Master of Laws

The Master of Laws is an advanced law degree that allows someone to specialize in a particular area of law. It is commonly abbreviated LL.M. (also LLM or LL.M) from its Latin name, Legum Magister. (For female students, the less common variant Legum Magistra may also be used.)

Background on legal education in English-speaking countries

In order to become a lawyer and practice law, a person must first obtain the professional law degree. This degree, called a Juris Doctor in the United States and a Bachelor of Laws in other English-speaking countries, is a generalized course of study that exposes students to a wide range of topics. It is designed to provide the basic skills and knowledge needed to become a lawyer. As there are many required courses, it is difficult to focus on a particular area of law.

Related Topics:
Juris Doctor - United States - Bachelor of Laws

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If a person wishes to gain specialized knowledge in a particular area of law, they can continue their studies in an LL.M. program. The word legum is the possessive plural form of the Latin word lex, which means "specific laws". When used in the plural, it signifies a specific body of laws, as opposed to the general collective concept embodied in the word jus, from which the words "juris" and "justice" derive.

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