LLM in Criminal Law career : Paths, Opportunities & Earnings

Updated on Jun 3, 2025 12:28 IST
Pragati Singh

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

Table of contents
  • 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

Following are the most popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India. Learn more about these LLM in Criminal Law colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
14 Courses
24.8 K - 13.45 L
8.4 - 16 LPA

#1 NIRF

9 Courses
30 K - 6.75 L
12 - 14 LPA

#2 NIRF

12 K - 7.75 L
7 - 16 LPA

#3 NIRF

15 Courses
2.5 L - 23.9 L
4.3

#7 NIRF

13 Courses
10 K - 6 L
6 - 16 LPA

#5 NIRF

Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India

8 Courses
1.07 L - 3.75 L
4.3

Law Applications open. Apply Now

1.5 L - 4.65 L
3.8
2.55 L - 8 L
4.1
96 K - 12.6 L
3.6 - 4.1 LPA

#39 NIRF

4.4 L
1.65 L - 14.5 L
3.73 LPA

Popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations

Following are the most popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days 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 -

Criminal Law Career

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days 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 -

Criminal Law Career

M

Mohit Datta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days 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 -

Criminal Law Career

G

Gunjan Dhawan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days 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 -

Criminal Law Courses

I

Ishita Uniyal

Contributor-Level 9

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