This article is written by Adv. Komal Arora. It is a comprehensive guide to the international LLM in Business Law, which includes the universities, entrance exams, admission requirements for universities, and career options. Though the article discusses international LLM in Business Law, there is also a brief guide for those who are interested in pursuing LLM in Business Law in India.

It has been published by Rachit Garg.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Done with your undergraduate law degree and confused about what to choose for your LLM specialisation? Think no more. Opt for business law. The world of business law is getting more extensive with cutting-edge technology, start-ups, smart contracts, and virtual legal firms; it has created a massive need for competent legal practitioners who can navigate through complex laws. It is a career that is in high demand and will only get more interesting in the coming years. The curriculum of the postgraduate degree in international LLM in business laws will provide you with in-depth knowledge and expertise on topics like trade, contract law, corporate law, trademarks, etc. in an international context. 

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This article covers a comprehensive guide to pursuing an international LLM in Business law. Read along to learn how to make an international career in business law!

What exactly is an international LLM degree

LLM is short for Master of Laws. The term is taken from the Latin term Legum Magister. It can be defined as an advanced level postgraduate course that gives better knowledge of the specialisation chosen. An international LLM in business law is a postgraduate course from an international university abroad that focuses on understanding the nuances of business law and equips you with the skills required to excel in global business competition.

Is LLB mandatory for an international LLM

In India, students are admitted to any LLM course only after they have completed their LLB degree.  It is considered a prerequisite for a master’s degree, as an undergraduate degree sets the groundwork for studying the specialisation. Some universities allow non-law graduates to pursue an LLM. The Universities abroad also allow candidates without a law degree to pursue an LLM. The requirement in such a case is to showcase your interest in the field through previous work experience it. Obviously, these Universities expect you to have a basic understanding of the law or to undergo such a short course so that you can be on par with other students.

As an example, here are some Universities in the U.K. where candidates can do an LLM in business law without an LLB degree:

1.     Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) offers courses in international business law

2.     Bournemouth University offers courses in International commercial law

3.     University of Derby offers courses in commercial law.

How international LLM in Business Law might be a game changer

Pursuing an international LLM in business law can be termed a game changer, as the future belongs to it. It is a transformative educational experience that will provide you with the right career opportunities to set you apart from others. Here are some reasons why studying business law at international universities is the right choice:

1.  It is an international master’s degree, which is different from the standard LLM in India. The corporate world needs to comply with several legal requirements. There are laws like intellectual property, taxation, insurance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and others that have cross-country legal complexities. This degree covers all subjects concerning international borders. 

2.  An international LLM in business law provides a global perspective on the implications of business law and is a specialisation that leads to various career opportunities. Having knowledge of the business laws of other developed countries will advance your career trajectory.

3.    Business law is a field where, in one way or another, there are several opportunities for cross-cultural issues. It is a competitive environment, and there are unlimited resources available in this field. Studying international LLM in business law at the right time and in the right place may lead to valuable job opportunities.

4. The versatile skills acquired in studying business law abroad play a very important role in establishing a global career. It can build strong international networks, which can pave the way for a wide range of opportunities.

Who should pursue an v

An international LLM in business law is  a specialisation that provides a conceptual understanding of a wide range of business-related legal issues. Primarily, the LLM programme is beneficial for anyone who is inclined to study business law, has a passion for it, or wants to explore a distinct field of law. Let’s look at who can study an international LLM in business law:

  • Students: Students with the curiosity to dive deep into the intricacies of business law should do their international LLM in business law. It is definitely a great career opportunity, but along with it, the exposure it gives can positively alter your personality. 
  • International legal practitioners: Lawyers who are already practising on cross-country business legal matters can also benefit from studying business law. They can use this advanced knowledge to gain better opportunities to work and expand their legal services.
  • Aspiring start-up founders: Start-up founders or business owners who want to establish their business internationally should study business law to make informed choices about their legal matters. They can always rely on their own knowledge and not be dependent on others to resolve legal disputes and ensure that their businesses adhere to international business laws.
  • In-house counsels: Lawyers who work as in-house counsels generally work for big multinational corporations, companies, or law firms; they can study business law to derive a thorough understanding of the complexities of their recruiting company’s operations and regulations. It is an additional set of legal skills that can always be useful.
  • International compliance professionals: Those who work as compliance professionals always need to be updated with the current international laws like the back of their hand. The international LLM programme can be highly beneficial to them as they can manage their roles better.

Specialisations available for international LLMs in Business Law

Business law can be said to be an umbrella term that encompasses different subjects like commercial law, corporate law, insolvency and bankruptcy laws, banking laws, taxation, and many more. There is some confusion among the students about what business law is and how it differs from commercial and corporate laws, so let’s sort that out first.

Business law is also sometimes referred to as corporate law, which covers fields such as corporate governance, management, financing, regulations, etc. Business law starts with the formation and incorporation of businesses, capital requirements, acquisitions and mergers, corporate governance, and the rights of shareholders to the dissolution of businesses. Commercial law, on the other hand, covers subjects relating to trade, industry, commerce, etc. These laws are relevant to ensuring the smooth functioning of businesses. It is definitely a part of business law but also covers some additional subjects. 

The types of LLM specialisations in business law can be summarised as follows:

  • Commercial law: This term covers laws like contract law, negotiable instruments, labour laws, etc.
  • Corporate law: This term includes laws such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, banking, and others.
  • International business law: This field gives exposure to different countries and their business legal frameworks, trade agreements, and international trade law.
  • Competition law: The term competition law includes antitrust regulations, monopolies, and fair competition within the market.
  • Tax law: Taxation is an important technical field concerning types of tax, corporate tax, international tax, and its rules.
  • Banking, finance and securities laws: This specialisation focuses on banking operations, securities regulations, investment funds, etc.
  • Environment law: This field deals with energy, environment, sustainable development, and their laws.
  • Fintech law: It is an emerging field of law which covers services like blockchain, cryptocurrencies, digital payments, etc.

