Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Recognised Law Degree

Law students at Taylor's University

Education Pathway at Top Universities to Become a Lawyer in Malaysia

It is important for students to choose top private universities in Malaysia with law degrees that are recognised by the Malaysian Bar and the Legal Profession Qualifying Board, Malaysia for purposes of the CLP examinations. In addition, check the entry requirements with the Malaysian Bar to ensure that you qualify. Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in Malaysia should go for Foundation in Arts, A-Levels or Australian Matriculation before pursuing the law degree. A lawyer is also known as an attorney, solicitor, barrister or advocate and is an individual who has obtained the necessary qualifications to be called to the bar to practice law. Lawyer can act as both advocates and advisors on behalf of their clients. A lawyer, also known as an “attorney,” “counselor,” solicitor,” “barrister” or “advocate,” is an individual licensed by the state to engage in the practice of law and advise clients on legal matters. Lawyers act as both advocates and advisors on behalf of their clients. As advocates, they represent either the plaintiff (the party filing the lawsuit) or the defendant (the party defending the lawsuit), advancing their client’s case through oral argument and through written documents such as motions and briefs. As advisors, lawyers counsel clients on how the facts of their particular case apply to the law.
 
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Study at a Top Private University in Malaysia for Law

Students who love to read, talk, and write should consider law. You like to stand up for others and help people. When you are good in subjects like Sejarah, Moral, English or Biology, you can consider a career in Law. A few of these skills are exceptional oral and written communication skills, strong analytical skills, the ability to simultaneously balance multiple tasks, leadership skills, able to perform in-depth research, remember facts as well as use the facts in a logical manner.

What do lawyers do in Malaysia?

Taylors University Lakeside Campus is one of the best universities in Malaysia having won hundreds of awards as well as being ranked top in Malaysia and globally
Taylors University Lakeside Campus is one of the best universities in Malaysia having won hundreds of awards as well as being ranked top in Malaysia and globally
Although lawyers affect nearly every aspect of society in a range of positions and industries, their basic duties are the same–to represent the needs of their clients in civil and criminal trials. Lawyers can specialize in bankruptcy, international, elder, probate, or environmental law. The growing field of intellectual property is also seeing a growing level of attention from lawyers. Other than practicing law in the courtroom, lawyers can find jobs in other areas such as:
  • Advocates & Solicitors
  • LegalSecretary
  • Corporate Counsel
  • Judiciary
  • Arbitrator
  • Company Secretary
  • Attorney-General’s Chambers
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Journalist
  • Legal Writer & Editor
  • Academician
  • Politician

Lawyers can also choose to work in other industries

  • Education and academic administration
    • You can work as a lecturer or marketing staff in the colleges that offer Lawprogrammes. Legal knowledge is also useful in non-teaching positions at universities, work in the law library or admissions.
  • Banking and finance
    • Lawyers with experience in securities, trusts and estates, tax or banking law, you can venture into the lucrative field of banking and finance. Positions include:  risk manager, estate planning advisor, trust officer, financial planner, commercial loans officer and mutual fund administrator.
  • Conflict resolution
    • Arbitration, mediation and negotiation are growing fields employing individuals with legal backgrounds as arbitrators and mediators. Hospitals, school associations, universities and government agencies all hire professionals with strong communication and dispute resolution skills. Note that mediation positions may not be full-time – mediators tend to be retained on a contract basis to assist with a specific dispute.
  • Government and politics
    • The federal and provincial governments often hire lawyers as policy analysts to gather and research information, analyze issues in written reports and coordinate the development of strategic policy. Matters involving policy related issues range from health and transportation to education and the environment. Politics is another popular field for lawyers. Positions include speech writer, political fundraiser, campaign manager, lobbyist or even political candidate.
  • Human resources
    • Companies need talented professionals to recruit new people and oversee their staff. You can work as a hiring coordinator, human resources administrator or training manager. And don’t forget working within the legal profession as a non-lawyer – inside knowledge of the legal industry makes you well suited for a job as a law firm administrator, head of associate recruiting, marketing director or professional development manager.
  • Legal consulting
    • Some lawyers consult to law firms in law office management, marketing and client development. If you’re tech-savvy, you can put your knowledge about legal software to work as an information technology consultant. With a nursing background, you can work as a legal nurse consultant, reviewing medical records in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, providing advice to the lawyers involved and acting as an expert witness.
  • Legal writing, editing and publishing
    • A lawyer’s research and writing skills are particularly useful. Several lawyers work as freelance legal writers and editors – contributing articles for legal publications, writing do-it-yourself law books and researching/writing booklets on legal topics like divorce and landlord/tenancy matters for poverty law groups and government-funded organizations. Other one-time lawyers are now legal or business columnists for newspapers and magazines. Still others write content for law firm websites or are full-time editors for bar association newsletters and law, business or accounting publications.

