Some advice please.. I have 2 degrees from excellent traditional universities (A BA from Bristol and a LLB from UCL) and now 20 later I find myself in a position that requires some consolidation of all the 20 years experience. I know I could just sit down and put it all together, but without some structure I just know I'll never do it. I don't need this degree for any professional reason nor will it be of any use to my career, I just want to put my life's learning into some context. Some options are: 1) LL.M. from University of London 2) MSc in Finance Law from SOAS (University of London) 3) LL.M. from a NON TRADITIONAL US university such as Northwestern California School of Law. The MSc is the closest thing to my experience but it's very expensive (10k UK +) and I'm not sure I can justify the investment. The LL.M. from London has course requirements that I don't think will suit. I need a more research based degree and the Northwestern degree is very flexible but unaccredited, which at the end of the day is not that important, although if I was to pursue a Ph.D it might come into play. Any advise welcome.
In a manner of speaking. I am a member of the English Bar but have been employed for the last 15 years in the banking sector. As you might know unless you are practising at the independent bar in England, you are deemed to be either a non-practising Barrister (my status) or an employed Barrister. I'm currently on assignment in SE Asia to a central bank on behalf of the BIS in Basle. I do not intend to practise as a lawyer (solicitor, barrister or attorney again). This degree is just a way of structuring my legal and banking experience into a consolidated form.
IMHO, the MSc in Finance and Financial Law from UoL might be just what would fit your situation. I know you had mentioned the flexibility you need, so I suggest that you take it slowly. This would be more your call than anything as it is not necessarily for immediate job advancement. But this would give you both the legal aspect, financial aspect, and accredited master's to prepare the way for that possible PhD. Steven
I agree. Consider being 3 or 4 years older - as you will be - and without this consolidating degree... Do you feel better or not, envisioning yourself then? Alternatively, if you are considerimg a career change....then this may not be for the best. You mention considering doing the doctorate - do you know what field? This one... then it's a good stepping stone! Another field? Then perhaps it's not. At any rate, it sounds like you are well established in you field (BIS?? That's really something.) There are good inexpensive books, based on career counselling psychology, that can help you oto firm, shoot down, or otherwise test your hunches. (I can recommend if others do not.) Ultimately, I bet your local consulate can refer you to a career counselor; if you worry about the times and cost, investing in your decision this way may put you at ease. It did for me. --Orson PS If it is just for personal satisfaction and you are sure you won't need it, then maybe the non-trad route is suitable for you... ("This degree is just a way of structuring my legal and banking experience into a consolidated form.")