Learning outcomes of international LLM in Business Law

The International LLM in business law is a programme that enhances the knowledge of students by aiming to fulfil these learning objectives:

  1. A deeper understanding of laws affecting business and principles and doctrines relevant to business law.
  2. Conduct research and provide solutions to improve the functioning of a business. Research methods are a very important subject in any LLM course. It guides you as to how to research and draft the policies following the research methods.
  3. As a part of business law, the students are required to make contracts from scratch, negotiate as lawyers, and review contracts for their client’s best interests. Thus, contract drafting and negotiations are another important part of the LLM course.
  4. Students will learn how to incorporate the strategies and policies of businesses into their legal framework. Learning how to make sound legal basis for the rules and regulations of a business is essential when working in the business law field.
  5. Students will gain an international legal perspective. It means that the students doing an international LLM in business law also equip themselves with comparative studies of business-related laws and how different jurisdictions favour business, giving them a wide view of how business is carried on around the world.
  6. Students are required to engage with their faculty, researchers, scholars, and professionals in their field and create their own space through building professional networks and opportunities. Making a strong network is also an important part of learning.

What skills are gained from international LLM in Business Law

The skills that the students will learn from their time in an international LLM in business law will prove helpful for their entire careers. After all, a great set of skills is essential to survive in this competitive market. After completing their postgraduate programme in business law, here are some skills that the students will gain:

  • Legal expertise, as the master’s course aims to provide expert knowledge on every subject.
  • Contract drafting is the basic skill required in business law. Understanding how contracts are drafted in different countries is an excellent skill.
  • Compliance with international regulations and laws.
  • Critical thinking is a skill earned when there is an analysis of international laws, case studies, judgements, etc.
  • Legal research proficiency is essential for any legal profession, and the master’s course is also based on researching and developing reports based on it.
  • Dispute resolution and negotiation are other skills acquired after learning about dispute resolution laws.
  • Global perspective of laws
  • Multidisciplinary knowledge of laws as this course offers a variety of subjects and how they all impact each other
  • The skill of time management is gained, as the course is generally hectic and requires intelligent and productive use of time
  • Effective communication skills are needed to share the discrepancies after researching the problem

Potential career options

After completing an international LLM in business law, many career opportunities can be pursued based on your interests. Here are a few common career opportunities after an international LLM in business law:

Corporate lawyer

The first career option after graduating with a degree in business law is to work as a corporate lawyer. A corporate lawyer works for companies, domestic and international.

Roles of a corporate lawyer

As a corporate lawyer, you will work on ensuring compliance with the laws and policies of the company, handle legal issues of mergers and acquisitions, preparing legal documents for the business, represent the business, and give legal advice to the company. To become a corporate lawyer, you need to first qualify for the Bar examination in that country.

Corporate Paralegal

A paralegal is a trained professional who assists the business in doing its legal and court-related work. The difference is that paralegals are not required to pass the Bar exam in that country. So, after an international LLM, you can still work as a corporate paralegal after obtaining a paralegal certificate.

Roles of a corporate paralegal

As a corporate paralegal, the work is mostly the same as that of a general paralegal, but it is about business law. They must draft legal documents and contracts, do case management, do legal analysis, search for precedents, etc.

Compliance officer

A compliance officer is a very important part of the business. They work with management to comply with the rules of business and the laws. Their work is to manage and minimise exposure to risk and penalties. To become a compliance officer, you can opt for business, financial, or environmental compliance.

Roles of a compliance officer

A compliance officer must make sure that the client’s business follows the state’s rules and regulations. They must regularly update the client’s policies and find out the inconsistencies between the law and their policies.

In house counsel

An in-house counsel is different from a corporate lawyer in that he works for just one client and works collectively in almost all fields. Being employed as in-house counsel is becoming more tempting with its benefits over litigation. You can read why in-house counsel jobs are more attractive here.

Role of an in-house counsel

As an in-house counsel, your role consists of dealing with all the legal issues of the company.  They do everything that other legal professionals do, but just for the company they work for. It includes ensuring legal compliance, drafting documents, researching legal developments, providing legal advice to businesses, corporate social responsibility aspects, etc.

Banking and finance lawyer

Banking regulation, securities, and investment funds are all covered by the job of a banking and finance lawyer. It is a difficult subject, which is why there is more demand for it.

Roles of a banking and finance lawyer

A banking and finance lawyer is responsible for ensuring tax compliance, dealing with insolvency and banking rules, commercial rules, etc.

Arbitrator or mediator

It is another interesting job choice nowadays. As an arbitrator or mediator, you have the responsibility of settling disputes out of court, following the arbitration rules. An international LLM in business law also gives you an insight into the career prospects of arbitrators and mediators around the world.

Roles of an arbitrator or mediator

An arbitrator settles the disputes between the parties by hearing both sides, evaluating evidence, and then passing an arbitration award. The mediator, on the other hand, doesn’t pass any judgment or award. Their role is to guide the parties towards a settlement.

Legal departments of government organisations

After an international LLM in business law, one can take up the job of working with the government as policymaker and legal advisor to make laws that actually affect the business and its growth.

Roles of a government legal officer

The role of a government legal officer includes drafting legislation and policies, analysing the data, conducting consultations with stakeholders, etc. You may work as a policy advisor, legal advisor, securities officer, etc.

Technology lawyer

As a technology lawyer, you will work at the crossroads of law and technology. Business law graduates are taught about the latest emerging technology and its potential implications for the traditional legal world.

Roles of a technology lawyer

A technology lawyer specialises in smart upcoming technologies, smart contracts, information technology rules and their compliance, etc. The role of a technology lawyer is fundamental due to the fast pace of changes in technology, and pursuing it is a very wise choice.

Academic scholar or researcher

Being a part of academia or a researcher in any organisation is a safe career option that has attracted many graduates over the years. Pursuing a career in academia is a good choice, as in business law there is always scope for research and finding loopholes.

Roles of an academic scholar or researcher

Being in academia, your responsibilities depend on your role.  You can opt to be a professor of business law, academic researcher, academic writer and analyst, research assistant, etc. 

CareerExpected average pay per month (in India)
Corporate LawyerThe job pays as per experience and location: it can be between Rs. 30,000 to 50,000. Check here.
Corporate ParalegalThe job also pays as per experience and job location: it can be around Rs. 30,000
Compliance officerThe average pay can be between Rs. 30,000 to 50,000.
In house counselsRs. 45,000 to Rs. 50,000.
Banking and finance lawyerRs. 30,000 to 50,000. 
Arbitrator / MediatorRs. 40,000 to 60,000
Government officialRs. 30,000 to 60,000 depending on the state.
Technology lawyerRs. 30,000 to 50,000.
Academic scholar or researcherRs. 20,000 to 50,000.

