http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010 en LSE or KCL - LLM GUIDE Discussion Board Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:08:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24010 Hy guys, I have a question: what would you choose between LSE and KCL if you take in consideration only the reputation of the university in front of the employers. Because finally this is what matters the most. regards, Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:46:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24051 Hy guys, I have a question: what would you choose between LSE and KCL if you take in consideration only the reputation of the university in front of the employers. Because finally this is what matters the most. regards, LSE for sure though KCL is very good too! Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:59:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24068 ditto Sat, 03 Feb 2007 06:46:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24108 LSE definitely. Sun, 04 Feb 2007 07:13:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24133 LSE, but King's would not be a bad option either. It does have some international recognition and much of the King's facilities have apparently been renovated. See "Facilities and Accommodations" thread. Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:35:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24242 I graduated from KCL undergrad law in 2005. I will say, that the student run "law society" is excellent at organising informal activities with various city law firms. I think there is a similar deal for grad students. Teaching staff at Kings is very good, particularily in Public Law, Juris, Trusts to name a few. Also, has a great location right on the Strand, excellent for commuting. I am currently applying to US LLM programs and all admissions staff have told me that they hold the main three London schools in very high regard. I am probably going to be attending George Washington. If I can be of any more assistance, just PM me. KT Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24506 I have been offered both Kings and LSE. But Im leaning towards Kings esp coz of acco. But before I finally decide I need a comparison of the courses offered. What are the good programs at Kings and LSE? Also is it possible to change your preliminary choice of courses? Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:22:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24531 LSE, without question. i'm actually confused as to why people would ever choose KCL (or UCL, for that matter) over LSE. i realize that those are both great schools, but neither have the intenrational name recognition that LSE does. at least in the US, where i'm in law school and will be starting practice soon, i haven't encountered anyone who thinks that KCL and UCL are as good as LSE. plus, everyone in law in the US knows what LSE is; that doesn't seem true for the other schools. i plan to start in one of the programs in a few years, and i am aiming for LSE. maybe someone here could share their opinions on why KCL or UCL might be a better choice. Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:35:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#24535 I agree with Nate. I am currently studying at UCL and I really appreciate this university. However, if I could have gone to LSE, I would not have hesitated. Unfortunately, I applied a bit too late. UCL is an excellent university but it does not enjoy the same international reputation. LSE is so well known for economics and politics that this benefits a lot to the law faculty even if it is very good too. Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25177 Currently, I am a LLM student at Kings and they have an excellent reputation with the big City law firms. The teaching staff are very friendly. Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:26:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25195 Thanks a lot for your advice I am interested in International Finance and after I looked at the course description I realized that KCL courses have a more practical approach - (at least that's what it is stated on their website). Also they seem to be a little bit more specialised in this area. However LSE seems to be more known at a global scale. Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:31:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25261 KCL is definitely the better of the two programmes. Their LLM has a far more practical approach and has an excellent reputation with city law firms and barristers' chambers. The flexibility afforded to students when choosing their options is also another big plus - you can either do a specialist LLM or a tailored one to suit your career path. The quality of the staff - both permanent and and visiting - is world class. Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:51:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25266 Listen to the Walsh rider Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25383 KCL: first of all its cheaper. Secondly, the professors have been practitioners. See for example Prof. Tennekoon who was a partner @ Herbert Smith and now teaches transactional law in Finance. Also, Dr Ogowewo - Barrister & Solicitor and expert in M&A and Company Law. Also Eva Lomnicka - see Oxford Text on Banking and FSMA. (She is also a practicisng barrister). Finally, there is Prof. Hooley - previously of Fountain Court Chambers and now a consultant for a Magic Circle. (He accepts to mark essay during the course!) etc. etc. Those who can't do, teach. Those who can do and teach, do both @ KCL. It's a no-brainer surely. Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:32:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25444 For applying to firms? The difference is probably negligible. If you were going into academia (especially internationally) I'd be tempted to lean towards the LSE. Go for the course that seems to suit you the most. And, as a King's student, I can vouch for the quality of the tutors that some people have already mentioned (but, thats not to say there haven't been some not so great tutors along the way). However, I've taken no commercial orientated courses whilst at Kings, nor have I really participated in the Law Society which seems to exists purely for sucking up to City firms, so despite having been there for three years my experience may not be of that much benefit to you. Sun, 04 Mar 2007 22:11:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25746 KCL without question! The academics are great and the reputation amongst leading international firms in the city (legal, banking, accounting etc) for legal students is second to none! The choice is simple… If you want to study economics, as the name would suggest, go to LSE, otherwise KCL is the place for you. KCL is acknowledged internationally as a leading law school, making it an ideal choice for any prospective law student. Merely to consider studying law at LSE over KCL would be a big mistake. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know. Sun, 04 Mar 2007 22:30:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25748 As far as Law schools go internationally, I would highly recommend KCL over LSE or any other university in England, or Europe for that matter. Having completed my undergraduate studies at LSE, I went onto doing my LLM at KCL. Looking back, this was a very good decision to make. I really enjoyed my time at KCL, I made some great friends before starting to work for a leading law firm. As far as reputations are concerned, both are great schools, but all in all if I had to make the choice again between KCL and LSE, I would definitely choose KCL. Sun, 04 Mar 2007 23:35:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25752 Heh...looking at this thread every answer seems to be either 'definitely LSE' or 'definitely King's', like its an obvious choice. Shows how reliable advice on internet forums are...One of us must be talking nonsense...:-s Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25800 What sectors? Which employers? Which countries? The original poster needs to be more specific to get the most value from replies in this thread. Mon, 05 Mar 2007 15:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25817 agree with the above. one more question, what are the advanatges of studying at King's vis-a-vis an ivy league? Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:36:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25826 As far as Law schools go internationally, I would highly recommend KCL over LSE or any other university in England, or Europe for that matter. Having completed my undergraduate studies at LSE, I went onto doing my LLM at KCL. Looking back, this was a very good decision to make. I really enjoyed my time at KCL, I made some great friends before starting to work for a leading law firm. As far as reputations are concerned, both are great schools, but all in all if I had to make the choice again between KCL and LSE, I would definitely choose KCL. Hi, I have gotten thru king's, Edinburgh, SOAS and Warwick and while making my choice I am more inclined towards warwick as I feel though king's is a great college but its much more expensive. and I am a non EU student. you think I will have more chances of getting employment in UK after doing my LLM from Kings than other universities I have gotten admission in. As you are an LSE and King's student and working with a leading lawfirm i guess you can give me a better picture. thank you Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:43:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25827 As far as Law schools go internationally, I would highly recommend KCL over LSE or any other university in England, or Europe for that matter. Having completed my undergraduate studies at LSE, I went onto doing my LLM at KCL. Looking back, this was a very good decision to make. I really enjoyed my time at KCL, I made some great friends before starting to work for a leading law firm. As far as reputations are concerned, both are great schools, but all in all if I had to make the choice again between KCL and LSE, I would definitely choose KCL. Hi, I have gotten thru king's, Edinburgh, SOAS and Warwick and while making my choice I am more inclined towards warwick as I feel though king's is a great college but its much more expensive. and I am a non EU student. you think I will have more chances of getting employment in UK after doing my LLM from Kings than other universities I have gotten admission in. As you are an LSE and King's student and working with a leading lawfirm i guess you can give me a better picture. thank you Well, you're obviously free to make up your own mind, but I'd be wary of an opinion such as "I would highly recommend KCL over LSE or any other university in England, or Europe for that matter." Any other university in England or Europe?! Surely I'm not the only one who finds that a little odd? King's is great, sure, I've been here for just under three years now, but better than the likes of Oxford and Cambridge? Nah... Edit: Of course, 'better' is a very loaded judgment, so read round that if you will. Tue, 06 Mar 2007 13:08:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25913 Hi everyone, im new to the thread but i have read all of the above however i am still unsure of whether i should accept an unconditional offer in KCL or the conditional offer i recieved from LSE. the conditional offer from LSE is subject to obtaining a 2h1 in my final degree. It is highly unlikly i will recieve a grade lower than this but the security of the unconditional offer from kings s very alluring. some advice would really be appreciated! thanks TT Tue, 06 Mar 2007 20:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#25939 The initial poster : My fields of interest are International Finance law and EU Competition and with regard to what employers that would evaluate KCL or LSE in my CV I refer to international law firms from Brussels, Luxembourg or France (Paris). So I saw a lot of "definitely KCL" or "definitely LSE" - I think that I will probably choose LSE (despite the higher tuition fee) because I understand that it is more famous at European level, but I am not 100% decided. Any advice? Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:45:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#26248 Hello Everyone: The answer to the question really comes down to what you want. I am an LLM at King's. LSE Benefits: International Reputation - especially in the Americas Good Location Exam Period is in June - so the degree gets completed sooner King's Benefits: International Reputation - less so in the Americas, but good in Europe and Asia Good location (next to the LSE) Exam Period is in August and September, with the last class ending in early June, so if you are in need of a few months of study time, this is probably ideal - many of my international non-native-English speaking colleagues have told me that this study period is beneficial for them Teaching Reputation - the school is extremely focused on quality teaching Administration - dealing with the LLM office is easy, and they are very customer-service friendly - that can make a huge difference in the law school experience (I've heard some negative stories about the University College London admin) One important thing to keep in mind is that the London-wide LLM is coming to an end this year. So there will be fewer course options to choose from (unless some reciprocity agreement is instituted) since students will no longer be able to cross register for courses at UCL, SOAS, and Queen Mary. So look carefully at the course offerings calendar of any school to which you are accepted before deciding where to go. Fri, 09 Mar 2007 22:06:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#26259 Hi all, I have recently been accepted at King's and waiting on responses from LSE and UCL. My question is directed to those with some knoweldge of these schools, particularly those who are currently attending King's. How do you find the professors especially those who focus on social theory and the law? From what I gather UCL specializes in traditional jurisprudece, while it seems King's specializes in social theory of law- is this true or is this simply website progangada? While this depends on on how well i do at King's, I would like to pursue further graduate studies in law at oxbridge or another london university- does the KIng's LLM program in legal theory have a strong reputation. Do any students from a King's LLM go on to further grad studies at oxbridge for example? As well, how is the law school community? Are there a lot of events, guest lectureres...parties? lol. Do ppl hang out after class and relax or is it a commuter school? Any big positives in comparison with UCL? I'm across the pond in North America and can't get much info from King's besides what i read on their website so any info would be much appreciated. Sat, 10 Mar 2007 13:12:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#26297 Hi all, I have recently been accepted at King's and waiting on responses from LSE and UCL. My question is directed to those with some knoweldge of these schools, particularly those who are currently attending King's. How do you find the professors especially those who focus on social theory and the law? From what I gather UCL specializes in traditional jurisprudece, while it seems King's specializes in social theory of law- is this true or is this simply website progangada? While this depends on on how well i do at King's, I would like to pursue further graduate studies in law at oxbridge or another london university- does the KIng's LLM program in legal theory have a strong reputation. Do any students from a King's LLM go on to further grad studies at oxbridge for example? As well, how is the law school community? Are there a lot of events, guest lectureres...parties? lol. Do ppl hang out after class and relax or is it a commuter school? Any big positives in comparison with UCL? I'm across the pond in North America and can't get much info from King's besides what i read on their website so any info would be much appreciated. Hey, I just sent you a PM if you wanna check your mailbox. (: Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#27247 KCL without question! The academics are great and the reputation amongst leading international firms in the city (legal, banking, accounting etc) for legal students is second to none! The choice is simple… If you want to study economics, as the name would suggest, go to LSE, otherwise KCL is the place for you. KCL is acknowledged internationally as a leading law school, making it an ideal choice for any prospective law student. Merely to consider studying law at LSE over KCL would be a big mistake. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know. I disagree with this statement. Of course, LSE is a UK leading university for economics but it has also a very strong reputation in laws. As American, British are very keen on league table. On the Times league table, LSE is far better than KCL for LAW http://www.timesonline.co.uk/displayPopup/0,,13425,00.html and the difference in ranking overall is even greater still: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/displayPopup/0,,102571,00.html And reputation is one of the criteria in rankings. Even if you cannot summarize all in a rankings, they are very important because they are an objective source. Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:04:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29059 The initial poster : My fields of interest are International Finance law and EU Competition and with regard to what employers that would evaluate KCL or LSE in my CV I refer to international law firms from Brussels, Luxembourg or France (Paris). So I saw a lot of "definitely KCL" or "definitely LSE" - I think that I will probably choose LSE (despite the higher tuition fee) because I understand that it is more famous at European level, but I am not 100% decided. Any advice? Dude if you're focus lies in competition law and finance law, then look no further than KCL. As already posted on this forum KCL has some leading experts in finance law but in Competition law KCL they have the best: Richard Whish, the man is a legend, you must surely know who he is. He is backed by practitioners from leading magic circles. Now as regards your question what will look impressive to the law firms, I can tell you as a former undergrad from KCL, who now works for one of the leading law firms in Brussels (if thats where you want to end up) that KCL looks awesome on your cv overhere in Brussels. Why? Because KCL has the leading reputation in EU law and Competition law throughout. If you go on law firm websites you will see a number of people have a diploma from KCL who now work in this field. I also recently spoke to one associate at