Job Demand for Lawyers in Malaysia

There are 14,300 registered lawyers in Malaysia.

Number of Legal Firms by State in Malaysia

State

No. of Legal Firms

Johor

680

Kedah

273

Kelantan

216

Melaka

211

Negeri Sembilan

263

Pahang

210

Penang

606

Perak

421

Perlis

23

Selangor

1896

Terengganu

136

Wilayah Persekutuan

2009

Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan

11

Total

6955

Number of Lawyers by State in Malaysia

State

No. of Lawyers

Johor

1242

Kedah

467

Kelantan

374

Melaka

412

Negeri Sembilan

433

Others

286

Pahang

371

Penang

1248

Perak

729

Perlis

38

Selangor

3801

Terengganu

244

Wilayah Persekutuan

6741

Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan

12

Total

16398

How do you become a Lawyer in Malaysia?

Law students at Taylor's University
Law students at Taylor’s University

The 1st step after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels is to find the right college to study your A-Levels or South Australian Matriculation. After you obtain at least 2 principals in the A-Levels, you can either go for the law degree i.e. LLB (Hons) from recognised universities such as Taylor’s University or UOWM KDU College or take up the UK Law Degree Transfer Programme at the same universities and study 2 years in Malaysia and go to the UK for your final year. Upon completing your degree, you may choose to take up the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) in the UK and be called up to the English Bar or choose to come back to Malaysia to sit for a qualifying exam in order to obtain the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP). When you complete all the required exams, you will undergo a 9-month training commonly known as chambering or pupilage. This is the period where one is exposed to the working world of law. You can be paid between RM300-RM1000 for this period. While serving the 9-month pupilage you will still need to sit through some exams conducted by Malaysian Bar and partake in Malaysian Bar legal aid programme before you can be called to the Malaysian Bar to become a qualified lawyer

Four Steps to Become a Lawyer in Malaysia after SPM or O-Levels

  1. Take a Recognised Pre-University Course. Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels will need at least 5Cs or Credits including English and Maths. The internal Foundation at Malaysia’s private universities is now recognised for students who want to take the CLP in order to practice.
  2. Earn a law degree from an approved university. Before enrolling with a university, verify that the LL.B course is an honours programme and is approved by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board Malaysia, or by the Malaysia Bar. Failure to graduate from an approved program will preclude you from applying to take the Malaysian Bar examinations.
  3. Complete a Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP). The BVC is offered in Great Britain and is a popular option for most Malaysians due to its excellent reputation and job prospects. The alternative in Malaysia is the examination known as the Certificate in Legal Practice. Passing either one is mandatory to be called to the Bar. Note that graduates of the University of Malaya or National University of Singapore have already satisfied these requirements and do not need to sit for these examinations.
  4. Sign up for “chambering.” This is a practical training course that lasts nine months, during which the new graduate is attached to a lawyer, law firm, legal agency or other such program to acquire practical legal skills. It is a nonsalaried position; however, most law firms will provide a basic monthly allowance, and depending on the size of the firm this may range from 300 to 1,000 Malaysian Ringgit. During the training attachment, you will still be required to pass all Malaysian Bar examinations and legal aid programs. Only upon completion of these will the graduate be called to the Bar as a fully-qualified lawyer and allowed to practice independently.

The Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP)

This Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) is one of those qualifications entitling the holder to become a qualified person. The examination is conducted by the Board by virtue of section 5(e) of the Act. Applications to sit for the CLP examinations are open to holders of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degrees conferred by the universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and certain universities in Australia and New Zealand whose qualifications are not gazetted under section 3 of the Act. Like all law graduates, CLP graduates must proceed to read in chambers or better known as chambering, which is a form of apprenticeship similar to a pupillage in England. After completing nine (9) months of chambering, the student may finally be called to the bar and become a qualified lawyer. Examinations are normally held around July each year. Every student is required to sit for five subject papers. The said examination is conducted once a year where candidates are examined on the following subjects: a. General Paper; b. Civil Procedure; c. Criminal Procedure; d. Evidence; e. Professional Practice For holders of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degrees from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the board has set certain guidelines on qualifications and requirements to qualify to sit for the CLP examinations. The Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) is a course and examination taken by foreign law graduates in order to become a qualified lawyer in Malaysia. The examination is conducted by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board of Malaysia and is governed by the Legal Profession Act 1976. The Board allows degree holders from certain universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand to sit for the examination. If a student fails one paper he or she may be given a conditional pass and be allowed to resit that subject two more times. However, if a student failed in two or more papers, he must sit for the whole examination again in order to obtain the certificate. A student is allowed to sit for the examination four times. The Legal Profession Qualifying Board only sets the examination and does not provide classes to prepare the candidate for the examination.

