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Posted Dec. 5, 2024
Can an LLM degree help you become a judge?
Being a judge in the UK is an extremely rewarding profession, however it is a long and difficult process. But do you need an LLM (Master of Laws) to become a judge? Let’s take a look.
An LLM degree can help you be a good judge
The short answer is, “No”, you don’t need an LLM degree to become a judge in the UK. However, studying for a Master of Laws program can be helpful for the following reasons:
Deep specialisation – studying an LLM degree involves specialising in a certain field of law and this level of deep specialisation can be very helpful in your role as a judge, particularly if you want to work in a specialised court.
Gain expertise – by studying a Master of Laws you will gain expertise in areas of law, this expertise will be easy to transfer as you climb up the legal career ladder.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills – a postgraduate qualification is a great way to develop critical thinking skills as well as analytical skills, and these skills will be necessary when pursuing a career as a judge.
Approach legal problems methodically – to be a successful judge, you will need to be able to approach legal problems in a methodical fashion, a skill you will certainly learn on an LLM degree program.
Gain international perspective – studying an LLM degree is guaranteed to give you an international perspective on aspects of law. Students are likely to study global legal issues in a learning environment where they are surrounded by peers from countries around the world. This experience will be invaluable if you are interested in working in an international tribunal like the European Court of Human Rights.
Broaden legal horizons – a Master of Laws is a great way to broaden your legal horizons and find out more about legal issues in both a general way and in a deeper and more specialised way depending on what type of LLM you study – traditional or more specialised.
Practical training in real-world setting – by studying postgraduate law you will get the opportunity to gain practical training in a real-world setting – many UK law schools have moot courts available for students to use, providing learning and training in a realistic, court environment. Plus, your LLM degree is likely to include the opportunity to undertake relevant work experience and internships.
Great for networking – whilst studying a Master of Laws you will have plenty of chances to develop a strong professional network at various law school events and conferences. Master of Laws courses attract legal professionals from around the world, and these peers, academics and legal practitioners may be able to assist in your career progression. Once you have finished the LLM degree, maintain these relationships and they will stand you in good stead when pursuing a degree as a judge in the UK.
Although it is not an essential qualification to have to become a judge in the UK, completing an LLM degree demonstrates advanced legal knowledge, and this can make you a more competitive candidate for judicial appointments as well as for promotions in the legal field.
How do you become a judge?
The steps you need to take to become a judge will vary according to the jurisdiction, however they will generally require you to.
1. Complete a law degree
To become a judge, you will usually have a first degree in law – eg LLB in the UK or JD (Juris Doctor) in the USA. In the UK, if your undergraduate degree isn’t in law, you can study a one-year law conversion course after successfully completing your bachelors degree to a high grade (usually 2.1 or first class).
2. Gain legal experience
The career path to becoming a judge is lengthy and will usually include several years of relevant legal experience practicing as a solicitor, attorney, prosecutor or even as a legal scholar. To be a judge in the UK you will need substantial legal experience of around six years or more once you have your legal qualifications.
3. Be appointed
Applications for judicial appointments in the UK are made through the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). The selection process includes taking exams, being interviewed and having an assessment of your professional records.
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