Dear All,
Some of the readers of LLMguide might find this view of non-law student LLM applicants of help. There have been a number of posts on this subject on the site recently. In addition, I have also had a number of LLM applications from non-lawyers where I have to advise applicants on the viability of their application.

My initial approach is to ask the applicant why they want to do an LLM. If the answer to that question is they want to be a lawyer I recommend they first take either the one year General Diploma in Law (GDL) or an LLB (a range of Universities including City offer a two year LLB as well as the GDL and that can be an alternative option for those who want to get a greater knowledge of the law).

The next step is to look at the degree and experience an applicant has. Clearly if it is a part law degree ie 'law with..' that would usually be sufficient. I also look closely at degrees which may have a significant legal content such a business degrees. We get quite a few applicants with politics degrees who want to do an LLM. Frankly, a politics degree with one course in Constitutional Law is not going to be enough background to undertake an LLM in International Commercial Law, or an LLM in Maritime, Competition or Energy Litigation Law.

I will also look at experience, this is where it can be more challenging for LLM admission's officers. Usually we will require detailed references here in order to understand the extent of the legal knowledge base and legal skills acquired over time.

Clearly if a non-law applicant has been undertaking an extensive case load as a law clerk; has taken professional exams with a heavy legal content or dealt with say the legal issues surrounding M&A transactions on a regular basis then we would much more seriously consider such an applicant.

I hope the above information provides some assistance to those considering making LLM applications. I am happy to receive emails from non-law applicants to give them an initial view whereever they may be applying.

Professor Alan Riley
LLM Programme Director
City Law School
City University
Grays Inn
London
Electronic Mail: alan.riley.1@city.ac.uk