Why study a master’s degree in law

However, many wish to go straight into the world of work after graduating with a law degree but there is so much that a postgraduate degree in the subject can offer. 

Looks great to an employer 

A master’s degree can be the shining star on your CV/resume or graduate portfolio, even more so when it’s a relevant course to the role you’re applying for. A highly respected field like law can really make your job application stand out among other prospective candidates. 

A master’s degree, in any subject, shows a potential employer that you are the sort of individual to really push your own limits and work hard to achieve what you want. 

Getting your master’s degree certainly isn’t easy and much of the type of work it requires mirrors what you will find in your career. From meeting deadlines to managing huge workloads, there are a number of skills you develop in this area of your education that can prepare you for the world of work. 

On top of this, a master’s degree represents an in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject, something that employers rely on to determine whether or not you’re right for a certain job. 

Higher earning potential 

Getting your master's degree certainly isn't easy and much of the type of work it requires mirrors what you will find in your career. From meeting deadlines to managing huge workloads, there are a number of skills you develop in this area of your education that can prepare you for the world of work. On top of this, a master's degree represents an in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject, something that employers rely on to determine whether or not you're right for a certain job.

Many roles in the field of law require a master’s degree to even be considered; several of these tend to have high salaries. Taking a look at a country like the UK, on average a graduate with a master’s degree can expect to be making over £45,000 (USD43,500) after 5 years in their chosen field, according to gov.uk. This is almost £10,000 more than those with just an undergraduate degree after a similar period of time.

Keeping the UK as an example, some of the highest earning careers that you can step into with the help of a master’s degree in law include: 

According to Explore careers on National Career Service UK 

Find out more about the best law schools in the UK and what they have to offer.  

Those looking to pursue a law career in the US will be interested to hear that each state has its own requirements for becoming a lawyer and a master’s degree can be a great asset when going down this path. The average lawyer in any of these states can expect a six-figure salary, with states like California and New York being some of the highest payers, where salaries can exceed $170,000 on average.

The average lawyer in any of these states can expect a six-figure salary (hundred thousands), according to US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, with states like California (will have link) and New York (will have link) being some of the highest payers. 

Like with any career, experience is required before much higher earnings can be made. However, the individuals in the field of law, especially the ones in careers that require a master’s degree, can expect very high salaries in the future.

Helps you find what you really want to do 

Those who are looking to specify in a particular field of law though, may benefit from a master’s degree. Whether you want a career in environmental law or find your passions lie in the world of criminal law, going down this route with a specific master’s degree can really help you achieve this goal. 

A master’s degree in law allows you to utilise what you’ve already learnt and build on it in a way that suits you. Many students also find that this part of their education allows them to figure out what they want to do in regards to their career and focus on this area while they are still students. 

Law is not only a diverse and interesting topic, it can also take you far in the world of work. While there is much you can do with an undergraduate degree in this field alone, a master’s degree can do wonders in terms of your job prospects. 

What are the different types of law master's degrees?

When considering a master's in law, it's important to understand the different program types available. The most common are the Master of Laws (LLM) and the Master of Legal Studies (MLS or MSL).

• Master of Laws (LLM): This is the most common postgraduate law degree, designed for students who already hold a professional law degree like a JD or LLB. It allows for deep specialization in areas like tax, corporate, or international law and is typically a one-year program.

• Master of Legal Studies (MLS/MSL): This degree is for professionals who don't have a law background but need legal expertise for their roles in fields like business, healthcare, or human resources. It does not qualify you to practice law.

What are the entry requirements?

Admission to a top law master's program is competitive. Generally, you will need:

• A prior law degree (for an LLM)

• A strong academic record (high GPA)

• English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers)

• Letters of recommendation

• Relevant work experience can also strengthen your application.