Entry requirements for the CLP examination 

In order to qualify as a candidate of the CLP examination, you must fulfill the following criteria:

FOR U.K. LAW DEGREE HOLDERS:

A. A minimum of 5 credits at SPM level or its equivalent obtained in one and the same examination .

The qualifications which are accepted as equivalent to SPM are as follows:

GCE ‘O’ level examinations by the U.K. Boards; OR
the Singapore Cambridge GCE ‘O’ level.

AND

B. A minimum of 2 principal passes at STPM level or its equivalent obtained in one and the same examination . The duration of the STPM course or its equivalent shall be a minimum of 1 academic year .

The qualifications which are accepted as equivalent to STPM are as follows:

  • ‘A’ level (passes at Advanced Level) by the U.K. Boards;
  • the Singapore Cambridge GCE ‘A’ level; OR
  • the Unified Examination Certificate; OR
  • Foundation from IPTA or IPTS*; OR
  • Matriculation Certificate from Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia*; OR
  • Diploma from IPTA or IPTS*; OR
  • First Degree from IPTA or IPTS*; OR
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma*.

AND

C. A recognised law degree (see “WHO HAS TO SIT FOR, & PASS, THE CLP EXAMINATION?”) which was studied for a minimum of 3 academic years and contain a minimum of 12 law subjects out of which you must have passed 6 core subjects (i.e. Law of Contract; Law of Torts; Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Land Law; and Equity & Trusts which each was studied for the duration of 1 academic year). The law degree must have been obtained within 6 years of initial registration with the university (EXCEPT for the LL.B from the University of London (External) which must be completed within 7 years upon successful completion of the Intermediate Examination or a referral thereof AND you must have obtained at least a Second Class Lower law degree).

*Note: The program conducted must be recognized by the Ministry od Education (MOE) and/ or accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

FOR AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND LAW DEGREE HOLDERS:

A. A minimum of 5 credits at SPM level or its equivalent obtained in one and the same examination .

The qualifications which are accepted as equivalent to SPM are as follows:

  • the ‘O’ level examination by the various Boards in the United Kingdom;
  • the School Certificate examination in Australia (Year 10); OR
  • the School Certificate examination for New Zealand schools, colleges and high schools (now known as
  • National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 2).

AND

B. A minimum of 2 principal passes at STPM level or its equivalent obtained in one and the same examination . The duration of the STPM course or its equivalent shall be a minimum of 1 academic year .

The qualifications which are accepted as equivalent to STPM are as follows:

  • the ‘A’ levels examination by the various Boards in the United Kingdom;
  • the Australian Matriculation examination (Australian Matriculation Programme (AUSMAT)/ South Australian Matriculation (SAM) in collaboration with Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA));
  • the New Zealand University Entrance Level 3 (which has replaced the New Zealand Bursaries Examination) is accepted as equivalent to STPM; OR
  • any other qualifications which may be accepted by the Qualifying Board as equivalent to STPM (which includes Year 12 qualification i.e. the New South Wales Higher School Certificate; the Victorian Certificate of Education; the South Australian Certificate of Education; the Queensland Senior Certificate; the Western Australia Certificate of Education; the Tasmanian Certificate of Education; the Australian Capital Territory Year 12 Certificate; and the Northern Territory Certificate of Education).

AND

C. A recognised law degree (see “WHO HAS TO SIT FOR, & PASS, THE CLP EXAMINATION?”) which was studied for a minimum of 3 academic years and contain a minimum of 12 law subjects out of which you must have passed 6 core subjects (i.e. Law of Contract; Law of Torts; Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Land Law; and Equity & Trusts which each was studied for the duration of 1 academic year). The law degree must have been obtained within 6 years of initial registration with the university.