Please note: The figures stated above are only the average expected pay for the jobs. These figures go up when there is a change in experience and job location. This comparative analysis can be used only to find the salary variance between these jobs.

Requirements for pursuing an international LLM in Business Law from the USA

Essentials for admissionPrevious academic transcripts, which include LLB from a recognised university
English proficiency score or IELTS score
Statement of purpose SoPTwo letters of recommendation
The candidate must have GPA on a scale of 3
Duration of the courseThe term for an LLM programme in the USA is generally one or two years, depending on the university.
Cost of LLM On average, the cost ranges between 66,924 USD and 75,572 USD per year

Requirements for pursuing an international LLM in Business Law from UK

Essentials for admissionAcademic records of LLB and previous studies
Score in IELTS, TOEFL, or PTELSAT is applicable for some universities
Letter of recommendation
Statement of purpose (SoP)
Duration of the courseThe term for an LLM programme in the UK is one year.
Cost of LLM The cost of LLM is between 19,500 GBP to 45,655 GBP.

Requirements for pursuing an international LLM in Business Law from Germany

Essentials for admissionAcademic records of LLB and previous studies
Score in IELTS of 6.5
German language proficiency test (DAF or  DSH)
Latest ResumeLetter of motivation
Duration of the courseThe term for an LLM programme in Germany is one or two years
Cost of LLM The cost of studying in Germany is between 5,000 EUR and 18,000 EUR.

Requirements for pursuing an international LLM in Business Law from Australia

Essentials for admissionAcademic records of LLB and 10th and 12th marks Score in IELTS of at least 6.5
Letter of recommendation
Statement of purpose SoP
Latest resume
Duration of the courseThe term for an LLM programme in Australia is one or two years.
Cost of LLM The cost of studying in Australia may fall between 35,000 and 54,000 AUD

Requirements for pursuing an international LLM in Business Law from Canada

Essentials for admissionBachelor’s degree with a good score
Score in IELTS or TOEFLLSAT is applicable for some universities
Letter of recommendation
Statement of purpose SoP
Duration of the courseThe term for an LLM programme in Canada is one or two years.
Cost of LLM The cost of studying in Canada is between 10,000 and 40,000 CAD.

How to choose the right university for an international LLM

LLM is a reputable degree that helps law students gain in-depth knowledge about the field that they want to pursue. With billions of new businesses thriving across the world, students across the globe have started showing interest in the study of business and commercial laws. In its short duration, business law has proven to be quite a popular course in the legal fraternity. The international LLM programme in business law focuses on the establishment and setting up of businesses in different parts of the world, deals with taxes and finances, how to enter into contracts, and that too, what contacts to enter into. It also deals with mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, investments, dispute resolution, business ethics, etc.

It must be noted that not every institute has the same course outline. The details of the course keep changing, depending on the institute. There may be universities that focus more on one aspect of business law than another. Several institutes offer international LLMs in business law. However, instead of going by some report on the ranking of the universities that offer the programme, a candidate should always focus on what works for them and what does not. Every institute has a different programme, so before deciding on the institute, thorough research should be done, not only as to its rank but also as to its course structure, fee, placement opportunities, scholarships, etc.

The relevant factors to be considered in choosing the right university for pursuing an international LLM are:

  • Quality of education: A university that offers a high standard of education should be preferred.
  • Networking: The major reason why students opt for LLMs from international universities is to make contacts and create a valuable networking community. This network is beneficial for finding better jobs and building professional relationships.
  • Tuition fee: The fee is an important factor in determining which university should be chosen. Scholarships and grants are also counted to find the right university that doesn’t burn a hole in their pockets.
  • The geographical location: The location of the country, the city, and its familiarity should also be taken into consideration. Sometimes a student prefers going to a particular university, as it offers some sense of familiarity and comfort. 
  • Recruitment offers: The career opportunities that the universities provide after LLM are a very important factor, as every student who comes to university is in search of better career prospects.

Top international universities for LLM in Business Law

In the international scenario, many universities are offering international LLM courses in business law. Let’s look at that:

United States of America

Harvard Law School

Harvard is an institute that needs no introduction. With its incredible reputation and stunning academic staff, Harvard is one of the most sought-after schools in the world. They offer a one-year degree programme that includes 180 students from various parts of the world. The course offers various specialisations such as constitutional, business, finance, legal theory, human rights, etc. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Stanford University

Stanford Law School is another great institute for students. It offers an LLM degree in four fields, namely corporate governance, environmental law, economic and business law, and science and technology. The business law programmes of the university cover a wide variety of subjects such as taxation, securities litigation, mergers and acquisitions, finance, investment law, corporation reorganisation, contract drafting, etc.  The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Berkeley School of Law

This is another great institute to get your postgraduate degree from. It offers a bunch of LLM courses. The students, however, have to complete mandatory coursework in the fundamentals of the USA and legal research and writing, and then they may customise their studies by choosing courses from the courses offered. The elective courses offered include business law and economics, amongst others. It covers contracts, employment law, drafting of contracts, taxation, negotiations, insurance, insider trading in the courses offered. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Yale University

Yale University is ranked as one of the best universities in the world. Even though the university offers only one LLM course, which is general LLM. The course offered is elective and depends on what subjects the students take. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Columbia Law School

The institute is well regarded for its varied programmes. The LLM offered by the institute is for one year and provides boundless growth opportunities. They have a lot of specialisations to offer the students. One of them is business and transactional law. The institute provides opportunities to learn and participate in many workshops, attend conferences, serve as research fellows, and also gain real-world life experiences in business law. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

New York University

The institute is known for its diverse offerings in various fields. Though NYU doesn’t offer an LLM in business law exclusively. It has the most robust reputation in the legal world. It offers a bunch of strong LLM programmes. The university offers a “design your own LLM” programme where the students get to choose from 300+ courses and design their own curriculum. Instead of sticking to a structure that has been created by the university for all students alike, students get to plan their programmes on their own. This will make sure that the students opt for those subjects that truly interest them and that they want to pursue. They also have a graduate learning programme that helps students from countries other than the USA develop skills that will help them settle there. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Georgetown University

