Law Study and Career in Bangladesh
First of all let’s know what is Law? Law means a rule of conduct developed by the government or society over a certain territory. Law follows certain practices and customs in order to deal with crime, business, social relationships, property, finance, etc. The Law is controlled and enforced by the controlling authority.
A career in law is a dynamic and intellectually rewarding journey, dedicated to the pursuit of justice and societal values. It offers the chance to defend rights, shape public policy, and tackle complex challenges, making a meaningful impact on the world. This profession demands dedication, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to learning and ethical practice.
Eligibility to study law
After completing higher secondary education (HSC) in any stream—whether it be science, commerce, humanities, or technical—a student can qualify for admission to a law program based on their merit and results. Students need dedication and a strong desire to prepare for university admission in their chosen field. Additionally, there is an opportunity to pursue a two-year LLB course after graduating in any subject.
Where to study law in Bangladesh and abroad
In Bangladesh, aspiring law students have several reputable institutions where they can pursue their legal education. The University of Dhaka, known for its distinguished Faculty of Law, is one of the most prestigious options. Other prominent universities include Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, and Chittagong University, each offering comprehensive law programs. Additionally, National University of Bangladesh provides affiliated colleges with law courses. Private universities like BRAC University, North South University and East West University also offer quality legal education with modern facilities and experienced faculty. These institutions provide a range of programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees in law, ensuring students have ample opportunities to develop their legal expertise.
Studying law abroad offers several prestigious options. In the US, top schools include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, and Chicago. In the UK, leading institutions are Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and UCL.
In Canada, the best choices are the University of Toronto, McGill, and Osgoode Hall. Australia features top law schools like Melbourne, Sydney, and UNSW. In Singapore, NUS and SMU are renowned.
These institutions provide excellent education, opportunities for specialization, international exchanges, and exposure to diverse legal systems.
What types of degrees are available in law in Bangladesh and abroad
In Bangladesh, legal education follows a structured pathway with several key degrees available to aspiring lawyers. The LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is the foundational undergraduate degree, typically spanning four years and essential for practicing law in the country. Following the LLB, students can pursue an LLM (Master of Laws), a postgraduate degree that allows for specialization in specific legal areas and requires further academic study and research. For those aiming for advanced academic pursuits or research careers, a PhD in Law is also offered, involving extensive independent research and the completion of a doctoral thesis. These degrees are offered by various universities and institutions throughout Bangladesh, providing a comprehensive framework for legal education and professional development in the country.
The degrees in abroad are same as Bangladesh. The LLB (Bachelor of Laws) serves as the foundational undergraduate degree, for those pursuing careers as practicing lawyers in jurisdictions like the United States and Canada, the JD (Juris Doctor) is the primary professional degree.
After completing the LLB or JD, individuals can specialize further through an LLM (Master of Laws), which offers advanced study in specific legal areas and often includes opportunities for research. For scholars and those interested in rigorous legal research, the SJD or JSD (Doctor of Juridical Science) provides the highest academic qualification in law.
In Europe and some other regions, variants like the MJur (Master of Jurisprudence) also offer pathways for advanced legal study and specialization. These degrees collectively prepare students for a wide range of legal careers.
What to do after studying law in Bangladesh and abroad?
Studying law in Bangladesh provides graduates with a wide range of career options. Many choose to practice law independently or in law firms, specializing in areas like civil, criminal, corporate, or family law. Others pursue careers in the judiciary, aiming to become judges through the Bangladesh Judicial Service (BJS) exams. Graduates also find opportunities in government as legal advisors, public prosecutors, or legal officers in ministries and departments. Some enter the corporate sector as legal advisors, ensuring compliance and handling legal matters for businesses. Additionally, law graduates can pursue paths in academia, NGOs, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), legal journalism, and advocacy, contributing to various sectors of Bangladesh’s legal and social landscape.
In abroad, they can become licensed to practice law in firms or as in-house counsel for companies. Opportunities also exist to train as judges or magistrates, work as legal advisors or prosecutors in government, or teach and research at universities. Graduates can join international organizations like the UN or NGOs, specialize in mediation or arbitration, write about legal issues, advocate for legal reforms, or advise on laws and regulations. These options provide diverse and rewarding opportunities in the legal field.
*Writer: Samia Zaman (Neha): Research Executive, Juristico.
