LLM Scope: Salary, Job Roles, Career after LLM

Diya NihalaniContent Author
Career options for LLMs can include legal advisors and corporate counsels playing important roles in managing contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, safeguarding intellectual property and mitigating legal risks for different companies. It can also include litigators, arbitrators, and mediators, particularly in the growing fields of commercial and international dispute resolution. LLM degree serves as an important catalyst for career advancement in Law allowing the law students to gain expertise in specialised legal domains.LLM salaries after completing the course can vary on the basis of experience levels, position and skills. For example legal advisors can earn from INR 5 to INR 8 LPA while corporate counsels may see salary that is ranging from INR 6 to INR 12 LPA. Academic and research positions generally offers salaries in the range of INR 4 to INR 9 LPA. Associates in top tier law firms may demand higher salaries between INR 10 to INR 18 LPA. The income of independent litigators and arbitrators is more variable increasing substantially with experience and a growing client base.
Top recruiters for LLM students such as Amarchand & Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Trilegal and Khaitan & Co. Major corporations like Infosys, Reliance and Tata Group along with leading banks such as ICICI and HDFC to hire legal experts within their in house legal teams. In the public sector opportunities exist with bodies like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Ministry of Law and Justice and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as ONGC and SAIL.
LLM Career: Quick Facts
Below are some interesting facts related to LLM careers in India:
- As per UGC guidelines, an LLM is the minimum qualification required to become an Assistant Professor in law colleges and universities across India.
- Leading law firms like AZB & Partners, Trilegal, and Khaitan & Co frequently prefer LLM graduates for specialized roles in areas such as M&A, arbitration, and IPR.
- The most favored LLM specialisations include Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Corporate & Business Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and International Law.
LLM Salary in India
LLM is a two-year postgraduate course in law, also known as Master of Laws. It is designed to master over a particular specialisation of law. It helps in enhancing knowledge on a particular area of law so that candidates are able to conduct research on their particular area of specialisation. This course is pursued after completing three-year or five-year LLB.
Professionals and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a particular area under law seek admission to this course. It is an undeniable fact that a candidate studies more than 30 different law papers across a span of three years or five years of law school. LLM offers expertise in one particular field of law, which provides the platform to make a mark in a niche area of law. Some of the top fields popular amongst candidates are Civil Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law, Company Law, Cyber Law, Environment Law, etc.
Average Annual LLM Salary in India
Entry-level positions in both sectors may start at the lower end of these ranges. Moreover, salary increases with experience in both government and private sectors. Senior roles can command significantly higher packages.
Below is the salary idea in both sectors for LLM graduates:
|
Sector |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Government |
INR 4 LPA - INR 15 LPA |
|
Private |
INR 6 LPA - INR 18 LPA |
Specialisation-Wise LLM Salary in India
Some fields like Corporate Law, Banking & Finance Law and Intellectual Property Law tend to offer higher salary package due to their commercial relevance and growing global demand. Below Mentioned is a detailed breakdown of the average annual salary ranges for popular LLM specialisations:
|
Specialisation |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Corporate Law |
INR 6 LPA - INR 20 LPA+ |
|
Intellectual Property (IP) Law |
INR 5 LPA - INR 15 LPA+ |
|
International Law |
INR 5 LPA - INR 15 LPA+ |
|
Tax Law |
INR 4.5 LPA - INR 12 LPA+ |
|
Litigation (Civil/Criminal) |
INR 3 LPA - INR 10 LPA+ |
|
Constitutional Law |
INR 4 LPA - INR 9 LPA+ |
|
Criminal Law |
INR 3.5 LPA - INR 10 LPA+ |
|
Cyber Law |
INR 4 LPA - INR 10 LPA+ |
|
Banking and Finance Law |
INR 6 LPA - INR 15 LPA+ |
|
Environmental Law |
INR 3.5 LPA - INR 8 LPA+ |
|
Human Rights Law |
INR 4 LPA - INR 9 LPA+ |
|
Labour and Employment Law |
INR 3.5 LPA - INR 8 LPA+ |
|
Real Estate and Infrastructure Law |
INR 4 LPA - INR 10 LPA+ |
Experience Wise LLM Salary in India
While entry level roles offer decent salaries, professionals with specialised legal expertise and a strong track record can achieve a good financial growth over the time. Whether working in law firms, corporate legal departments, academics or as independent practitioners, LLM graduates often see their value rise with exposure to complex legal matters, leadership roles and client management.
