LLM GUIDE Updates Top LL.M. Lists by Speciality for 2020

An LL.M. program in Banking/Finance/Securities Law can prepare grads for a variety of positions in the financial sector: some LL.M.s go on to work for law firms representing financial services companies; others go on to help individuals navigate the complex web of contracts and regulations. See the top 10 LL.M.s in this area.

Those who have studied their LL.M.s in the alternative dispute resolution field can go on to jobs as mediators or arbitrators, or simply add ADR skills to their legal toolkits.

Competition law, also often known as antitrust law, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding market competitiveness by preventing the emergence of monopolies or cartels. Iconic legal showdowns such as the protracted antitrust battles between Microsoft and the US government, along with the ongoing legal entanglements confronting massive tech players like Google on the global stage, underscore the intricate challenges companies encounter as they navigate growth trajectories. Given the nuanced intersection of economics and competition, individuals pursuing LL.M. degrees in Competition Law delve into a diverse array of subjects, ranging from economic analysis to intellectual property rights. Graduates of LL.M. programs in Competition Law emerge equipped to provide invaluable expertise across various domains. They are poised to offer counsel in intellectual property and business law, serve within governmental and international regulatory entities, and assume roles as specialized consultants for corporations, legal firms, and governmental bodies. The multidisciplinary nature of Competition Law LL.M. programs not only fosters a deep understanding of legal frameworks but also cultivates critical thinking skills essential for addressing complex market dynamics.  

With an LL.M. in energy law, students can come to terms with the various aspects of the energy field, and get caught up on recent regulatory shifts, economic changes, and the related forces that are continuously affecting the industry.

An LL.M. in Environmental Law can prepare students for work in private law firms, as environment and sustainability advocates, as educators and policymakers, and for work in international bodies. See the best LL.M.s for Environmental Law here.

Those who pursue LL.M. programs in European law often head towards careers in European institutions – the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the European Central Bank – as well as roles in the commercial realm, in advocacy, management and academia. See the Top 10 LL.M.s for EU Law here.

Grads who have LL.M.s in Health Law can go on to a variety of different careers, for healthcare providers, medical insurance companies, medical device manufacturers, and more. See the top 10 LL.M.s for Health/Medical Law.

Fortunately, there are many career opportunities for a legal professional who has an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law. Indeed, there are entire law firms dedicated to IP law; jobs can also be found in the legal departments of non-legal firms that own or manage artistic works, technology, or other intellectual property.

For those who pursue an LL.M. concentration in international tax law, careers in global corporations, policymaking, accountancy and government await.

Students pursuing an LL.M. program in Maritime or Admiralty Law will be exposed to a number of issues important in the field, including regulation of shipping, marine insurance, and international trade.

An LL.M. in Taxation prepares graduates for working as tax specialists in law firms, in corporations wanting to plan and strategize their tax, in government and in academia.

Public International Law addresses the relationships—and the conflicts that arise between—nations. Here are the list of the best LL.M. programs for Public International Law

It’s no wonder that an increasing number of students are aiming to pursue an LL.M. in Human Rights Law: With so much happening in the world today, from wars and forced exile to environmental disasters, it’s essential to understand the overlapping legal frameworks and laws that affect human rights of people everywhere.

There are a growing number of online LL.M. degrees now available for those who cannot afford to take a year or more out of work. Here are the top 10 Online and Hybrid LL.M. programs.

An LL.M. degree can be a fast ticket to the top. For many law professionals, having a US law school on the top of a CV can be extremely valuable. However, LL.M.s in the US are not always inexpensive. Here are 10 that are.

North America may be where most of the world’s top law schools are based, but look further south to Latin America, and there are a wealth of globally ranked and accredited LL.M. programs that are often far cheaper than comparable programs in the US and Canada, and may also come with more unique benefits to students, too. See the top 10 LL.M. programs in Latin America.

To get where you want to go in tech law, here are the top 10 LL.M. programs in Technology Law that you should be considering. 

Some of the world's best law schools actually waive TOEFL and IELTS scores for some candidates.

For those looking for an LL.M., Germany is a great place in which to forge or further a law career. See the country's top 10 law schools below.

For many students—especially those who come from outside the EU, an LL.M. program in the UK will most likely not be considered ‘cheap.’ Here are the top 10 most affordable LL.M. programs in the UK, for overseas students.

There are many, many highly-ranked and prestigious law schools in the Netherlands. We’ve listed the best of them.

Europe has a rich traditional of legal education and many of its universities have among the oldest law faculties in the world. And indeed, a number of these top law schools on the continent offer a range of LL.M. programs aimed at international students. These are the best of them.

There are a number of law schools in Europe that run more specialized, niche LL.M. programs, focused on specific subjects, such as human rights law or finance law. See the best of them here.

If you’re thinking about an LL.M. in Entertainment or Media Law, you probably know that the importance of media, entertainment and technology to the global economy and society at large has grown exponentially in recent years.

Sports and law: for many, LL.M.s in Sports Law connect two passions. Fortunately, the global business of sport is increasingly complex, so there is a growing demand for lawyers with knowledge of this niche area. See the Top 10 LL.M.s in Sports Law here.

In terms of LL.M. programs, India is an up-and-coming destination. Today, India may not boast as many top law schools as the US or western Europe, but it does hold a few aces up its sleeve. Its law schools are coming of age, boasting esteemed alumni from Chief Justices to Supreme and High Court judges, which is a sign of the quality of the education. India is also home to several prestigious law firms which pay good salaries.

The best MSL programs will help prepare students to transition into law-related fields, or may help graduates better understand legal aspects of their current jobs.

From Beijing and Shanghai in the mainland to Hong Kong on the cost, China boasts some of the world’s best law schools. See the top 10 LL.M. programs in China and Hong Kong here.

France is a fantastic place to do an LL.M., and here are the top 10 law schools you should be considering.

Because of Brexit, the future of tuition fee rates for EU students remains unclear. But for the time being, here are the here are the top 10 budget LL.M.s in the UK for European nationals.

A European LL.M. degree is a significant financial investment, because the returns can be so huge, with graduates of top programs enjoying unparalleled career prospects in the legal world. But a leading LL.M. in Europe does not need to cost the world.

In today's dynamic global landscape, the demand for individuals with specialized legal expertise in Business Law is skyrocketing. As multinational corporations navigate complex geopolitical and financial challenges, the need for lawyers proficient in business law—or corporate law—has surged. Moreover, with clients increasingly seeking enhanced value for their legal services, the competition within the legal industry is intensifying. Acquiring a formal qualification, such as an LL.M. in Business Law, has become essential for professionals aiming to distinguish themselves in this competitive environment. A comprehensive understanding of 'business law’, along with related topics like corporate law and contracts, encompasses a wide array of crucial topics, spanning securities, finance, intellectual property, and employment law. Embarking on an LL.M. in Business Law offers a deep dive into the intricate dynamics of modern commerce. Throughout these programs, students explore foundational principles and advanced concepts. By immersing themselves in these diverse subjects, LL.M. students can gain the specialized knowledge and practical insights necessary to excel in today's competitive legal landscape. Fortunately, numerous prestigious law schools across the globe offer specialized programs tailored to meet the demands of aspiring business law practitioners. These programs may be standalone LL.M. degrees or specialized certificate programs integrated into broader LL.M. curricula. Explore our curated list of the top 10 law schools renowned for their excellence in business law education.