Options after earning an LL.B.
After completing the LL.B., graduates have a wide range of options for further studies or for entering the workforce directly. The highly interdisciplinary curriculum is in high demand in the job market and can also be further explored academically in many specialized fields, particularly through the State Examination program in Law and a master’s degree in economics.
Especially if you are considering further studies early on, it makes sense to structure your academic path accordingly.
Direct entry into the career
Our graduates are in high demand in professional fields that require knowledge and methods from the field of law and economics and demand their application in professional practice. Among other things, our graduates work in the following areas:
- in companies at the intersection of business administration and law
- in the federal administration, particularly in regulatory and competition authorities (Federal Cartel Office, Federal Network Agency, Federal Financial Supervisory Authority)
- in administration at the European level (e.g., Directorate-General for Competition)
- in the field of policy consulting at the national and European levels (e.g., Monopolies Commission)
Transition to the study of law (state examination)
After completing the Bachelor’s degree, students have the option to transfer into the law program at the University of Bonn. Because credits for previously completed law courses are transferred, LL.B. graduates can, if they progress successfully, continue their studies toward the First State Examination within four semesters.
Following this exam, graduates can complete their legal clerkship (“Referendariat”) and, upon passing the second state law exam, gain access to all traditional legal professions. A doctorate (Dr. iur.) can be pursued immediately after passing the first state law exam.
A study abroad program can easily be undertaken between the bachelor’s degree and the state law exam.
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Many universities in Germany and abroad offer master’s programs in law, which are typically pursued after the state examination, though they can also be undertaken after completing an LL.B.
These master’s programs do not include a state examination; consequently, they do not provide the opportunity to qualify for a judicial position or obtain a license to practice law through a subsequent second state examination. Nevertheless, the program results in a qualification profile that is equally in demand in many areas of public administration, business, and management consulting. Particularly for positions in internationally active companies that do not require legal representation before German courts, an LL.M. is a highly sought-after degree among applicants.
Economics Studies
After completing the bachelor’s degree, students have the option of pursuing a Master’s in Economics through the Economics master’s program at the University of Bonn. To do so, students must complete additional economics courses outside the curriculum in addition to the Law and Economics bachelor’s program.
Alternatively, it is also possible to transfer to the Bachelor’s program in Economics after completing the LL.B. (with credit for courses already completed) and thereby qualify for admission to a Master’s program in Economics.
In addition, under certain conditions, it is possible to begin a doctoral program in Economics directly after taking extracurricular courses.
