Cambridge LLM 2016 - 2017 Applicants


waywardMVR

Just so you know how biased this answer can be, it comes from someone who opted for the LLM.

In my opinion the LLM and the MCL are just different - there is no better or worse. Whereas the LLM papers (or at least those in the commercial designation) are more theoretical, the MCL papers tend to be a lot more practical and oriented to people interested in developing a career as a solicitor in the corporate practice of big law firms.

MCL students are expected to prepare several risk assessments in view of corporate deals (such as M&A transactions) and have more lectures/group sessions with practitioners from law firms, whereas the LLM students will have a more "academic" experience, dealing with professors in lecture and group session environments.

To summarise, it seems to me that if you already have some experience practicing corporate law in your original jurisdiction (so that the practical aspects of it are not so much of a mistery), and would like to either (i) develop your understanding of England's corporate law (such as corporate finance, insolvency, governance, etc.) in a critical manner or (ii) pave the way to a future PhD, it makes absolutely no sense to apply for the MCL.

However, if you have a keen interest in Corporate Law, have not practiced much and would like to increase your chances of securing a training contract at a City law firm, the MCL seems a good option.

Hope this is helpful.


The one thing that annoys me out of all of this is that I was given a 3rd March deadline to confirm my spot on the MCL. In the meantime, I'm stuck here wondering (and doubting) whether I'll have news on both the LLM and the MJur before then, which I doubt.



Having applied for both of MCL and LLM at Cam, I wonder whether MCL is generally considered as more preferred or prestigious course than LLM, or the opposite? I want to hear people's general view from the popularity perspective, not the kind of answer that two different courses focusing on different interest or issues.



I look forward to answers to this, as I'm wondering the same thing.

Just so you know how biased this answer can be, it comes from someone who opted for the LLM.

In my opinion the LLM and the MCL are just different - there is no better or worse. Whereas the LLM papers (or at least those in the commercial designation) are more theoretical, the MCL papers tend to be a lot more practical and oriented to people interested in developing a career as a solicitor in the corporate practice of big law firms.

MCL students are expected to prepare several risk assessments in view of corporate deals (such as M&A transactions) and have more lectures/group sessions with practitioners from law firms, whereas the LLM students will have a more "academic" experience, dealing with professors in lecture and group session environments.

To summarise, it seems to me that if you already have some experience practicing corporate law in your original jurisdiction (so that the practical aspects of it are not so much of a mistery), and would like to either (i) develop your understanding of England's corporate law (such as corporate finance, insolvency, governance, etc.) in a critical manner or (ii) pave the way to a future PhD, it makes absolutely no sense to apply for the MCL.

However, if you have a keen interest in Corporate Law, have not practiced much and would like to increase your chances of securing a training contract at a City law firm, the MCL seems a good option.

Hope this is helpful.


<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>The one thing that annoys me out of all of this is that I was given a 3rd March deadline to confirm my spot on the MCL. In the meantime, I'm stuck here wondering (and doubting) whether I'll have news on both the LLM and the MJur before then, which I doubt.
</blockquote>


Having applied for both of MCL and LLM at Cam, I wonder whether MCL is generally considered as more preferred or prestigious course than LLM, or the opposite? I want to hear people's general view from the popularity perspective, not the kind of answer that two different courses focusing on different interest or issues.

</blockquote>

I look forward to answers to this, as I'm wondering the same thing.</blockquote>
quote
waywardMVR

Regarding "prestige", pardon my french but this is a rather silly question - your interests should matter more than that. Nonetheless, the MCL seems to be regarded as a more difficult course (frequent exams, whereas in the LLM you only have one exam for each paper at the end of the academic year). I guess the MCL is Cantab's silly response to Oxford's MLF, but the Faculty of Law falls short of doing it the Oxford way (as expected).

Regarding "prestige", pardon my french but this is a rather silly question - your interests should matter more than that. Nonetheless, the MCL seems to be regarded as a more difficult course (frequent exams, whereas in the LLM you only have one exam for each paper at the end of the academic year). I guess the MCL is Cantab's silly response to Oxford's MLF, but the Faculty of Law falls short of doing it the Oxford way (as expected).
quote

Do you guys know which criteria Oxbridge take into account when assessing an application?
Like for example is it GPA, class rank or maybe references?
I hear the selection process is quite bizarre, so I was wondering what do you guys think?

Do you guys know which criteria Oxbridge take into account when assessing an application?
Like for example is it GPA, class rank or maybe references?
I hear the selection process is quite bizarre, so I was wondering what do you guys think?
quote
Inactive User

Getting so anxious about the results. Good luck everyone (Y)


Same here ! I can't wait... one month seems like an eternity !!!

Good luck everyone :)

<blockquote>Getting so anxious about the results. Good luck everyone (Y)</blockquote>

Same here ! I can't wait... one month seems like an eternity !!!

