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Since the pandemic, there’s been a sudden urge for students to apply to study a legal master’s. Although this includes those looking to study non-law-related master’s, aspiring lawyers are commonly torn between whether to complete a master’s or not. Many question a master’s applicability in the legal profession and if it will improve their chances of gaining a pupillage or training contract.

Going back to study after a few years out of education can be difficult. Readjusting to graduate life comes with newly-found freedom. Likewise, those who are straight out of their undergraduate degree seek to embark on a master’s without a full well-needed break. But doing a master’s can, and does, feel extremely rewarding – if you pick the right legal master’s.

Academics

Often at legal events, the number one advice I've been given is not to do a master’s for the sake of it. The second – a master’s can’t compromise for a lower grade for your undergraduate degree. While this may be true, if you’re applying for pupillage, having a distinction or merit at master’s level can gain you an extra point. Despite this, gone are the days when recruiters will look to you solely based on your academics and the subject of your legal master’s. Nowadays, legal master’s have evolved, and you can find yourself learning the theories of legal technology, data protection and corporate governance – areas that aren't always available during the LLB.

Legal expertise

They key is to know why you want to do a master's in law. You may have never studied law before, or you’ve endured three to four years of studying for an LLB, so it’s important to identify why you want to make the switch to law and if it’s worth spending more years studying law. Commonly, students and practising lawyers enrol on a legal master’s to specialise in a particular area of law.

Legal master’s are a great way to tailor your expertise in a specific area of law to meet your goals and interests. Due to the nature of a legal master’s, you can demonstrate a genuine interest in your preferred area of law and justify your motivation for applying to a particular law firm – for example, if you’re applying to a firm that specialises in aviation law, a master’s in aviation law can help you solidify your interest in aviation law and stand out from the crowd. Bear in mind, that a legal master’s is not a prerequisite to obtaining a training contract or a paralegal role, you can stand out in other ways such as pro bono and volunteering!

Global network

A master’s in law is a great way to prepare you for an international legal career and to become part of a global network of researchers. By doing a master’s in law from a different jurisdiction such as the USA, you can complete a JD or LLM degree from the USA (ie, California Bar, New York Bar), or legal master’s in other jurisdictions. These can prepare you to become a global researcher and to apply to qualify in other jurisdictions.

While a master’s can be rewarding, you should tread with caution and ensure that it will benefit your professional and career development. For all of those starting their master’s in September – best of luck and make the most of it!

There's more on doing a master's in The Oracle: 'Will a master's increase my chance of a training contract?'