Hello, My friend is planing on getting a degree by distance learning. She already has a BA and MBA from McMaster U. Now she is debating weather to get an LLB form U of London or an MS in International Relations from Troy State U. What advice to you guys think I should give here LLB or MS, and why? Thanks, Bo PS: Merry X-Mas and Happy 2004
It's hard to give meaningful advice without more information about your friend's future plans. The two degrees (i.e., LLB and MS) are very different in terms of effort to earn and utility. If I had to give advice without any additional information, I would presume that your friend has the resources and motivation to complete either degree. If those presumptions are true, then the LLB might be of more utility, as it would add a legal education to her already well-developed skill set, which the MS would not provide. Hope it helps... Best wishes, Dave
Since your friend has a BA and MBA from McMaster University (which has quite an excellent reputation!), I would suggest an equally reputable degree to round things out. Troy State is a second or fourth-tier (depending on what campus) southern master's comprehensive university. Not in the same league as McMaster. It would not "improve" her resume much since she already has a reputable MBA. The University of London LLB would not allow your friend to practise law in Canada without (probably) 1 to 2 more years of study at a Canadian law school. Probably closer to 1 since she has a Canadian BA and MBA. The best bet (IMHO) is to pursue a doctorate from a reputable university. Depending on whether she wants to do it part-time or full-time, a good British or Canadian program should do, or top-school American program.
Re: Re: MS or LLB? When I was in law school at the University of British Columbia (early 90s) transfer spots to qualify in BC were very scarce, and the competition was very tight to get in. This was not a DL issue, even students from regular programs at top notch UK schools had trouble getting in and many ended up redoing law school in Canada in order to practice. The other issue is that the legal system in the states is fundamentally different than in Canada, which is based on the UK model. So American legal studies are not the best option for those actually wanting to practice in Canada (as opposed to getting the education to enhance their business careers etc.). If your friend is serious about practicing in Canada, I would suggest looking into a good Canadian part-time program. Good luck! Tracey
Hello, She would like to go and work for the government. I think is she got a PhD on top of here qualifications she would be over qualified. She was accepted into the graduate entry route LLB program at University of London. So she will be able to complete here LLB in 2 years, which I think is really great. An LLB from a highly respected school like U of L will sure look great on here resume. Bo
Re: Re: Re: MS or LLB? Do you know of any Canadian Law School that offer part time LLB programs for people with Non-Canadian law degrees that want to practice in Canada? I was looking at this for myself but had no luck finding anything like this. All I could find was part time LLM programs. Thanks, Bo
Part-time law Bo, I'm not certain but I believe UBC started a part-time program. I don't think there is any distinction between brand new students and those with foreign degrees though in terms of the length or content of the program. The other thing to consider is that when I went to law school, a full-time course load was 15 hours of class attendance a week (3 hours per class per week, 5 classes per semester). If you have a flexible work schedule, and are experienced with studying, you could easily work and complete your degree. I worked full-time through my second year (3-11 at night) and received my best grades. If you've already had experience with another law degree it should be even easier! Law school is very little in class work, lots of reading and finals worth 100%. One of my classmates had a new baby the start of first year, attended only about 5% of classes but spent the rest of the time reading the material, he is now a very accomplished lawyer. I know he missed the class discussions, but for him the choice was either drop out or complete it that way. Sometimes the difference between part-time and full-time isn't that much! Good luck, let me know if there is anything else I can answer. Unfortunately I don't know much about provinces other than BC. Tracey
Re: Part-time law Thanks for you're help. With my LLB from South Africa I was accepted into the Upper year LLB program at York U. Which means that I would be allowed to skip the first year of the LLB program and I would have to take the 2nd and 3rd year. After completing the 3rd year I would graduate with a Canadian LLB which would allow for me to practice law in Ontario. Bo
Oh, man! THAT'S the thing to do! Not only will a Canadian LLB qualify you in Canada, it's also accepted in some AMerican states.
