Construction Professional Background Studying LLM
Discussion
I have a good BSc degree in Quantity Surveying from an average university and 15 years of relevant international experience in the construction industry as a Quantity Surveyor and later a Contract Manager. As time goes on, I am moving more away from the technical side of the job and becoming more involved solely in contract negotiation, contract administration, dispute resolution and claims. This is the direction I will most likely, and hope to, continue in.
The majority of my peers moving into more senior roles in this direction seem to come from a law background or at least have some further law-based study behind them. I feel as though I can hold my own at my current level though can see a clear knowledge gap surrounding some of the more detailed legal concepts underpinning my day-to-day work when considering career progression.
I have applied for and have been accepted onto a distance learning LLM (Master of Laws) programme in the specific field I work in and will continue to work in; Construction Law. I have been keen to do this for a few years but now have the time and money to really commit. I also see my career progressively edging towards this direction.
The catch is:
1) The wisdom of the internet says that no reputable university would take a student on for an LLM without them having a law degree. Further, you cannot qualify as a solicitor / lawyer with an LLM without an LLB and/or a conversion course in place. For the record however, I don’t intend to qualify as a solicitor / lawyer, but to obtain a greater understanding of the subject. I believe that this would assist me greatly.
2) I already know that the university isn’t particularly reputable (basing this on published league tables and hearsay) but the course appears very relevant and the opportunity to obtain ‘a law degree’ for career progression, job market advancement and personal satisfaction is appealing.
The course I would be studying achieves the following:
• Very relevant modules and content.
• Some of my peers (non-legal background) have studied this course at this university, with positive reviews.
• The course is relatively budget-friendly.
• I believe that I would see a good return on my investment over the next 30 years, owing to opening doors to previously unsuitable roles.
My concern, maybe unfounded, is that I am ‘paying for a piece of paper from a degree printing factory’ (probably a little harsh). I do not work in an industry which is particularly judgmental about where one studied and I already have a ‘foot in the door’ when it comes to getting in for an interview due to my past experience and connections. Naturally, I don’t want to work towards something that, down the line, is seen as poor alternative to the real thing.
For completeness, I have also reviewed attaining professional qualification (in my case MRICS) and this is not something I wish to pursue at this time due to a combination of disgruntled members I know and the ever-increasing fees. I work primarily in an industry that does not call for MRICS so I don’t ‘need’ it for my work, so to speak.
Any advice appreciated!
The majority of my peers moving into more senior roles in this direction seem to come from a law background or at least have some further law-based study behind them. I feel as though I can hold my own at my current level though can see a clear knowledge gap surrounding some of the more detailed legal concepts underpinning my day-to-day work when considering career progression.
I have applied for and have been accepted onto a distance learning LLM (Master of Laws) programme in the specific field I work in and will continue to work in; Construction Law. I have been keen to do this for a few years but now have the time and money to really commit. I also see my career progressively edging towards this direction.
The catch is:
1) The wisdom of the internet says that no reputable university would take a student on for an LLM without them having a law degree. Further, you cannot qualify as a solicitor / lawyer with an LLM without an LLB and/or a conversion course in place. For the record however, I don’t intend to qualify as a solicitor / lawyer, but to obtain a greater understanding of the subject. I believe that this would assist me greatly.
2) I already know that the university isn’t particularly reputable (basing this on published league tables and hearsay) but the course appears very relevant and the opportunity to obtain ‘a law degree’ for career progression, job market advancement and personal satisfaction is appealing.
The course I would be studying achieves the following:
• Very relevant modules and content.
• Some of my peers (non-legal background) have studied this course at this university, with positive reviews.
• The course is relatively budget-friendly.
• I believe that I would see a good return on my investment over the next 30 years, owing to opening doors to previously unsuitable roles.
My concern, maybe unfounded, is that I am ‘paying for a piece of paper from a degree printing factory’ (probably a little harsh). I do not work in an industry which is particularly judgmental about where one studied and I already have a ‘foot in the door’ when it comes to getting in for an interview due to my past experience and connections. Naturally, I don’t want to work towards something that, down the line, is seen as poor alternative to the real thing.
For completeness, I have also reviewed attaining professional qualification (in my case MRICS) and this is not something I wish to pursue at this time due to a combination of disgruntled members I know and the ever-increasing fees. I work primarily in an industry that does not call for MRICS so I don’t ‘need’ it for my work, so to speak.
Any advice appreciated!
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