Hi there,
I've got some questions on oppurtunities and possibilities of my studying law in the Republic of Ireland and need your advice. I would like to mention that I'm a graduate of Russian university with six years of work experience. According to the letter of National Qualifications Authority of Ireland my Russian Diploma is comparable to an Honours Bachelor Degree which is at Level 8. If I obtain a LLM Degree there do I have the chance to find a job without becoming solicitor or barrister? Thanks!

First point to bear in mind, Oxalis, is that most Irish universities require an LL.M. candidate to have achieved at least a grade of II.1 (or its equivalent) in their undergraduate law degrees. So much would depend on whether you were a high achiever in your Russian law degree. That said, however, Irish universities will occasionally admit students with II.2 degrees in cases where the students in questions have records of exceptional achievement in other aspects of their legal careers (or, occasionally, in life in general).

As regards the Irish universities offering LL.M. degrees, the three most highly rated institutions would be University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork. If, however, you wish to focus on Human Rights law, then it is worth giving serious consideration to University College Galway (which specialises in this particular area).

As regards future career prospects, times are difficult for solicitors and barristers in Ireland at the moment. And the situation is unlikely to improve soon. But an LL.M. degree from any of the universities listed above would certainly improve your job opportunities outside the legal profession. And, if you were interested in specialising in European Union Law, this could open the door for a career in Brussels.

Do you think a LLM from UCL, QMUL or Kings in International Commercial Law will be considered a big advantage when applying for a job in the EU institutions in Brussels?

Jimmyjazz, I think the answer to your question would have to be yes. Especially if you chose to study subjects with an EU or International emphasis during your year in UCL, QMUL or Kings.

However, if you're interested in the EU, it's probably best to apply for a five month stage with the European Commission first of all (just to see if the EU is really for you). If you have a high calibre LL.M. degree, then that increases your chances of being accepted for a stage. But there would also appear to be a political element to some of these appointments (insofar as many of the applicants ask their local parliamentarians or MEPs to write letters in support of their applications).

There are open competitions for the different posts in the EU institutions. But, if you've already experienced a stage with the Commission, you glean much more inside knowledge and put yourself in a more competitive position when applying for a full time post with the EU.

Thank you for your answer. I'm considering that option since I want to persue International career for a few years before coming home.