The table below shows the average salaries based on years of experience:
|
Experience Level |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level (0-3 years) |
INR 4 Lakhs - INR 8 Lakhs |
|
Mid-Level (3-7 years) |
INR 8 Lakhs - INR 15 Lakhs |
|
Senior-Level (7-15 years) |
INR 15 Lakhs - INR 30 Lakhs+ |
|
15+ Years |
INR 30 Lakhs - INR 1 Crore+ |
LLM Careers
After pursuing an LLM course, students can opt for further studies wherein they pursue either MPhil or PhD in Law. But, if candidates want to pursue a career in the field of law then he/ she can go through the below-mentioned job profiles. Aspirants are informed that in order to practice law in India, they need to clear the All India Bar Exam (AIBE)
LLM Jobs and Salary
|
LLM Job Profile |
Job Description |
LLM Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Profession |
||
|
Specialized Lawyer |
Practices law in a specific area of expertise, such as corporate, tax, intellectual property, or international law |
INR 15 - 60+ LPA |
|
Senior Associate |
Provides advanced legal services and mentorship to junior lawyers in a law firm |
INR 20 - 50+ LPA |
|
Partner/Equity Partner |
Owns and manages a law firm, leads high-profile cases, and shares in the firm's profits |
INR 30 - 100+ LPA |
|
Legal Consultant |
Provides specialized legal expertise and advisory services to clients in complex matters |
INR 20 - 70+ LPA |
|
|
Government |
|
|
Judicial Officer (Higher Judiciary) |
Serves as a judge or magistrate in higher courts, such as High Courts or the Supreme Court |
INR 20 - 40+ LPA |
|
Senior Legal Advisor |
Provides high-level legal counsel and support to government agencies and policymakers |
INR 15 - 40+ LPA |
|
Legislative Drafter |
Drafts and reviews legislation, policies, and regulations for the government |
INR 15 - 30+ LPA |
|
|
Corporate Sector |
|
|
General Counsel |
Leads the legal department and provides strategic legal guidance to an organization |
INR 25 - 80+ LPA |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
Oversees an organization's compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards |
INR 20 - 50+ LPA |
|
Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer |
Specialises in complex corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures |
INR 20 - 60+ LPA |
|
|
Academics |
|
|
Law Professor (Senior) |
Teaches advanced law courses, conducts research, and supervises doctoral students in academic institutions |
INR 20 - 50+ LPA |
|
Legal Researcher (Senior) |
Leads in-depth legal research and analysis for academic, policy, or advisory purposes |
INR 15 - 40+ LPA |
|
Dean/Director of Law School |
Manages and provides strategic leadership for a law school or department |
INR 25 - 60+ LPA |
|
|
International Organisations |
|
|
International Law Specialist |
Advises and represents international organizations, such as the UN, World Bank, or IMF, on legal matters |
INR 25 - 80+ LPA |
|
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Lawyer |
Provides legal support and counsel in the field of international diplomacy and foreign relations |
INR 20 - 50+ LPA |
|
Multinational Legal Advisor |
Advises and assists multinational corporations on cross-border legal issues |
INR 20 - 60 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Top Recruiters for LLM Professionals
The ever-increasing scope of law across global platform has increased the need of trained legal professionals dealing with a wide range of legal areas such as civil laws, corporate laws and intellectual property laws.
Some of the top recruiters for LLM course are as follows:
- Trilegal
- Manupatra
- LexisNexis
- Quislex
- Mindcrest
- Juris Corp
- Linklaters LLP
- Majumdar and Co
- AZB & Partners
- L&L Partners
- Khaitan and Co
- Law Commission of India
Top LLM Colleges For Placement
The below-mentioned table provides information on the average annual package offered in placements in the respective colleges.