Good luck everyone :)
quote
jmpthresa

Regarding "prestige", pardon my french but this is a rather silly question - your interests should matter more than that. Nonetheless, the MCL seems to be regarded as a more difficult course (frequent exams, whereas in the LLM you only have one exam for each paper at the end of the academic year). I guess the MCL is Cantab's silly response to Oxford's MLF, but the Faculty of Law falls short of doing it the Oxford way (as expected).


Many thanks for your practical response.

<blockquote>Regarding "prestige", pardon my french but this is a rather silly question - your interests should matter more than that. Nonetheless, the MCL seems to be regarded as a more difficult course (frequent exams, whereas in the LLM you only have one exam for each paper at the end of the academic year). I guess the MCL is Cantab's silly response to Oxford's MLF, but the Faculty of Law falls short of doing it the Oxford way (as expected).</blockquote>

Many thanks for your practical response.
quote
Ji-soo

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...

<blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...
quote
Inactive User

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...


Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?

<blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>

Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?
quote
Ji-soo

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...



Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?


Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL

<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>


Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?</blockquote>

Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL
quote
Inactive User

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...


I believe it went straight to offer made, but in reality I wasn't avidly monitoring my CamSIS status. I've also applied to the LLM, but I havent heard anything on that yet.

<blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>

I believe it went straight to offer made, but in reality I wasn't avidly monitoring my CamSIS status. I've also applied to the LLM, but I havent heard anything on that yet.
quote
Ji-soo

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...


I believe it went straight to offer made, but in reality I wasn't avidly monitoring my CamSIS status. I've also applied to the LLM, but I havent heard anything on that yet.


Thanks and congrats!

<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>

I believe it went straight to offer made, but in reality I wasn't avidly monitoring my CamSIS status. I've also applied to the LLM, but I havent heard anything on that yet.</blockquote>

Thanks and congrats!
quote
Inactive User

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...



Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?


Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL


Thank you !! And i'm pretty sure congratulations are in order, right ?!

<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>


Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?</blockquote>

Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL</blockquote>

Thank you !! And i'm pretty sure congratulations are in order, right ?!
quote
Ji-soo

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...



Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?


Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL


Thank you !! And i'm pretty sure congratulations are in order, right ?!


Hopefully!!

<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>


Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?</blockquote>

Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL</blockquote>

Thank you !! And i'm pretty sure congratulations are in order, right ?!</blockquote>

Hopefully!!
quote
KayTee

Does it mean that they have started will LLM admission s?

Does it mean that they have started will LLM admission s?
quote

Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!


Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...



Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?


Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL


Thank you !! And i'm pretty sure congratulations are in order, right ?!


Hopefully!!


Congrats!! I am still stuck with "Under Consideration by Degree Committee" for both my applications /:

<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Received an email yesterday containing info re. the conditional offer. I've now checked my online status which has changed to conditional offer made/seeking college membership. This is so exciting!</blockquote>

Didn't you go through the BoGS stage before the "offer made" status ? My status just changed into "awaiting decision by the BoGS" but no formal offer yet...</blockquote>


Did you apply to the LLM or the MCL Ji-soo ?</blockquote>

Both but I got BoGSed for the MCL</blockquote>

Thank you !! And i'm pretty sure congratulations are in order, right ?!</blockquote>

Hopefully!! </blockquote>

Congrats!! I am still stuck with "Under Consideration by Degree Committee" for both my applications /:
quote
Inactive User

Does it mean that they have started will LLM admission s?


No, MCL's teelawal !

<blockquote>Does it mean that they have started will LLM admission s?</blockquote>

No, MCL's teelawal !
quote

quote

quote
joeyman365

This is very interesting on number of LLM students per college.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/312506/response/767133/attach/2/FOI%202016%2039%20Alan%20response%20letter%20and%20data.pdf

Hughes Hall: 19
Wolfson:12
Jesus:10
Newnham: 10
...
Trinity:4
St John's: 2
King's: 1

So it seems out of the traditional colleges, Jesus take the most.


Thanks for sharing. I was curious about those figures too! Did anyone do a similar FOI request for Oxford colleges?

<blockquote>This is very interesting on number of LLM students per college.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/312506/response/767133/attach/2/FOI%202016%2039%20Alan%20response%20letter%20and%20data.pdf

Hughes Hall: 19
Wolfson:12
Jesus:10
Newnham: 10
...
Trinity:4
St John's: 2
King's: 1

So it seems out of the traditional colleges, Jesus take the most.</blockquote>

Thanks for sharing. I was curious about those figures too! Did anyone do a similar FOI request for Oxford colleges?
quote
Ji-soo

Little update here: I have just received my conditional offer for the MCL. For those of you who are interested in the process, it took 5 days from the BoGS stage to the formal offer. Good luck to all of you!

Little update here: I have just received my conditional offer for the MCL. For those of you who are interested in the process, it took 5 days from the BoGS stage to the formal offer. Good luck to all of you!
quote
abclaw

quote

Reply to Post

Related Law Schools

Cambridge, United Kingdom 903 Followers 791 Discussions

Hot Discussions