The University has a stellar reputation for its courses. The LLM programmes offered by the university are in taxation, security law, global health law, technology, environment law, and international business and economic law. Their degree in international business and economic law is a flexible degree programme for students who are interested in cross-border business activities. It allows students to gain exposure to the fundamentals of international business law. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

UCLA School Of Law

It is one of the premier law schools in the world. It provides a dynamic, flexible curriculum that appeals to a wide range of interests. It provides specialisations in various fields such as business law, comparative law, media, entertainment, and technology law. It offers amazing courses on transactional law, tax law, finance law, mergers and acquisitions, etc. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

University of Chicago

The Law School at the University of Chicago offers a great course for students. The courses offered range from administrative law, clinical courses, constitutional courses, environmental law, jurisprudence, taxation, and business and commercial law. The LLM in commercial and corporate law focuses on advanced contracts, business strategy, and contract governance; it also provides for state-specific corporate laws. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

United Kingdom

Oxford University

Oxford University is one of the most respected universities in the world. It provides LLMs in fields such as criminology, intellectual property, human rights, finance, taxation, etc. It doesn’t offer a specialisation in business law but covers a lot of important facets of international business law. They provide students with practical exposure to equip them with skills to stand out from the crowd. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

King’s College, London

This institute provides a respected LLM course that is recognised throughout the world and across legal disciplines. Aside from the general LLM, it provides nine specialisations to choose from. The specialisations are competition law, European law, intellectual property, international business law, financial law, dispute resolution, taxation law, law and technology, and transnational law. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Queen Mary University Of London

Queen Mary University is an institute with an impeccable reputation, and it offers a good variety of LLM programmes for its postgraduate students. Their LLM in international business law is structured in such a way that the students are able to gain knowledge of business regulations around the world and tailor the course according to their own career path. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

London School Of Economics and Political Science

The school set up in London offers LLM in international business law, which delves into various fields such as taxation law, competition law, banking law, etc. Their LLM course focuses on transactions in the international business regime, conflicts of laws, global governance, contracts and property, etc. They have more than 30 courses that also include international business law. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

University Of Edinburgh

The university provides an LLM programme to be taken full-time over one year or part-time for two years. It offers a wide range of subjects for students to choose from. Out of the many specialisations offered by the university, there is a specialisation in commercial law courses as well. It provides subjects such as company law, comparative corporate governance, corporation law, commercial arbitration, international trade, contract law, and applied corporate law. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Canada

University of Toronto

Canada’s University of Toronto has a popular LLM course with a specialisation in business law. The institute offers a flexible full-time academic programme with concentrations in various fields such as: business law, criminal law, legal theory, health law, ethics, and policy. The university offers a rich curriculum in business law that offers more than 10-15 courses to concentrate on business law. The university has brilliant teachers and actual business law practitioners to help students gain real-world experience. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Australia

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

The LLM offered by the institute is highly regarded and recognized. It has an LLM course for a year that has a wide array of subjects to choose from. In international business law, the institute offers LLMs in Chinese international business and economic law, corporate, commercial, taxation law, and dispute resolution. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Australian National University

The university provides for a one-year full-time LLM and up to five years of part-time LLM. It offers specialisation in private and commercial law as well. The university offers a lot of career opportunities for the students, not just in the area of law, but also in international business, diplomacy, banking and finance etc. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Singapore

National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) also offers an LLM in international business law. The course is offered along with the East China University of Political Science and Law, which is among China’s top law schools. The course is partially taught in Singapore and then partially in Shanghai. The institute is staffed with academicians from leading law schools in more than a dozen jurisdictions. The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Netherlands

Leiden University

Leiden University, established in the Netherlands, is also a quite popular institute for students pursuing an LLM. It offers a bunch of specialisations, including labour law, civil law, European law, financial law, company law, public international law, and constitutional law. Though the university doesn’t explicitly mention the business law degree, it Is covered in company law. The program prepares its students for a career in international business law, commercial legal practice, or legal consultancy. However, it should be noted that the course is offered only in Dutch, so if students know the language, they can pursue it.  The link for the institute can be accessed from here.

Switzerland

University of Zurich

The University of Zurich also provides a good variety of LLM specialisations. It provides the students with an opportunity to learn not only in English but also in German. The university has been offering the courses in international business law for more than 20 years. It flaunts more than 200 years of experience. The link for the institute can be accessed from here

It must always be remembered that admission to these programmes can be cut-throat. These institutes have a limited number of seats in programmes, so timely application is crucial to getting a seat in any of these institutes.

Top Indian universities for LLM in Business Law

Our country is filled with numerous great institutes that are well respected throughout the world for their legal programmes. Though the article deals with International LLMs in business law, for students who are willing to explore LLMs in business law while being in India, we are hereby providing you with a list of the 20 best colleges that provide LLMs in business law. Here is the list:

National Academy Of Legal Studies And Research (NALSAR)

The university is one of the top-rated universities in India and gives students a wide array of specialisations to choose from. Instead of taking a strict approach, the university allows the students to structure their own specialisations and choose subjects that they are interested in. They have three mandatory courses, such as research methods, law and justice in the globalising world, and comparative public systems of governance. Except these, the students get to choose from fields such as criminal law, constitutional law, intellectual property rights, trade laws, corporate law, etc. The admissions process for the programme at the institute is determined by the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) PG score. The website of the institute is available here.

National Law University, Jodhpur

It is one of the most respected National law universities in the country. It provides a one-year LLM programme in two specialisations. One is that of corporate laws, and another is that of intellectual property rights. The programme consists of two semesters, and along with the chosen specialisation, the students are expected to study research methods, law, and justice in the globalising world as well. The corporate laws specialisations aim to focus on investment law, taxation, corporate governance, financial law, competition law, corporate restructuring, etc. The admissions process for the programme at the institute is determined by the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) PG score. The website of the institute is available here.

National Law Institute University, Bhopal

It is an amazing institute that offers LLMs in three distinct fields. These are intellectual property and business law; constitutional and administrative law; and lastly, human rights and criminal law. The admissions process for the programme at the institute is determined by the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) PG score. The website of the institute is available here.