|
College |
Average Annual Package in INR |
|---|---|
|
National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
INR 15 LPA |
|
National Academy of Legal Study & Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad |
INR 16.50 LPA |
|
National Law Institute University, Bhopal |
INR 14 LPA |
|
National Law University, Jodhpur |
INR 14.50 LPA |
|
National Law University, Delhi |
INR 15 LPA |
|
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow |
INR 10 lakh |
|
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala |
INR 6.5 LPA |
|
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata |
INR 15 LPA |
|
Symbiosis Law School, Pune |
INR 8 LPA |
|
KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneswar |
INR 7 LPA |
- Popular LL.M. Colleges in India
- Popular Private LL.M. Colleges in India
- Popular LL.M. Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
Popular LL.M. Colleges in India
Popular Private LL.M. Colleges in India
LL.M. Applications open till Jan 31, 2026. Apply Now
LL.M. Applications open. Apply Now
LL.M. Applications open. Apply Now
Popular LL.M. Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Criminal Law
164 Colleges
- Corporate Law
131 Colleges
- Constitutional Law
122 Colleges
- Intellectual Property Law
78 Colleges
- Commercial Law
60 Colleges
- Business Law
59 Colleges
- International / International Trade Law
47 Colleges
- Administrative Law
41 Colleges
- Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law
38 Colleges
- Security & Investment Law
30 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- LL.M in Corporate and Commercial LawSOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan
- Master of Law (LL.M.)ILS Law College
- Master of Law (LL.M.)Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University
- LLM in Corporate LawChanderprabhu Jain College of Higher Studies and School of Law
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University
- Master of Law (LL.M.)RDVV - Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 2 hours ago
LoanMitra Loan App Customer- CareNumber (_62947,87624_);Call Now.LoanMitra Loan App Customer- Care Number-) (_62947,87624_);Call Now.kaxx
F
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 8 hours ago
The GNLU Silvassa CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released for round 2 for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and Master of Law (LL.M.) programme. The cutoff was released for various categories under both the All India and Home State quotas.
The NLU Silvassa CLAT Cutoff 2026 for round 2 was 1264 for BA LLB (Hons) course and 1
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 hours ago
The NLU Sonipat CLAT Cutoff 2026 is out for round 2 for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota candidates. The cutoff was released for admission to the B.A. LL.B and Master of Legislative Laws (LL.M.) courses.
For the LLM course, the General AI category cutoff was 2349 in r
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 hours ago
The NLU Shimla CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released for round 2 for multiple categories under both the All India and Home State quota. The cutoff was out in the form of opening and closing ranks.
For the General HS category, the cutoff was 11211 for the B.A LL.B (Hons.) course, and 16167 for B.B.A.LL.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 hours ago
The NLU Jabalpur CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released for round 2 for admission to BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses. The cutoff was released for all categories under the All India and Home State quota.
For the General AI category, the round 2 cutoff for BA LLB (Hons) course was 1789. For LLM courses, it was
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 10 hours ago
The NLU Assam CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released for admission to the LL.M. LL.B. (Hons.) and LLM courses for round 2. The cutoff was released for various categories under both the All India and Home State quotas.
For the OBC AI category, the cutoff ranged from 2430 to 3669, wherein the LLM course a
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
NLU Assam CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released till round 2 for admission to BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota.
For the SC AI category, the round closing ranks ranged between 4884 and 11777, for the LLM and BA LLB (Hons) courses, respect
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
NLU Assam CLAT Cutoff 2026 has been released till round 2 for admission to BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota.
For the SC AI category, the round closing ranks ranged between 4884 and 11777, for the LLM and BA LLB (Hons) courses, respect
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The NLU Assam CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released for admission to BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses. The cutoff was released in the form of opening and closing ranks for both the All India and Home State quota till round 2.
For the SC AI category, the round cutoff ranged between 11777 and 4884 for the BA LLB
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The MNLU Nagpur LLM Cutoff 2026 was released for various categories under the All India quota till round 2 as of now. Further rounds are expected to be released soon.
In the meantime, according to the General AI category cutoff in round 2, the LLM course and its various specialisations had a cutoff
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The NLU Mumbai CLAT cutoff 2026 has been released till round 2 for admission to the BA LLB (Hons) and LLM courses for various categories under both the All India and Home State quota.
Students can refer to the table below to know the round 1 and round 2 cutoff ranks for the BA LLB (Hons) course for
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The NLU Ranchi CLAT cutoff 2026 was released for all categories till round 2 for the All India quota.
For the OBC AI category, the cutoff for round 2 ranged from 2456 to 2761 for admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM and BBA LLB (Hons) course. Among all three, LLM course and its various specialisations w
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
NLU Odisha accepts the CLAT cutoff ranks for admission to the LLM and the BA LLB (Hon) course. The NLU Odisha CLAT cutoff 2026 was released for all categories under the All India quota till round 2.
Students can refer to the table below to know the round 1 and round 2 cutoff for the General AI categ
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
IILM University Greater Noida usually keeps the LLM scholarship applications open along with the admission cycle, so you still have a good chance to apply if you act early.
