Hi Everyone,

I am graduating with my LLB degree soon. Just wondering, is it possible to do another LLB at another local(Aust)/overseas university? My LLB marks are poor and I am desperate to redeem myself if there is a chance there, even if it is a slight chance.

Any Advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

I do not have the "answers" to your queries but based on my background knowledge my opinion is as follows...

Yes, I think it is possible to complete another LLB at another Australian or overseas university. However, I know that some universities (especially in Australia) have prohibitions on students completing similar courses they have completed before again. On the basis that Australian LLB degree courses are "regulated", it would be unlikely that another university would allow you to repeat those fundamental law courses you have previously completed before. I am working on the assumption that the next tertiary education institution IS fully aware of your educational history (which should be the case). I, however, think that there are probably some Australian universities out there who would not mind letting u redo the degree from scratch though.

If you were to intend to shorten your 2nd LLB degree with courses undertaken in your first, then it would defeat the purpose because employers would eventually be able to make the link to your 1st LLB based on your transcript.

This same general opinion applies to overseas universities as well but I would think the ability to complete a 2nd LLB would be greater given the difference in legal system.

All in all i think you should re-consider your plan to undertake a 2nd LLB. It is far too time consuming. How are you going to explain to prospective employers the 3-4 years you have spent on your first LLB? The will be a gap!

My advice would be to perhaps consider undertaking a LLM degree if you are remaining in Australia. If not, complete a LLB or JD in US/UK if you are really set on completing another LLB. For the latter, another issue arises whereby Australian employers would still want to look at your initial LLB degree because you would be practising Australian law (rather than UK or US). If you are going to do a LLB abroad, then you will probably be more employable abroad.


Cheers,
G

Thanks G, I really appreciate your time and care spent in replying my thread.

Just wondering, do you know any UK law school that would consider an LLB applicant like me? Thanks again!

There are actually 1 year graduate diplomas in UK for holders of a first degree to qualify as a solicitor. I think it is not necessary for you to redo an entire LLB.

Which option are you looking at?

I year graduate diplomas in UK sounds good. It will be great if you can help me with the below too:
1) Do you know any UK law schools that offer grad diplomas? do they prohibit overseas LLB holder to do LLB again? How about full-fee paying option? (will it be easier?)
2) do you think there is any chance that US has LLB/JD degrees that would be suitable for me? (again, if full-fee payer)
3) Will it lift my employability to a better level (e.g. able to be considered by tier 2 international law firms, such as those European ones) if I complete two LLMs with great marks?

Owe you big time!!!

Hey there,

Tried to help you to the best of my knowledge!

I year graduate diplomas in UK sounds good. It will be great if you can help me with the below too:
1) Do you know any UK law schools that offer grad diplomas? do they prohibit overseas LLB holder to do LLB again? How about full-fee paying option? (will it be easier?)

I am not too sure - you will have to reearch on this. I do not think they will prohibit LLB holders to do this but you are technically relying upon your first degree (Australian LLB) to enter into it so employers might as what is your first degree and ur rationale for completing the grad dip in law. Technically, people would still probe about your first degree if you are doing this option.

2) do you think there is any chance that US has LLB/JD degrees that would be suitable for me? (again, if full-fee payer)

I think it depends on which jurisdiction/country you would like to eventually practise in. If it US then a JD would be good but it would take 2 - 3 years so it would be quite a large investment. there are some states (e.g. NY / Cali) that will permit you to take their bar on the basis of your Australian LLB so technically you do not need to complete a JD unless you want to practise in states which requires a JD.

3) Will it lift my employability to a better level (e.g. able to be considered by tier 2 international law firms, such as those European ones) if I complete two LLMs with great marks?

I think 1 LLM would be fine...I think the European ones would care more about whether you are admitted into the jurisdiction (e.g. Australian lawyers can cross-quality to be admitted as a UK Solicitor after 2 years of work experience and after meeting other requirements).


Owe you big time!!!