The CLP Examination

The CLP is one of those qualifications entitling the holder to become a qualified person. The examination is conducted by the Board by virtue of section 5(e) of the Act. Applications to sit for the CLP examinations are open to –

  1. all Malaysian citizens or permanent residents of Malaysia; or
  2. citizens of Brunei Darussalam; and
  3. holders of LL.B. degrees conferred by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand as recognized by the Board;  Bachelor of Jurisprudence (B.Juris), University of Malaya; and Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons), University Technology MARA.

The CLP examination is conducted twice a year i.e. the Main Examination in July and the Supplementary Examination in October for candidates who obtained conditional passes in the Main Examination. Candidates are examined on the following subjects:

  1. General Paper;
  2. Civil Procedure;
  3. Criminal Procedure;
  4. Evidence; and
  5. Professional Practice.

The Board has set the following guidelines on qualifications and requirements to qualify to sit for the CLP examination:

    1. New Guidelines on Qualifications and Requirements to Qualify to sit for The Malaysian Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) Examination (For Law Degrees from the United Kingdom).
    2. Guidelines for Recognition of Australian and New Zealand Law Degrees.

In addition, press releases and notifications are issued by the Board from time to time.

Bahasa Malaysia Qualifying Examination

By virtue of sections 5(f) and 11(2) of the Act, the Board is granted the powers to conduct and organise the Bahasa Malaysia Qualifying Examination (‘BMQE’). The BMQE consists of an oral test on the proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia for admission to the Malaysian Bar. The BMQE is conducted by a special panel appointed by the Board. The Board has issued a notification on the BMQE. Also see the BMQE (Qualified Persons) Fees Rules 1984.


Top Law Degree Recognised by the Malaysian Bar and the Legal Profession Qualifying Board at Taylors University

Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies
Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies

Students after SPM or O-Levels must have 5 credits including English and Bahasa Melayu to enter into the A-Level programme before continuing on to Taylor’s Bachelor of Laws degree. The Law degree at Taylor’s University is recognised by the Malaysian Bar and the Legal Profession Qualifying Board, Malaysia for purposes of the CLP examinations. Taylor’s University has won many law awards and is ranked Excellent or Tier 5 in the SETARA 2013. Taylor’s University is also ranked as one of the Top 250 universities in Asia by QS University Rankings: Asia 2015. Officially upgraded to University in September 2010, Taylor’s is one of Malaysia’s top private universities. Over 70% of Taylors University’s graduates are employed within 2 months. In addition, the university has strong partnerships with 3,000+ career partners in Malaysia and globally. Taylor’s University is one of the best universities in Malaysia for you to study the Bachelor of Laws degree.

The Best Law Programme in Malaysia at Taylor’s University
Taylors University is strategically located at Subang Jaya, Selangor in a safe self-sustaining 27-acre campus
Taylors University is strategically located at Subang Jaya, Selangor in a safe self-sustaining 27-acre campus

The law programme at Taylor’s University provides students with an in-depth understanding and appreciation of legal doctrines and concepts in the various areas of law. Through a combination of theoretical studies and practical exposure, students will be taught how to apply these into a variety of factual situations. Study of Malaysian and English Law

  • Taylor’s students will learn both Malaysian and English Law, providing them with sound knowledge of the fundamentals of the legal system and practices in Malaysia.

Ready For Legal Practice

  • Application of legal theories to real-life cases at the Taylor’s Legal Aid Centre, while also developing a sense of community awareness, under the guidance and supervision of lecturers.
  • Compulsory Mooting exercises for first-year students hone their legal research and writing skills, as well as boost their confidence in public speaking and inculcate team spirit.

Learning from the Industry

  • In-depth understanding and a real-life feel of the legal profession via industry visits to the Legal Aid Centre, Parliament, Palace of Justice, Attorney General’s Chambers, prisons and legal offices.
  • Platforms for students to meet and engage with the country’s legal giants and gain valuable insights into the legal profession, through industry networking events.
  • Exposure to specialised areas of law and the workings of the legal fraternity through the Law Speaker Series.

