forensic Science |
Course on scientific methods for evidence collection and analysis in criminal investigations. |
|
Diploma in Criminal Psychology |
Study of criminal behavior, psychology behind crimes, and offender profiling techniques. |
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) |
Focus on protecting creative works, relevant to cyber and white-collar crimes. |
|
Certification in Human Rights Law |
Focuses on legal protections of human rights within the criminal justice system. |
|
Diploma in Mediation and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) |
Training in resolving disputes through mediation, arbitration, and restorative justice. |
Top LLM in Criminal Law Recruiters
Recruiters for LLM in Criminal Law graduates include law firms, government agencies, NGOs, universities and corporations. Some of the top companies are given in the table below -
|
LLM Criminal Law Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
Aegis Legal LLP |
Trilegal |
|
Amicus Legal |
JSB and Partners |
|
Daksh Associates |
CMB Legal |
|
Office of the Public Prosecutor |
Dhir and Dhir Associates |
- Popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
- Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
- Popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations
Popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
Law Applications open till Mar 10, 2026. Apply Now
Law Applications open. Apply Now
Law Applications open. Apply Now
Law Applications open till Feb 28, 2026. Apply Now
Popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Criminal Law
164 Colleges
- Security & Investment Law
24 Colleges
- Corporate Law
21 Colleges
- Constitutional Law
18 Colleges
- Business Law
15 Colleges
- Intellectual Property Law
11 Colleges
- Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law
10 Colleges
- Commercial Law
6 Colleges
- Administrative Law
5 Colleges
- Cyber Law
5 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
There are some major differences between the courses in Criminal Law and Civil Law.
Refer to the table given below
| Criminal Law | Civil Law |
|---|---|
| The criminal law curriculum revolves around the legal principles, processes, and practices related to criminal offenses. | The Civil Law syllabus equips students with knowledge of the legal principles, processes, and practices governing disputes between people or organizations, excluding criminal offenses. |
| PG, PhD, Diploma, and Certification. | PG, PhD, and Diploma. |
| Strategic thinking, criminal investigation, trial advocacy, interviewing & negotiation, etc. | Legal research, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, legal writing, and communication. |
| INR 1,000 - INR 15 Lakh | INR 1 Lacs - 4 Lakh |
| Symbiosis Law School, NALSAR University of Law, GNLU Gandhinagar, SIMTS, GGSIPU, Alliance School of Law, etc. | K.R. Mangalam University, SAGE University, Kalinga University, Aryavart University, etc. |
Legal Manager, Contract Attorney, Legal Advisor, Legal Researcher, Legal Assistant, etc. | Lawyer, Advocate, Transactional Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Assistant Professor, etc. |
| Advocacy, Judiciary, Law Enforcement, Legal Consultancy, Education, NGO, etc. | Colleges, Universities, Law Firms, Public Sector Undertakings, etc. |
| Trilegal India, Khaitan & Co., Ahlawat & Associates, Sagar Associates, etc. | Aditya Birla Group, Tata Group, Infosys, Wipro, Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Auto |
| INR 3 - 8 LPA | INR 3 - 7 LPA |
Source - Multiple external/ official sites on the web and data may vary.
Hope this helps!
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
One can formally pursue Criminal Law through various course levels like PG, PhD, Diploma and Certification. A course in Criminal Law generally has a duration of 2 to 5 years, depending on whether you're aiming for a master's or a doctorate.
You can get admission to these courses either through an en
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Criminal law refers to the laws protecting society against crime. It ensures a fair justice system. Criminal law courses revolve around legal practices, investigative methods, trial preparation, and the operation of the criminal justice system. Criminal Law subjects encompass laws related to crimes,
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The seat intake for the BA LLB (Hons) in Criminal Law at Unitedworld School of Law, Karnavati University is yet to be revealed for 2026 admissions. In the previous year, the seat intake for the aforementioned course was 180 seats. Thus, candidates can expect the seat intake to be reletively similar
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To prep for a career in criminal law
- Get a law degree.
- Get practical experience.
- Take part in moot courts or legal debates.
- Networking with professionals.
Know more about -
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
You can
- Follow legal news and blogs.
- Join associations that are related to criminal law.
- Participate in seminars to learn about new laws and practices.
Know more about -
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Yes, it has. Criminal law field offers many specializations. See below
- Criminal Litigation
- White-Collar Crime
- Cybercrime
- Juvenile Justice
- Human Rights
- International Criminal Law
Know more about -
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
It is a law field that deals with crimes and their legal consequences. It has the investigation, prosecution, and defense of people accused of criminal offenses.
Know more about -
I
Contributor-Level 9
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 686k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
What is the difference between Criminal Law and Civil Law?