Indian Law Institute, New Delhi 

It is a well-established institute in the country that is distinct from the National law universities.  It not only offers LLM, but also a wide range of postgraduate diploma programmes to choose from. The options include alternative dispute resolution, corporate law and management, cyber law, intellectual property rights laws, and labour laws as well. The website of the institute is available here.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune

Even though the institute isn’t a national law university, it has all the aspects of one. It has an LLM for one year in various specialisations such as business and corporate law, constitutional and administrative law, technology law, criminal and security law, family law, European law, and international law. It provides the students with an opportunity to choose elective subjects from their chosen specialisation and allows them to curate their own specialisation. The website of the institute is available here.

National Law University, Odisha

Another premier institute in India that offers LLM programmes to students is the National Law University Odisha (NIU). It focuses on legal teaching for students who want to explore that career path. It provides for specialisation in corporate law and commercial law, and another in constitutional law and administrative law. The course comprises three compulsory papers and six optional ones. The admissions process for the programme at the institute is determined by the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) score. The website of the institute is available here.

Indian Law Society, Pune

The Indian Law Society, more popularly called ILS, Pune, is a very old law school that was established in 1924. The institute provides a lot of courses for students to choose from. Among other courses, they offer postgraduate degree courses. The LLM programme offered by this institute deals explicitly with specialisation in business law. It offers a varied list of subjects to choose from, such as alternative dispute resolution, insurance, media laws, intellectual property rights, corporate finance, etc. The website of the institute is available here.

Christ University, Bangalore

It is another great institute that offers LLM degrees to students in corporate and commercial law. The course is structured in such a way that students get the skills to practise in the area of corporate law. It aims to align the objectives of a corporate lawyer with the aims of the business itself. The subjects included in the specialisation range from international trade law, and commercial arbitration to corporate governance. The website of the institute is available here.

Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur

The university offers a one-year LLM programme that is spread over two semesters. The programme is designed to inculcate in the students’ research skills and analytical abilities. It offers three specialisations to choose from: corporate law, intellectual property rights, technology, and law. The admissions for the programme at the institute are determined by the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) PG score. The website of the institute is available here.

Ramaiah College of Law, Bengaluru 

The institute was established in 1995, and it offers some great programmes for students. It gives the students the opportunity to take business and trade law as their specialisations. However, the student intake for the course is restricted to 20 only. So, a timely application should be made. The website of the institute is available here.

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Odisha

The KIIT School of Law also offers students a one-year LLM degree programme. It consists of two semesters. It has three compulsory subjects for the students, and the rest are optional. Among the optional subjects are: international and comparative law, corporate and commercial laws, criminal and security law, family and social security law, constitutional and administrative law, legal pedagogy, and research. The website of the institute is available here

Amity University, Noida

The institute offers a one-year LLM programme to students in corporate banking and insurance laws, taxation laws, medical and health law, media and entertainment laws, international trade and economic laws, environmental laws, and intellectual property laws. The specialisation on international trade laws focuses on WTO agreements, the development of international trade laws, competition law, commodity agreements, intellectual property rights, investment, and foreign collaboration law. The website of the institute is available here.

Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab

Lovely Professional University (LPU) offers students the opportunity to select their LLM degree from five legal fields. This covers business laws, intellectual property law, international law, constitutional law, and criminal law. The degree spans one year, which is two semesters. The website of the institute is available here.

ICFAI Hyderabad

The institute provides the students with the opportunity to do their LLM for one or two years, depending on what they want. They offer LLMs in international law and business law as well. It is offered with an innovative curriculum, an emphasis on theoretical learning, and an extensive practical approach through projects and internships.  The website of the institute is available here

Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida

The college has a popular LLM course in international and commercial law. It reflects the global curriculum, and the degree programmes are open to Indian and SAARC students. It aims to provide a distinctive edge to law students by providing an LLM that prepares them to gain practical experience. The website of the institute is available here

The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai 

The university provides a wide array of specialisations to choose from. These are business law, constitutional and human rights law, environmental law, labour law, taxation, maritime law, etc. The specialisation in business law covers the legal framework of corporate management and governance, banking law, competition law, industrial intellectual property, insurance law, cyber law, etc. The website of the institute is available here. 

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi 

Another leading institute that offers students an LLM in varied fields such as criminal, corporate, and even alternative dispute resolution. Their specialisation in corporate law covers the regulation of capital markets, corporate taxation, insurance laws, laws of corporate finance, and securities regulations, aside from the compulsory subjects to be taken by the students. The website of the institute is available here.

IMS Unison University

The university set up in Dehradun also offers an LLM for one year spread across two semesters. It is designed to provide extensive knowledge to the students to enable them to face challenges in their professional careers. It offers specialisation in constitutional and administrative law, criminal and security law, corporate and commercial laws, international and comparative laws, family laws, and social security laws as well. The website of the institute is available here.

Kalinga University, Raipur 

The institute offers an LLM for a term of two years with dual specialisation. The students are expected to select any two specialisations out of these: business and corporate law, constitutional and administrative law, crime and torts, cyber law, intellectual property, and labour law. The website of the institute is available here.

Geeta University, Panipat 

The university offers the students a two-year LLM course that spans two semesters. It offers only two fields to choose from: constitutional law and business law. The website of the institute is available here.

Entrance exams for admission to Indian universities

To be admitted for postgraduate courses at any of the Indian universities, there are a few entrance examinations that the candidate needs to pass. Here is a list of the entrance exams for different law schools in India.

CLAT (PG)

The term stands for the Common Law Admission Test. It is the most common national-level entrance exam for admission into any of the 26 National Law Universities of India (NLUs). 

Eligibility

Students who wish to pursue their postgraduate course after CLAT-PG must clear the cutoff.  The minimum marks required in their undergraduate course are an aggregate of 55%.  There is no upper age limit for the students appearing for CLAT PG. The CLAT exam is conducted separately for LLB and LLM courses. The duration of the exam is 2 hours. The registration for the CLAT exam in 2024 is now open, and the exam is due on 3rd December, 2023. Click here for the official website.

LSAT

The term stands for Law School Admission Test. It is another very common exam that is accepted by over 76 law schools in India. Some popular choices after qualifying for the LSAT exams are OP Global Jindal University, UPES, Sharda University, and Lovely Professional University. The duration of the exam is 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has several sections divided into reading comprehension, an experimental section, essay writing, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. 

Eligibility

The students should have scored an aggregate of 55% in their undergraduate course. Their undergraduate course must be completed at an institution that is recognised by the Bar Council of India. The LSAT 2024 will be conducted in January and May of 2024. Click here for the official website.