Real-World Experience

  • 4-week compulsory internship programme to develop practical and relevant skills for future employment.
  • Opportunity to carry out attachment at top law firms, the Bar Council’s Legal Aid Centres and other organisations, for students who excel in their studies.
Taylor’s Law Degree Transfer to UK
Graduate with a UK Law Degree from a Prestigious British University. Taylor’s Law School has established partnerships with reputable universities across the UK and you can choose to transfer after the 1st or 2nd year at Taylor’s University.
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Leeds
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Reading
  • University of the West of England

Best Bachelor of Laws (3+0) University of London International Programme in Malaysia at UOWM KDU College

The modern law graduate can move into a variety of positions not only confined to the courts. Law is one of the oldest fields of study, and remains as one of the most sought-after and widely respected programmes in the world. A law degree is the first step towards a career path in the traditional legal sector, whether as a practicing advocate or solicitor. However, a law degree is also one that opens many doors. The modern law graduate can move into a variety of positions not only confined to the courts but may also venture into the government, the public sector, business, corporations and even in entertainment. As the legal profession grows more dynamic every day, there is a demand for law graduates who are holistic in their approach and global in their outlook. With at least 5 credits in your SPM with a credit in BM and passed Sejarah to join UOWM KDU’s Pre-Law A-Levels taking 2 subjects – Business Studies & Law.

Get a Recognized Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)  (3+0), University of London International Programmes in Malaysia at Top Rated UOWM KDU College

After the 1-year Pre- Law A-Levels, you can either take the prestigious University of London LLB completed all at UOWM KDU College. At UOWM KDU College, the emphasis is on holistic education and real-world learning giving their students the best exposure in the study of law. They guide students to discover the role they are most suited for when studying law here. UOWM KDU College Bachelor of Laws (3+0) University of London International programme is tailored to help students develop their legal analytical, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and research skills so they may excel in any career choice – whether as practicing attorneys, members of the judiciary or other legal professionals across a myriad of industries. FIRST CLASS RANKING RESULT By 12% of the students in the Intermediate level. SMALL CLASS SIZES That allow lecturers to work closely with each student. INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME KDU College students have interned at Messrs Skrine, the Attorney General’s Chambers, The Federal Court of Malaysia and many others. LEGAL SERIES AND FORUMS WITH WELL-KNOWN SPEAKERS Such as Associate Prof. Dr. Azmi Sharom (Associate Professor, UM) and Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan (lawyer and human rights advocate). EXCELLENT STUDENT EXPERIENCE At UOWM KDU College students will go through the Success Programme, which comprises of: First Year Experience – A continuous programme that eases students’ transition to college, strengthens their academic skills, develops their soft skills and provides them with a platform for career placement. Co-Curricular Transcript – A second transcript which tracks students’ official record of honours, awards and recognitions, leadership activities and organisational experiences, professional development and educational training, and community service. This transcript, which complements students’ academic transcript, provides prospective employers and/or graduate schools with information on the student’s involvement with co-curricular activities. EXAMINATION RESULTS ABOVE WORLD AVERAGE In 80% of the programme subjects. EXPERIENCED LECTURES IN THE LAW SCHOOL AT KDU COLLEGE With an average of 20 years teaching experience. WIDE RANGE OF ELECTIVES To cater for market needs. ACCOLADES AND REPRESENTATION In Malaysian and international mooting competitions.


The Best UK Transfer (UKT)  Law Programme at HELP University

HELP University Law Alumni sharing their experience
HELP University Law Alumni sharing their experience

Founded in 1986, it is one of the country’s first private law schools and has been the trend setter in private legal education in Malaysia. 2009 also saw the Department expanding by introducing its own Bachelor of Laws degree and in 2012, the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP). HELP University, one of the top private universities in Malaysia, offers its own home-grown LLB programme known as the HELP Bachelor of Laws (HELP LLB) which can be completed entirely at HELP University. 

  • Assessment: Assignment 20%
  • Final written examination 80%
  • Practical Subjects:
  • Legal Skills : Assignment 20% , Practical Assessment 50%, Final Examination 30%
  • Legal Practice : Assignment 20%, Practical Assessment 40%, Final Examination 40%”

HELP University has been enjoying the privilege of being the first private university to introduce the UK Degree Transfer Programme (Law), which has been recognised by prestigious and reputable universities in the UK. To date, HELP has students Transfer to the following Top UK universities on advanced standing basis into Year 2 or Year 3 to obtain a qualifying law degree:* HELP University is partnered with some of the best universities for Law in the UK.

HELP University UK Law Transfer into Year 2
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Sheffield
HELP University UK Law Transfer into Year 3
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Liverpool
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Wales, Aberystwyth
  • Northumbria University
  • University of the West of England, Bristol
  • University of Hertfordshire”

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