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Should A Barrister do a LLM?

Hi,

I want to be a barrister, but instead of applying to the Bar after doing my LLB is there any use of doing an LLM? Would this help me progress through the bar. Obviously, I would want to study the LLM in the likes of Oxbridge, UCL, LSE etc etc.

Cheers x

Reply 1

Lush Law

15

An LLM will help especially if from Oxford [the BCL]. Only do one if you genuinely want to pursue further study though. If you go to a good university and get a First in your LLB I would say don't bother - a First alone will make you stand out when applying for pupillage.

Ultimately doing an LLM isn't the be all and end all - you need to show yourself as well rounded. This will include mini-pupillages, mooting, debating, positions of responsibility, and ideally lots of other things.

Reply 2

Alan Smithee

If you want an academic challenge, then do an LLM and aim for distinction. I would think it does make a difference, to be honest.

Reply 3

LuverlyLawyer

1

I am starting an LLM in September at King's. I already have pupillage lined up to start in Oct 2008 and the chambers phoned me and 'suggested' I take up my offer and do the LLM (I was planning on turning th offer down and working for a year!).

Reply 4

Simon Myerson QC

5

Almost certainly it will not help you. See the post on the blog - http://pupillageandhowtogetit.blogspot.com/2007/07/mas-and-other-further-academic-degrees.html

Reply 5

LuverlyLawyer

1

That is not entirely true. Many (most) chambers grant interview based on a points system. This can be something like 10 points for each A at A Level, 20 points for a 2.1, another 10 for a 1st, 10 points for a masters, 3 points per mini-pupillage etc etc. Then the top 20-30 are interviewed.

Reply 6

someone_somewhere

LuverlyLawyer...do you mind me asking, did you get all A grades at A-levels? Would be good to know seeing at you are all set up for 2008.

Reply 7

Jennie84

5

It depends. If you are going for a top commercial set, and don't have a first, then it might help. However, I know plenty of people with Masters who are struggling to obtain pupillage.

I certainly don't have one, nor do I have a 1st. I would say that good and varied experience is much more useful, particularly in the criminal field. If it was between doing an LLM or going to work with prisoners on death row in Jamaica for a year, I guarantee the latter will look better on an OLPAS form.

However, if you fancy doing it because you enjoy studying law, then go for it!

Reply 8

Simon Myerson QC

5

I'd be really interested to know which chambers decide interviews based on a points system which treats a Masters as if it was a first. LL - will you message me?

Reply 9

Alan Smithee

It's not about LLMs "helping" you, necessarily.

The fact of the matter is that at the TOP commercial sets, very few (if any) of the new pupils/tenants have just an undergraduate degree. That alone, must suggest something.

They tend to have:

First class honours, master's degrees in law, some even have PhDs. They mainly tend to have top marks as well.

Maybe for crime they are not as important.

Reply 10

LuverlyLawyer

1

Someone Somewhere - Yeah I got 3 As at A Level (I also went to a crappy comprehensive on special measures which chambers seemed to appreciate, if you know what I mean).

Simon Myerson - messaged you.

Reply 11

Cato

Pernell is right in that few tenants at leading commercial sets have just an undergraduate law degree (although, curiously, there seem to be more with an undergraduate non-law degree and a CPE/GDL). If you are targeting high-end commercial/chancery/civil sets, it does seem to help - this is especially true of the Oxford BCL.

Reply 12

mr_lawyer

3

Cato

Pernell is right in that few tenants at leading commercial sets have just an undergraduate law degree (although, curiously, there seem to be more with an undergraduate non-law degree and a CPE/GDL). If you are targeting high-end commercial/chancery/civil sets, it does seem to help - this is especially true of the Oxford BCL.

A point that cannot, and sadly is not, stressed enough is that although these people undertake the BCL they also do very well on it. Personally, I think you need to think carefully about undertaking a postgraduate qualification whilst also eyeing the bar - you will have to prepare for pupillage interviews (by all accounts a completely different kettle of fish to training contracts or even Oxbridge interviews) whilst also undertaking (one would assume) the hardest exams you'll have taken.

Reply 13

house badger

7

Of course, you need a 1st to do the Bcl now anyway so it's hardly applicable for someone who wants to use it as way to polish up their CV.

Reply 14

Phil.Murray

2

I think the main question to ask concerning applying for an LLM/BCL is whether you'll enjoy it. Yes, it may help if you apply for top chambers, but it is also a large financial and temporal commitment.

Reply 15

Alan Smithee

Temporal? 1 extra academic year is hardly a long time.

Reply 16

Dreama

13

Pernell Whitaker

Temporal? 1 extra academic year is hardly a long time.

Perhaps Phil meant a large temporal commitment within that academic year. For example, library/research hours per week. :smile:

Reply 17

Alan Smithee

Cool.

Reply 18

shady lane

16

Perhaps I'm only surrounded by the most overachieving lawyers, but as far as I understand it from friends in the field, those with an LLM, an LLB + MA or a BA + MA + GDL have a significant advantage in getting pupillages. The barristers (or would-be ones) that I know all have LLMs and one has a law degree and a masters in human rights. I was told by one that at a top set in London, they don't take any pupils without postgraduate study. However, this is not for commercial work, and I'm talking about London chambers.

Should A Barrister do a LLM?

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