DU LLM

The Delhi University LLM entrance test is an exam especially made for entrance to LLM courses. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency. 

Eligibility

The students should have completed their undergraduate course with an average score of 50% in the general category. The official notification will be released in May 2024. 

AILET

The term stands for All India Law Entrance Test. It is conducted by the National Law University, Delhi, for securing admission to the NLU for the LLM course. 

Eligibility

The students should have scored an aggregate of 55% in their undergraduate course. The students must have completed their LLB degree from a recognised institute. The registration for AILET is now open, and the exam is due on 10th December, 2023. For the official website, click here.

Fees for these entrance exams

Entrance examFee  
CLAT PGRs.4000
LSATRs. 3999
DU LLM Rs. 750
AILETRs. 3500

Documents required for admission process for international LLM

Documents that are required in order to apply for the LLM in business law are as follows:

  • The student’s resume or CV
  • The student’s passport
  • Visa documents
  • Statement of purpose
  • LSAT scores, if applicable
  • Letter of recommendation
  • University diploma
  • Transcripts from the previous university or law school
  • English language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
  • Graduate Record Exam scores, if applicable.

Benefits of pursuing LLM abroad vs. LLM in India

The debate on which is better: LLM in India or LLM at International universities, is still up for discussion. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. To make the right decision, students have to weigh many important factors. Here are some factors that may make studying at an international university or in India seem like a better option. 

Let’s discuss the benefits of pursuing an LLM at international universities:

  • Global exposure: The paramount reason why students prefer going abroad for higher studies is to get international exposure. This perspective leads to a deeper understanding of the legal systems around the world.
  • Better networking: When the students go and study at places that are outside their own comfort zone, they rely on creating a strong network. It also opens up doors to different career prospects.
  • Numerous jobs: Pursuing LLM from an internationally recognised institute may have a huge impact on your ability to land a great job. Many firms, companies, and employers prefer employees who come from a well established university.
  • Specialisation: Sometimes students choose to go to an international university as it is the only place where they can study the specialisation of their choice and make the most of it. For example, students who want to study international law generally prefer to go abroad, as not many institutes in India provide it.

On the other hand, here is how the Indian universities have their own advantages:

  • Cost effective: International universities may fall out of the budget of some students, and that is a fact that will always be in the favour of Indian universities. In India, the universities have lower tuition fees, and the living costs are way lower. It is true that many international universities offer scholarships, but they may not always cover the entire expenses.
  • Familiarity: The feeling of being close to home and knowing that adjusting in India is easier is an important factor that makes students opt for Indian universities.
  • Career prospects: In India, there is a surge in career opportunities. It cannot be denied that India is making its place among the top countries in the world, and it may prove to be the right time to study here and gain from the upcoming career opportunities.
  • Well known legal system: Pursuing postgraduate studies in India allows the students to work in a familiar legal system. This time is valuable to understand the legal intricacies of the legal system, and instead of learning about some other country’s system, it is better to invest this time where the students want to settle.

Tabular representation of LLM in India vs. LLM abroad

The comparative table given below compares some important factors of the LLM degree in India and abroad. Please note that the information here is just for general comparison. 

FactorLLM from IndiaLLM from Abroad
Tuition feesGenerally lesserGenerally Higher
DurationNow, one year LLM is scrapped. And the duration of LLM is set at two years.Some countries (like in the UK) offer a one year course, while others offer one to two years depending on the university.
Cost of livingLow cost of livingComparatively higher cost of living
ScholarshipsNot many scholarshipsSeveral scholarships
Work opportunitiesLimited jobsMany potential jobs
ExposureLimited exposureGlobal exposure
Quality of educationThe quality of education is subjective to the university.Generally, it is considered that universities abroad may offer better education.
NetworkingLimited networkBetter network

How much does international LLM in Business Law cost

LLM fees in India range somewhere from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 for one year. However, the fee varies according to the college. The government colleges charge comparatively less; however, the top-ranked colleges in the country charge anywhere from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000. 

Let’s take a look at the costs of pursuing an LLM in India at different universities:

S. noName of the InstituteFee for LLM (per annum)
1National Law University, JodhpurTotal- ₹ 1,99,000. See here
2Rajiv Gandhi national law university, Patiala (RGNUL)Total Fee- ₹ 2,16,000Advance Mess Bill adjustable against actual bill (subject to revision)- ₹ 48000. See here
3Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), SonipatProgramme Fee- ₹ 3,00,000Residential Fee- ₹ 2,40,000Security Deposit- ₹ 50,000  (Refundable)Total- ₹ 5,90,000. See here
4. Symbiosis Law School (SLS)Total-₹1,83,000.(deposit-₹10,000) See here
5. NLU Delhi (NLU-D)Total-₹3,65,000 (deposit-₹25,000)  See here

It is strictly advised that before finalising your institute, you run the costs of pursuing your LLM from that institute. Since the fee changes every year, it is important to get in touch with the authorities before you make your decision.

Fees of LLM from international universities

A lot of students prefer to pursue their master’s degrees abroad because getting their LLM from an institute that has global recognition and presence makes it easier to get opportunities to grow professionally. It helps them develop a broader skill set and a much wider client base. This not only allows them to associate with like-minded people from different parts of the world but also helps them gain more confidence. Indian students who have done their LLB here mostly go abroad to pursue their LLM. However, it must be remembered that there is a material difference between getting a degree from India and one from anywhere outside India. One of the major factors in that regard is cost.

The cost of doing an LLM at a university abroad largely depends on the university and country you choose. But on average, pursuing an LLM from globally recognised universities might cost somewhere between ₹15 – 30 lakhs.

Sl. NoName of the instituteFee for LLM
1Harvard University$ 73,600. See here 
2Cambridge University£ 36,534. See here  
3University of Toronto$11,283. See here 
4New York University$114,024. See here

Qualifications required for Indian lawyers to work abroad

To practise in foreign countries, Indian lawyers must possess the following qualifications:

  • A law degree from university recognised by the Bar Council of India.
  • Pass the bar exam of the state or country where you wish to practise.
  • Generally, work experience of two or three years is preferred to be able to practise.
  • Obtain required score in IELTS or TOEFL. 
  • Pass the qualifying law exam for international students (if applicable).

