What further study options are there for me with a law degree?

A law degree can open up a wide range of employment and educational opportunities. There are various opportunities for further study to advance one’s career or to acquire specialised knowledge.

This article takes a look at the different types of postgraduate courses available to law graduates, as well as other, more unconventional paths one can take. It is important to note that many of these routes require additional qualifications and/or experience and that thorough research should be done before embarking on a route.

What are the entry requirements for graduate law degree?

The entry requirements for a law degree vary depending on the type of degree being pursued. A JD (Juris Doctor) or LLM (Master of Laws) usually requires a Bachelor’s degree in law, while a PGDLP (Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practise) or PhD may require a previous qualification in another legal field, such as a LLB (Bachelor of Laws).

To qualify for a postgraduate programme, law graduates must demonstrate academic achievement and commitment to the field by submitting transcripts, personal statements and letters of recommendation. Furthermore, many universities have additional admission criteria such as language tests or interviews.

Therefore, prospective students should carefully inform themselves about the specific requirements of the respective degree programme before applying.

The Legal Career Pathway Explained

Entering a legal career can be a daunting but rewarding experience. To ensure success, it is important to understand the different paths open to those who have a law degree. Here are the three main options:

Barrister: This is an option for those who have completed a qualifying law degree and professional training such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). One year of professional experience and 12 months of pupillage under the supervision of an experienced barrister must also be completed.
Solicitor: Solicitors must complete a qualifying law degree or GDL and two years’ supervised work experience in an approved law firm or in pro bono work. They can then apply for admission to the Law Society.
Chartered Legal Executive: For this route, applicants must have either a Level 3 Diploma in Law or an equivalent qualification, such as A Levels in English and Maths, followed by completion of the CILEx Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practise. As with solicitors, two years’ supervised work experience is required before applying for CILEx membership.

It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list of all study options available to those with a law degree; there are other courses that can be taken depending on personal interests and career goals. Knowing each pathway can help you make informed decisions about which pathway will best serve you for your future legal career aspirations.

Becoming a Barrister: What You Need to Know

With a law degree, there are several study options for those who want to become a solicitor or barrister.

Jack, for example, graduated from law school and decided to pursue a career as a solicitor. He enrolled on the Legal Practise Course (LPC), which is required by the Law Society of England and Wales to qualify as a solicitor. After successfully completing the LPC, Jack found employment with a law firm specialising in public law. Alternatively, if one wishes to become a barrister, one must complete the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and obtain Bar Standards Board approval.

In addition, some people may opt for an advanced degree such as a Juris Doctor (JD) or Chartered Legal Executive to continue their studies after an undergraduate degree in law. Depending on individual career goals and interests within the legal sector, there are many different pathways open to those pursuing a law degree.

What is a paralegal and how do I become one?

A paralegal is a professional who provides legal support and assistance to lawyers, but does not provide legal advice or represent clients in court.

To become a paralegal, law students usually need to have completed an undergraduate degree in law at university and graduated with an Honours (Hons) degree. In England and Wales, the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practise (PGDLP) is also required to become a paralegal. Depending on the degree programme chosen, you can also specialise in commercial law and property law.

Those wishing to pursue a career as a paralegal are advised to seek internships or work experience with local law firms or bar associations to gain further insight into this area of practise. With hard work and dedication, it is possible for law graduates to find rewarding employment as paralegals in both the public and private sectors.

How to Become a Solicitor?

To qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you will usually need to complete a law degree or equivalent, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practise (PGDLP). Once you have completed these two qualifications, you can apply to train as a solicitor.

During your training contract, you will gain practical experience in various areas of law, such as advocacy, commercial law, employment law, family law, human rights and intellectual property law.

After completing your training contract and passing the required exams, e.g. the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), you will be eligible to practise as a fully qualified solicitor. If you wish to specialise further in a particular area of law after gaining some professional experience as a qualified solicitor, you can obtain a Master of Laws (LLM).

Criminal Law: Specialising in Criminal Proceedings

To further your law studies, you can consider a number of specialisations. Criminal law is one of these areas. This area covers a range of topics, including contract law, criminology, mediation and pro bono work. To gain expertise in this area, it is useful to attend moot courts or complete an internship with the prosecution or government legal services.

