Competition Law v IP law - Big 5

Chiarrai1

Everything else being equal, which subject would be more advantageous as my fourt module in an LLM with regards to training/working in one of the Big 5? l'll be studying the LLM in the UK (if that makes any difference).

Tom Young

Sorry but that's like asking how long is a piece of string ....

What are you interested in? The areas are actually very linked and indeed broad.

Competition Law is useful in a number of ways, as it can open up avenues of practice both in firms and in-house.

You're not going to go too far wrong with an LLM in either.

I will say though that LLM's are ten a penny now so make your choice based on quality of institution and if you have a firm or offer in mind target the dissertation towards a growth area in either sector / field of study.

Tom

Tom Young

PS: Many have quite grand view of walking into the department of their choice on qualifying with a LLM, PhD or whatever.

The reality is that you're as green, as green can be and will do your time on the rotations in whatever departments you are placed while being a trainee/apprentice. Having the academic quals of course opens up doors, but if you can't perform in an office environment, forget it. No amount of letters, certs or warrants will make you a better lawyer!

Tom

Chiarrai1

Thanks

Jev/N

Do whichever subject genuinely interests you more, that's the point of a masters in all honesty. You don't wanna be in an interview explaining the only reason you did X was for the interview or whatever.

I'd agree with what Tom has said. I'm just finished an LL.M and actually did both Competition Law and IP Law. While a background in both is good, the main benefit I have from Competition is not having to study it in depth for the FE1s, a topic most people skip.

Neither IP or Competition are big areas in any Irish firm, IP especially. Most often, they will be incorporated into Corporate or Commercial Lit departments.

Chiarrai1

Sound Jev/n - far more constructive criticism...I'm leaning towards comp alright! TBH, I'm just as interested in the magic circle as well and I know that slaughters are big into M and A so I hope it will hold up well in their application!