Bar exams in other countries

  • In the UK, Indian lawyers have to qualify for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Visit here for the Law Sikho course on SQE.
  • In the USA, the requirement for Indian lawyers is to qualify for the bar exam, which gets easier after pursuing LLM in the USA, but if the candidate is from a common law country and has experience of two or more years, they can submit their degree for evaluation.
  • In Canada, Indian lawyers need to pass the National Committee on Accreditation. Visit here for the Law Sikho course on NAC.
  • In Singapore, you need to register with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority.
  • In Germany, you must qualify for the German proficiency test, the first legal state exam, and the bar exam.

Skills required for an international career

Businesses around the world are growing at a rapid rate. Whether it’s a start-up or a well-established business, every company needs legal services to continue with their business. From the drafting of various contracts to negotiating with different parties to representing clients in court, every legal aspect of the business has to be handled by a lawyer who has expertise in international business law. Here is a set of skills that you would need in order to succeed as an international business lawyer:

Fluency in English and communication skills

To establish yourself in the field of business law, that is, international business law, the most basic requirement is fluency in English. A lawyer has to enter into contracts, negotiate with parties, and also represent the client; all of this is difficult, if not impossible, without proficiency in the English language. To be heard, one must know how to make an argument. An international LLM degree also helps in this regard by helping you gain communication skills.

Business know-how

As a lawyer in the international business law landscape, you are expected to have knowledge about business laws around the world. You should know the various types of business setups,  the type that would most suit your client, and the place to establish them. You should have a broader understanding of business laws.  The skills that you acquire in your international LLM in  business law will help you gain legal business awareness. As business laws around the world are never static, aspiring lawyers are required to always be updated about legal events.

Negotiation skills

For every lawyer, no matter the field, the art of negotiating is crucial to survival. You should know how to negotiate with different parties on behalf of your client and then help your client resolve disputes and conflicts that may arise in business.

Business ethics

For every legal professional, whether in India or any foreign country, knowing and practising business ethics is significant. These rules direct the lawyers as to what to do and how to do it within the legal framework. Similarly, the lawyer is expected to know not just legal but also business ethics. Maintaining a good reputation in society, amongst the competition, and among the workers is all essential in the field of ethics. Lawyers should support the interests of their clients through moral means.

Knowledge of contract and competition law

Another essential skill that you need to possess to succeed in  business law is knowledge of contract and competition law. You should know about the legislation that affects businesses or that might impact the businesses of your clients. Contract and competition law are significant pieces of legislation that heavily affect the workings of businesses.

Contract drafting

Another crucial skill that is required is the drafting of contracts. As an international lawyer who is working in the business law regime, you will more often come across opportunities where your client’s business enters into different contracts with other parties. It may be a manufacturing licence agreement, franchise agreement, founder’s agreement, or any other agreement. The responsibility of drafting a precise contract to deal with such cases is the utmost skill that an international business lawyer must possess.

Other know-how

Other than the above-mentioned skills, a lawyer practising business law should also know about the following:

  • Taxation laws in the places where your client has business or is setting up business are also important.
  • Intellectual property applications and laws;
  • Investment laws;
  • Employment laws;
  • Consumer protections laws;
  • Mergers and acquisitions;
  • Trade regulations.

Scholarships for Indian students

Chevening scholarship

This scholarship is for Indian students studying a master’s programme in the United Kingdom.  The term of the scholarship is one year. It offers full awards and includes tuition fees. Click here to learn more.

 Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • The candidate must return to India for a minimum of two years after their award ends.
  • The candidate must have completed undergraduate study to be eligible for postgraduate study in the UK.
  • The candidate must have at least two years or 2800 hours work experience 

Felix scholarship

This scholarship is also for Indian students who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. It covers some prestigious universities like: the University of Reading, the University of Oxford, the University of London, and the School of Oriental and African Studies. It covers the course fees, living costs, and one return flight from India to the UK. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must be applying for a full-time master’s course or DPhil course at Oxford.
  • The candidate must not have previously studied the same course at the same level.
  • The candidate must need financial assistance to study at these universities.

Tata Trust scholarship

This scholarship is for Indian students who want to pursue their LLMs or PhDs abroad. It is a kind of loan of Rs. 10 lakh that is repayable within seven years and collected in five equal instalments from the end of the third year. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate should be Indian.
  • The candidate must not be over 45 years of age.
  • The candidate must have graduated from a university with at least 60% marks.
  • The course for which scholarship is applied for must be a postgraduate course.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme

This scholarship is for postgraduate studies for students who have no financial means to pay for their studies. It prepares the students for employment opportunities, including the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The scholarships are on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis at 5% annual interest. The period to pay back the 50% loan is five years, which starts after six months of study. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate does not possess any other financial means to pay for their studies
  • The candidate must be from a developing country
  • The candidate must be under 30 years of age.

Commonwealth scholarship

This scholarship is for students from Commonwealth countries who want to do a master’s programme in the United Kingdom. The students apply through the Ministry of Human Resources and Development. The scholarships cover the tuition fees, living allowance, study-related travel, airfare from your country to the UK, and the return thesis grant. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
  • The candidate must qualify as an undergraduate.
  • The candidate must need financial assistance.

Rhodes scholarship

This scholarship is for Indian students pursuing postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Being a Rhodes scholar is considered an achievement of its own kind. Click here to learn more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must have completed their undergraduate studies with first grade.

Oxford and Cambridge society of India scholarship

The Indian societies of these universities, Oxford and Cambridge, have launched scholarships for Indian students. Click here to learn more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must be less than 30 years of age.
  • The candidate must have completed undergraduate study at an Indian university.

Great Wall Programme

This scholarship is for admission to China, where UNESCO can choose any 75 students for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in China. The scholarship includes a fee waiver of the tuition fee, cost of textbooks, accommodation fee, and living allowance. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must not be over 45 years of age.
  • The candidate must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study.
  • The candidate must be proficient in English.

New York University scholarship

This scholarship is for doing master’s of law courses at New York University. It specifically covers five scholarships for the field of taxation law. In addition, it also offers three generic LLM scholarships for students. Depending on the type of scholarship, it may cover the tuition fee completely or partially. Click here to know more.