These experiences can provide insight into real court proceedings. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to take additional courses related to criminal law, such as tax law or criminology at the national level. All of these options offer the chance to gain valuable experience and practical skills that will help you advance your career in the legal profession.

Commercial Law: Specialising in Business Transactions

Business law is one of the most popular subjects for graduates of LLB. It focuses on business transactions and corporate law and allows learners to tailor their degree to the requirements of a legal career.

Law schools across England offer courses that enable students to study law at university level and become solicitors on graduation. It is important for graduates of LLB to be aware of the different career options available when specialising in business law.

These include working as a lawyer for private companies, representing clients in court or working as a legal advisor for several organisations. With this knowledge, you can choose the option that best suits your talents and aspirations. Here are some important points to consider:

Learn about company law so that you can advise your clients on legal issues
Find out about different law schools and degree programmes that focus on business law
Understand what it takes to work as a lawyer after graduating from university
Research possible career paths that involve working in business law
Make contacts with lawyers and professionals working in business law.

European Union Law: Understanding EU Legislation

The European Union Law course is an excellent option for those wishing to further their studies in law. This course covers a range of topics including EU law, international law, immigration law and national law. As part of this course, students have the opportunity to specialise in one of these areas of law.

It is also possible to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in European Union Law as part of this programme. This provides graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide legal advice or to work in the field of private law. There is no better way to gain an understanding of EU law than through this course.

How important is work experience for a law graduate in pursuing a legal career?

Work experience is an essential part of a legal career, especially in England where the National Qualifying Examination (NQE) is required for admission as a solicitor. The NQE consists of modules that must be completed over the course of two years and includes work in both the public and private legal services.

In addition, studying abroad gives students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and learn about new laws that may be beneficial to their future careers. It is important that law graduates consider all available options before embarking on their legal career, as it may be difficult to get a job with a solicitor or barrister without prior work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types Of Law Can I Study At A Postgraduate Level?

When studying law at postgraduate level, there are many different areas of law that can be explored.

The most common areas of study include:

Criminal Law
Civil law
Labour law
Human rights law
International Law
Environmental law

Depending on their interests and career goals, students can also focus on a specialised area such as maritime or aviation law. Some universities also offer courses in related areas such as philosophy of law or intellectual property. It is important that those considering postgraduate study in law find out about all their options before making a decision.

Are There Online Options For Postgraduate Law Study?

Yes, there are online options for postgraduate study in law.

Many universities offer virtual learning opportunities for law degree students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies. These include online-only programmes or blended programmes that combine online and face-to-face courses.

Online courses can be synchronous, meaning they take place in real time, or asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework on their own schedule. Depending on the programme, some courses require videoconferencing or other technology-enhanced activities to stay connected with fellow students and professors.

How Much Does Postgraduate Law Study Cost?

The cost of a postgraduate law degree can vary widely depending on the university and the type of programme. For example, a two-year LLM degree at a top university can cost $50,000 or more, while some universities offer online degree programmes for less than $20,000.

As an online tutor, I suggest researching different schools to compare tuition costs and find the best option for you and your budget. In addition, there are often scholarships and grants that can help offset the cost of postgraduate law studies.

Are There Any Scholarships Available For Postgraduate Law Study?

It is estimated that there are over 100,000 scholarships available for postgraduate law study worldwide each year.

Many of these are offered by universities and other educational institutions, while others are awarded by private organisations or individuals. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses and other expenses associated with attending postgraduate law school.

Depending on the source of the scholarship, they may also include stipends for research or other activities. It is important to note that the requirements for these scholarships vary widely, so it is important to research each scholarship offer thoroughly before applying.

Final Thoughts

A postgraduate law degree can open up a variety of exciting career paths. With the right qualifications and experience, a postgraduate law degree can give a person the skills they need to succeed in the legal field. The cost of such studies may seem daunting, but there are various scholarships available for those who wish to pursue higher education in this field.

There is an old saying that ‘knowledge is power’. So investing in an advanced law degree is an investment that is sure to pay off in the long run. Therefore, it is important that individuals considering postgraduate studies in law fully inform themselves about their options and make an informed decision about their future.