Make Your Mark in the Legal World with Different Types of Law Degrees

The legal profession is one of the oldest and most prestigious professions known to humanity. The profession has changed dramatically over time due to changes in the economy, politics and societal norms. Today, the legal profession affects every aspect of human life, including business, the environment, politics, human rights, finance, etc. Whether protecting citizens' rights or giving a broader meaning to any debate, the courts have the authority to decide and determine cases per the law of the land.

The demand for law professionals has been increasing every year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), legal employment is expected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than average. This demonstrates that a career in law will help students reach their pinnacle of success. 

This is why the legal profession is one of the most sought-after courses for students who have completed their 10+2 or an undergraduate course. Additionally, the introduction of CLAT and LSAT as qualifying exams to some of India's most prestigious law schools has aided in bringing out student competency and streamlining the academics and practical aspects of legal education.

Here is everything you need to know about a law career, including the types of law degrees in the future, different types of law specialisations, which law degree graduates get a high salary and more.

What is a Law Degree?

Simply put, a law degree is an academic degree conferred for studies in law. As a law student, you can expect to learn how to deal with some of the most difficult – and sometimes seemingly intractable – conflicts and issues in modern society and morality.

Law degrees are a useful way to prepare not only for specific legal careers but for a wide range of professional roles - and indeed, for life in general - by providing a framework to examine and understand different societies and cultures.

Is a Law Degree Hard or Easy?

Nothing is difficult; it all depends on how you look at it. It varies depending on the individual. If you have a strong interest in law and have the time to devote to it, it may be a good fit for you. However, to better understand the subject, you must immerse yourself in it.

Different Types of Law Degrees in India

1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB): The most common undergraduate law degree offered and imparted by Indian universities is the LLB, which lasts three years. Almost all law schools follow a standard LLB curriculum that exposes students to the required bar subjects.

Career opportunities:

• Advocate
• Legal Advisor
• Judiciary
• Legal Outsourcing
• Writer Of Law Books / Reports / Journalist
• Legal Analyst
• Legal Researcher

Average Salary: Up to ₹7 LPA (based on experience and specialisation)

2. Integrated Undergraduate Degrees: An integrated law course allows you to pursue both the traditional LLB degree and another graduation degree within a single academic framework. These degrees are mostly offered by autonomous law schools and span five years.

Available integrated law degrees:

• B.A. LL.B. – Combines Arts subjects like Political Science, Sociology and History with Law, building strong analytical, social and legal foundations.

• B.Sc. LL.B. – Integrates Science disciplines with Law, preparing students to handle cases involving technology, environment, forensics and intellectual property.

• BBA LL.B. – Merges Business Administration with Law, ideal for careers in corporate law, management and legal consultancy for businesses and industries.

• B.Com. LL.B. – Blends Commerce subjects like Accounting, Economics and Business Studies with Law, focusing on taxation, finance and corporate regulations.

Career opportunities:

• Public Prosecutor
• Legal Expert
• Attorney General
• Notary
• Company Secretary
• Law Reporter
• Magistrate
• District and Sessions Judge

Average Salary: Up to ₹7 LPA

3. Master of Laws (LL.M.): The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a postgraduate degree that allows law graduates to specialise in specific fields such as international law, corporate law, human rights or intellectual property. It provides advanced legal knowledge, research skills and global exposure, often enhancing career opportunities in academia, judiciary, corporate firms or international organisations.

Career opportunities:

• Civil Judge
• Lawyer or Attorney
• Property Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Intellectual Property Lawyer

Average Salary: ₹8–15 LPA

4. Master of Business Law (MBL): The Master of Business Law (MBL) is a postgraduate programme focusing on the legal aspects of business, commerce and corporate governance. It equips students with knowledge of contracts, taxation, trade laws and corporate regulations, preparing them for careers in business law, compliance, consultancy and legal advisory roles.

Career opportunities:

• Law Officer
• Legal Advisor
• Chief Financial Officer
• Assistant Manager
• Legal Assistant

Average Salary: Up to ₹47 LPA

5. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law is the highest academic degree in legal studies, centred on original research, critical analysis and scholarly contribution to the field of law. It enables specialisation in areas like constitutional law, international law or human rights, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy-making or advanced legal practice.

Career opportunities:

• Writer of Law Books / Reports
• Journalist
• Legal Researcher
• Teaching
• Deputy Programme Manager
• Administrative Coordinator
• Legal Manager
• Legal Counsel
• Legal Consultant
• Legal Affairs Manager
• Legal Officer

Average Salary: Up to ₹8 LPA

6. Integrated MBL-LLM / MBA-LLM: The Integrated MBL-LLM / MBA-LLM is a dual postgraduate programme combining business management and specialised legal studies. It equips students with expertise in corporate law, business regulations and management principles. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in corporate firms, consultancy, international organisations and academia, where both legal and business acumen are essential.

Career opportunities:

• Law Officer
• Legal Advisor
• Chief Financial Officer
• Assistant Manager
• Payroll Specialist
• Legal Assistant
• Court Magistrate
• Corporate Lawyer
• Taxation Lawyer

Different Types of Law Specialisations

The most popular types of law specialisations are:

• Criminal Law
• Civil Law
• Institutional Law
• Cyber Law
• Corporate Law
• International Law
• Constitutional Administrative Law
• Intellectual Property Law

BML Munjal University (BMU) – Transforming Legal Education in India

Law remains one of the most rewarding professions. While it was traditionally passed down through generations, today, anyone with solid qualifications, experience and skills can enter the field. A reputable university like BML Munjal University (BMU) can prepare students well for a legal career.

BA LLB (Hons)

BA LLB (Hons) focuses on innovation, multidisciplinary learning and experiential education through the School of Law.

Key Highlights of BA LLB (Hons):

• A 5-year integrated honours programme combining Arts and Law.
• Covers subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology and Economics along with core law areas.
• Offers specialisation and additional credits through the honours component.
• Focuses on experiential learning via moot courts, internships, debates and legal aid clinics.
• Builds critical thinking, research and advocacy skills to tackle socio-legal challenges.
• Prepares students for diverse careers in litigation, judiciary, corporate law, public policy and academia.

BBA LLB (Hons)

BBA LLB (Hons) integrates legal and business education in collaboration with the School of Management.

Key Highlights of BBA LLB (Hons):

• A 5-year integrated honours programme combining Business Administration with Legal Education.
• Focuses on interdisciplinary learning via economics, management, sociology etc.
• Approx 45% experiential learning through moot courts, practice schools, internships & clinics.
• Curriculum includes major & minor groups of non-law subjects in early semesters and full law focus in later ones.
• International immersion programmes with partner universities.
• Equips for careers in corporate law, litigation, legal advisory, regulatory bodies, business management etc.

LLB (Hons)

The LLB (Hons) is a comprehensive 3-year law degree offering deep legal insight and career preparedness.

Key Highlights of LLB (Hons):

• A 3-year professional undergraduate law degree, divided into 6 semesters.
• Strong emphasis on experiential learning (~45%): courtroom simulations, clinical programmes, internships.
• Students attend sessions with faculty from management, engineering & other schools.
• Admission through an entrance test (BMU-SAT or equivalent), followed by a personal interview assessing analytical, communication and creative skills.
• Scholarships available (e.g. through CUET scores) for eligible candidates.