Fulbright – Nehru scholarship

This scholarship is for Indian students who want to do their master’s degree course in the United States. It covers the duration of one or two years and the benefits of grants for visa support, air travel in economy class, tuition fees, accident, and sick fees. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must have completed undergraduate studies.
  • The candidate must have at least three years of full-time professional work experience relevant to their field of study.

University of Queensland

This university in Australia offers four scholarships for international students. The course for scholarships is Master of Laws, Master of International Commercial Law, or Master of International Law. The scholarship includes tuition fee only. Click here to learn more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must be an international student.
  • The course of study must be for a master’s degree.
  • The candidate must not hold any other scholarships.

Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree

This scholarship is for students who wish to pursue an LLM from a European Higher education institute. It covers the cost of participation, travel, and a living allowance. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree with recognised credentials.
  • The candidate must not have stayed for more than 12 months over the last 5 years in any eligible European country at the time of application submission.
  • The candidate should not have received any similar scholarships.

University of Vienna scholarship

This scholarship is for LLM courses at the university. It covers the tuition fee only. Click here to know more.

Eligibility criteria

  • The candidate must have a degree in law from any university abroad.
  • The candidate must be good at academics.

Jagdish Bhagwati fellowship

It is a scholarship from Columbia Law School that is underwritten by the Indian government. It is generally for students pursuing human rights, international trade, and trade law. It funds the academic sessions of three students. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, the candidate must be enrolled at Columbia Law School. Click here to know more.

What next

If you acquire the relevant skills and experience, you can become a corporate lawyer, taxation lawyer, policy advisor, legal advisor, mediator, or anything else you choose to become. You can get employment with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or even inter-governmental organisations. Organisations like the United Nations also take people who are experienced in business law and search for UN jobs in commercial law. There are many diverse career prospects available for business law lawyers, as discussed above. Where the person lands a job depends on their skills, legal knowledge, experience, and networking. 

Major recruiters for business lawyers

We have already discussed what career opportunities are available after the student graduates with an international LLM degree in business law. Now let’s dive into the major recruiters in the world and how to approach these professions.

Law firms

It is perhaps the most obvious recruiter of lawyers. Many law firms specialise in mergers, acquisitions, trade law, and other areas. These firms have a demand for employees who are well versed in the concepts of commercial law.

Financial institutions

Banking, securities, and finance institutions have their own job openings for law officers. It is an excellent job opportunity, as with the background in these laws, business lawyers find it easier to adapt. 

In house departments

Large corporations and multinational companies have their own in-house departments. This is an exciting job that is gaining popularity quickly compared to that of a litigator. In order to become an in-house counsel, skills, knowledge, and experience are the three pillars needed to get the desired job. Taking up more internships before completing your course may help you land a job as soon as the degree is done.

Consulting firms

Consulting firms that specialise in legal and regulatory compliance are a good place to work after studying business law. The major work to be undertaken by them is to advise or ensure that the companies comply with the rules.To be employed in a legal consulting firm or to start your own, experience gained through entry level consulting or internships is required.  As with any other job, experience makes the chances of getting the job easier. An international LLM in business law will equip you with the business laws to assist you in your career.

Tech companies or start-ups

Tech companies, entrepreneurs or start-ups  are often in need of legal expertise on issues like intellectual property, data protection, contract drafting, etc. The best way to establish yourself as a lawyer for startups or companies when working independently is through an online presence on Upwork, LinkedIn, or cold mail. Start ups are generally in need of a lawyer, use this opportunity to establish your career in technology law.

International organisations

International organisations like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organisation are some popular choices. There are job openings in these international organisations. You can also refer to their career pages to find relevant internships or jobs.

Arbitration and mediation centres

Those students who have a keen interest in dispute resolution methods can work as arbitrators or mediators. It is a profession often referred to as the future of dispute settlement, with many judges making statements about preferring arbitration over court settlement. In order to work as an arbitrator or mediator, you are required to complete the essential requirements under the licence or certificate course. Every state has different rules for the eligibility of arbitrators. In some states, a person can be appointed as an arbitrator only after certain years of expertise. For example, the USA requires 10 years of experience. 

Government agencies

Government agencies and regulatory bodies also hire legal experts to draft contracts, regulations and ensure compliance with their laws. To be employed in government agencies, experience, certificates, and knowledge are required. 

Non-profit organisations

Non-profit organisations that work in the business sector or have business oriented goals may also have a need for legal expertise for drafting contracts, compliance, or governance. Even if working for non profit organisations may not always pay as much as other jobs, it is an opportunity that will enhance your resume. Taking a fellowship with any such organisation and doing some pro bono work may add to your experience.

Academics or research organisations

Many LLM graduates become professors or researchers in organisations and universities. It is definitely an interesting option, as there are not many professors for commercial subjects. To work in academia, you need to clear certain exams, like in India, where we have the UGC NET or PHD from a reputed university.

Future scope of international LLMs in Business Law

If you have done an international LLM  in Business Law, then the opportunities for your growth are immense. From law firms to the government, there is space for lawyers to learn and grow. Your specialisation is what sets you apart from others. The future scope of studying international LLM in Business Law looks promising, as with its diverse legal landscape, it offers higher salaries, academic excellence, higher demand in the market, and better job profiles. After pursuing international LLM law, you are well equipped with expertise to tackle issues of contract drafting, dispute settlement, research proficiency, and intellectual property rights. This is a very unique combination, which may prove beneficial in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions on international LLMs in Business Law

What is the course duration of an international LLM in Business Law degree?

Generally, the duration of an LLM is one to two years. 

What factors should be considered to decide the right university for an international LLM in Business Law degree?

Some important factors to be considered when deciding on the university are:

  • The reputation of the university
  • The duration of course
  • Cost of living
  • Type of specialisation 
  • Fees of the course

What are some of the top countries offering an international LLM in Business Law degree?

If your plan is to go abroad and then do your LLM degree, here is a list of countries with the best LLM programmes:

  • UK
  • USA
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • Canada.

What is the benefit of doing an international LLM in Business Law outside India?

An LLM degree abroad can give you a better perspective on the laws of different countries, international networking, and job opportunities.

Can scholarships cover the entire cost of an international LLM in Business Law degree?

Yes, it may depend on the cost of the LLM programme and the scholarships you have availed of. Scholarships can bring down the cost of the degree to a minimum level that can be easily paid.


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