Many LLB students view their studies as the start of a prosperous and dynamic legal career. However, it is well known that many graduated and practicing barristers and solicitors leave the field after a couple of years. While this situation may seem on the surface depressing, the reality of why they leave may be very different – instead of a "push", there may be a "pull" at work here. The "pull" may be, and frequently is, the attraction and prestige of a Corporate Career with your LLB.

The LLB is viewed in the corporate environment as a qualification of the highest caliber. Note that many roles held by LLBs are not necessarily legal – in fact, they are mostly business oriented. Now, that is not saying that an LLB will automatically become a senior executive or a CEO – but what is apparent from my observation and experience is that an LLB qualification turbo-charges a career with high profile, dynamic and yes, exciting, assignments, responsibilities and prospects.

That is a major reason why I decided to study for my LLB.

I have been in the Information Technology field since my graduation from University in 1978, with the last 18 years at a large Bank. I was hired at the Bank as a Senior Computer Programmer, but quickly moved into the Business Analyst/Project Manager mode. My career has been very positive, but as anyone in the Information Technology field knows, it is viewed as a specialized niche in the corporate world.

However, dealing with our business users revealed that LLBs occupied many senior positions. Even more interesting was the fact that many of them never actually practiced Law. Their degree seemed to justify their position – "well, of course they are a Director – they came into the Bank with an LLB".

From an Information Technology perspective, a similar pattern was emerging. I attended, as the Bank’s representative, many Technology consortiums of vendors and other Banks. I was struck by the fact that the technology seemed to be eclipsed by discussion of legal and regulatory matters. In my career, I was finding myself spending most of my time negotiating and administering contracts with vendors, as well as discussing legal and regulatory issues with other Banks.

non-existent – the regulations of the Law Society of Upper Canada (the old name for Ontario prior to the creation of Canada in 1867) preclude external programmes. However, I could practice in the UK – my father was born in Manchester England, giving me status as a UK subject. That may occur at some point. Also, there is the possibility of an academic career in Law – but that also is a consideration for the future.

The real gain of the LLB from my perspective was to build my Corporate Career. I opted for the Graduate Route B, and am now in the second year of that three-year stream. For my two electives, I am planning to take Commerical Law, and Intellectual Property Law. The latter course is extremely important in the Information Technology world – and with over two decades in that field, the focus on that area of Law presents great prospects. I am looking to take the LLM at London, specializing in either International Business Law or Corporate and Commercial Law.

Has taking the LLB helped in the Corporate world ? Absolutely. The knowledge gained from the LLB has enhanced my discussions – and reputations – with my corporate partners and vendors. My contract negotiation skills took a quantum leap, and the legal knowledge tied to the Banking world has resulted in high-profile assignments. Not to mention the prestige – it may be a ‘soft’ attribute, but it is very important when you want to create a winning corporate image. All the ‘dressing for success’ and other ‘self-help’ books pale next to studying for your LLB – Law School is giving a level of respect, duties, and prestige that few if any other programs provide. Not to mention the increase in salary and/or bonuses !

My thoughts, if you want to follow the corporate route is to take stock as to where you are occupationally, and what the LLB can do for you. I, for example, saw the contract and banking knowledge as the big benefit from the LLB. Once you have determined your goal and that the LLB is viewed as valuable in a particular corporate environment – focus your LLB towards your corporate goal. Another consideration is that any corporate experience is helpful in understanding the course material in the LLB – you should utilize that experience to enhance your learning, and by extension, your career, experience.

Focusing on using your LLB in the corporate world may be a very fruitful approach – I recommend it !