Hello!

I am searching for a LLM in the UK for the univ year 2011-2012. As i know the procedure is to first get accepted into a programme and then search for a scholarship i am interested to find out as soon as possible which would be the best LLM, either in business or commercial law in UK.

I am trying to avoid London as i will not be able to afford living expenses there although i know it is the best city to make professional connections. I have found different rankings of law universities in UK and did some research until now but im not clear which LLM is more prestigious and provides the best knowledge in the field of business or commercial law especially as the rankings reffer to undergraduate programs rather than postgraduate.

I am currently working as a competition lawyer (within EU) and already hold a master diploma in my country, therefore if i choose a LLM programme im doing it for the prestige and in order to find afterwards a job as a competition lawyer in a international law firm in UK or maybe in Brussels. That is why im also interested if anyone has any idea on how the consultancy law firms in UK see different LLM programs.

If anyone has graduated a good business/commercial law LLM program (the best would be an advice from someone who already has been working as a lawyer) than i would really appreciate it.

As far as the city goes, i would rather prefer to be in a bigger city or a city which would be more suitable and open to finding a job as an EU lawyer. I have read some comments about a LLM in Durham and there were complaints regarding the students there (mostly coming from one country) and also regarding the low level of teaching there (although it is ranked among first 10 univ in UK). I am interested in studying in a mixed multinational environment so i can get the best picture from an international perspective.

And the last question - as far as i have read, Edinburgh seems to have a good LLM program for Commercial Law. However, as it is Scotish law, it might reduce my chances to get hired afterwards in England (i refer herein especially to London) ?

thank you and i hope i was not too long:)

You might look at the inter-collegiate PALLAS European business law LLM - based in Colchester with a consortium of 9 European universities: http://www.essex.ac.uk/law/llm-pallas/
Its ranked in the top six in the EU.

Thanks for the answer.
The program looks interesting and i see its orientated for professionals mostly and it involves big law firms. I see the tuition fee is higher than for other LLMs outside London (£6,450).
Did you graduated from this program or you know someone who did?

Edinburgh's programme is very good and the cost of living is far less expensive than London. Edinburgh is easily walkable from many of the best living areas and is lovely as well. The LLM programme at Edinburgh also enjoys a very vibrant social community, which is a nice thing. I did the LLM at Edinburgh several years ago and can say nothing but good things about it. Cabrelli,Black, Hood and Lamont-Black are excellent in their fields and have loads of practical experience which is essential for adding the go-to knowledge for Commercial Law.
Best of luck making your decision!

You might want to contact the PALLAS alumni group on LinkedIn - the fees are slightly higher (though in 2012 all fees in the UK will go up) because it includes a week in the European institutions (Brussels/Luxembourg) and crams 2 years' LL.M. tuition into one year, its an intensive course with very high contact hours. Given that, it is arguably under-priced.