a magic circle firm whether i should go to Cambridge to do an LLM and when i said i've been to KCL he said "what for you already have KCL on your CV" This LSE v KCL debate is not as quite clear as everyone thinks. When i was at KCL i used to always think LSE was better - the superior if you like. But i was misled in my thinking. When i tell people in europe that i went to KCL the reaction is "wow". But the same would not happen in the US because LSE is better regarded there. Why? I dont know? Probably because LSE and KCL offer different things. KCL is a multi-purpose faculty whereas LSE's reputation comes from the fact they excel in economics and politics (as the name of the university suggests). So you have to put things into perspective. if you want to do polictics and econmics (or even international law) then LSE is the place. If EU Competition Law (and Finance Law) is what you want to do then KCL should be the place. One last fact I have not come across many people working in Brussels law firms that have been to LSE whereas I now a number who have been to KCL. Hope this helps - its just a question of what you want and where gepgraphically speaking you want to work! Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:10:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29060 It doesn't matter what sectors, which employers or which countries, LSE will definitely be more advantageous for your career. what ever you intend to do afterwards... Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:26:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29061 It doesn't matter what sectors, which employers or which countries, LSE will definitely be more advantageous for your career. what ever you intend to do afterwards... Care to elaborate? Because, if I'm honest, as someone who is at King's and is probably going to LSE (though I'm still undecided), that sounds like rubbish. Tue, 03 Apr 2007 14:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29064 It doesn't matter what sectors, which employers or which countries, LSE will definitely be more advantageous for your career. what ever you intend to do afterwards... ok then, why don't you go do medicine at LSE! Oh hang on a minute you can't. That's the point! So why is King's diploma in EC & Competition law so highly regarded, that most EC practitioners take it. I am not saying KCL is better than LSE or vice versa! I'm saying they are strong in different areas. For example, at LSE you have Professor Crawford, the Don in international law. Whilst at KCL you now have the former Advocate Genral Jacobs of the European Court of Justice there. the dude asked me about competition law and i gave him my advice. If he had asked me about international law I would have said LSE hands down. one more fact, there are three new recruits in my office all of whom have studied under the tutelage of Prof Whish. It just depends what you want to do! Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:27:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29066 Cristian asked the participants of the disscussion to take into consideration only the reputation of the university in front of the employers. There ain`t no doubt, that LSE has - in an international view - a better reputation compared to KCL by far. An employer will take into consideration only the place you took the ll.m. program and not the brilliant persons who taught the courses. That would not be very realistic. By the way: I never maintained that LSE was better than KCL, but only that it has a better reputation. Besides it seems a little bit strange to me, to equate cambridge and KCL as you did before! Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:43:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29067 Cristian asked the participants of the disscussion to take into consideration only the reputation of the university in front of the employers. There ain`t no doubt, that LSE has - in an international view - a better reputation compared to KCL by far. An employer will take into consideration only the place you took the ll.m. program and not the brilliant persons who taught the courses. That would not be very realistic. By the way: I never maintained that LSE was better than KCL, but only that it has a better reputation. Besides it seems a little bit strange to me, to equate cambridge and KCL as you did before! I assume that last bit isn't aimed at me as I've never equated KCL and Cambridge! But your wrong that employers will only look at where you took the LLM. If you wanted to go into academia they would certainly look at who taught you, but also they'd be more interested in what you write than where you wrote it. So the "it doesn't matter what you want to do, where you want to go" attitude is way off. Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:04:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29070 Christian wrote "My fields of interest are International Finance law and EU Competition and with regard to what employers that would evaluate KCL or LSE in my CV I refer to international law firms from Brussels, Luxembourg or France (Paris)." I was basing my response on this. If you are telling me that Brussels/Lux law firms regard someone with an LLM from LSE higher than one from KCL in European Competition law, then I would have to disagree! Christian maybe you should try ringing some law firms HR department to see what they think. I know some HR people are very friendly about these things! Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:26:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29072 Ok, ok, I throw in the towel, my statement may have been a little bit too global...nevertheless I think it is more important for your CV where you study than the person who taught you. But that is a matter of opinion. Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/24010/last#29223 Hy guys this is Cristian :)) thank you for your answers, I will go to LSE beacause I have an unconditional offer, whereas KCL gave me only a conditional offer (I have to re-take the IELTS), despite the fact that LSE's fees are higher. I hope that I won't regret paying an additional amount of 3500 pounds. However, I looked at the CV's of people from Allen&Overy in Brussels and Luxembourg and I noticed that a big part of them have followed an LLm at KCL.