To stay on the safer side, it's best to apply as soon as possible after receiving your admission offer, as scholarships are oft
B
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 2 days ago
The NLU Patiala CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released till round 2 for admission to UG and PG level law courses for various categories under the All India quota.
For the SC AI category, the cutoff for the BA LLB (Hons) course was 9650 in the 2nd round. On the other hand for the LLM course and its variou spe
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The NLU Lucknow CLAT Cutoff 2026 was released till round 2 for all categories under the All India quota. For the PWD AI category, the round 2 for the BA LLB (Hons) course was 16485. On the other hand, for the LLM course, the cutoff was 5286. Students can click here to know the round 1 and round NLU
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The minimum eligibility requirement for LLM at Department of Law, Panjab University passing LLB/ BA LLB/ BCom LL.B or equivalent from Panjab University with a minimum of 55% aggregate or any equivalent examination of another University recognised by the Syndicate. The selection criteria is entrance
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The minimum eligibility for LLM at SOL, Presidency University, Bangalore is passing a three or five-year LLB degree from any Indian or Foreign University recognised by the UGC with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent grade [45% for SC/ ST Candidates]. Candidates who have passed/ appeared for th
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The minimum eligibility for PhD at Department of Law, MDU is having a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate or its equivalent B grade in UGC seven-point scale in the subject concerned or an allied subject. Yes, you are eligible for PhD at the university.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Students who want to join the LLM programme at the Queen Mary University of London should submit tuition between INR 29L and INR 51L. They should also pay for hostel and other costs. The Queen Mary University of London tuition fee and other fee component for LLM is given below:
Fee components | Amount (for 1 year) |
|---|---|
Tuition | INR 27.07 L - 48.05 L |
Hostel | INR 10.52 L - 11.65 L |
Total fee | INR 37.59 L - 59.7 L |
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
The Queen Mary University of London allows admission to the LLM programme in the Jan and Sept intakes. They insist students to apply early to avoid any delay in the process. The entry-wise months on which students should apply is given below
Sept entry: Jun/ July
Jan entry: Nov/ Dec
E
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
The Queen Mary University of London provide 1 year LLM programme to international students. The university offer premium LLM programs for those who have completed their Law degree and want to join Legal studies should join this program. The university programs like Commercial and Corporate Law, Publ
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
As per some unofficial data, the Queen Mary University of London LLM acceptance rate is 18%. This shows that the university is tough to enter and follows tough procedure during admission. Students should fulfill the basic qualification and submit the documents like transcript, resume, essay, English
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
With 18% acceptance rate, the Queen Mary University of London is quite hard to enter in case of LLM admission. They select students based on their score in the UG degree, English language score, participation in activities, work profile, and more. Students should aim to score high to get selected.
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
GMAT scores are one of the factors during admission and are submitted by students to improve their selection chances. There is no ideal score provided by students to get into the Columbia LLM. According to the university student profile 2026, students should have transcripts, personal statement, a r
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Columbia University LLM tuition fee is between INR 77L and INR 78L for programs like Global Business Law and more. Students can check the total cost for LLM programs at Columbia below:
Fee components | Amount (for 6 months - 1 year) |
|---|---|
Tuition | INR 75.12 L - 76.46 L |
Hostel | INR 15.55 L |
Insurance | INR 4.36 L - 4.72 L |
Others | INR 2.54 L - 6.72 L |
Total fee | INR 97.57 L - 1.03 Cr |
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
As per a renowned ranking body, Columbia is popular for various courses. Global Business Law, and Law and Legal Studies are some popular program. Students can check the ranking of popular programs:
Ranked by | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
THE- Law | 4 | 5 |
QS – Law and Legal studies | 8 | 8 |
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Students who have scored high in their UG degree and have some job experience or done some internship in the similar subjects should think of taking admission at Columbia for LLM. They should submit the documents like university/ college transcripts, personal statement, a resume, merit response, Eng
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Indian students who want to join the LLM programme at Columbia University should have a UG degree to fulfill the qualification. A job experience and personal statement can add a positive impression. They should submit LOR, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, Columbia University offers 6 months-1 year LLM programme to international students. Some popular programs are Global Business Law, and more. Students must fulfill the basic eligibility by having a UG degree from a university or and submit the documents like university/ college transcripts, pers
E
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
- 684k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
LoanMitra Loan App Customer- Care Number-) (_62947,87624_);Call Now.da