Law schools in the United States offer several academic pathways for people who want some legal knowledge, but do not ever plan on practicing law. One popular option is the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), a graduate degree for those who want to work with legal concepts professionally. The program exposes students to the laws, regulations (federal/state), contracts, and legal processes underpinning their fields of interest, along with practical learning that supports informed decision-making.
Generally, the MLS is popular among healthcare workers and professionals in business, finance, education, government, technology, and human resources. Many of these fields often require workers to interpret regulations, manage compliance issues, or interact with lawyers. The degree prepares them to apply legal knowledge in non-law careers, rather than specifically practicing law.
Legal research, ethics, contracts, regulatory compliance, risk management, intellectual property, employment law, and dispute resolution are typically featured in coursework. Some programs even allow students to focus their studies on certain areas that relate directly to the fields they wish to work in. It is this flexibility that allows students to learn relevant skills for their work, either current or upcoming.
A key benefit of a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is that it has an incredibly low barrier to entry for those with various educational backgrounds. In stark contrast to traditional law degrees designed for future lawyers, the program offers a legal literacy option that is not meant to prepare students for bar exams. Since many students work while pursuing their coursework, this degree is appealing for career advancement.
Prospective students should consider curriculum design, concentrations offered, faculty experience, and learning formats before enrolling. There are many programs that can help with online instruction, but there are also some classroom-based and hybrid learning experiences available. Reviewing these traits allows applicants to determine which programs will fit their schedules and career goals the best.
One last note: you need to be a good reader, thinker, organizer, and communicator to perform well in an MLS program. As well, students must be prepared to study legal cases and statutes in addition to applying the principles learned in practical professional settings. These skills reinforce professional confidence and aid in decision-making across many industries.
Graduates often apply their education to enhance compliance management, contract administration, policy development, regulatory oversight, and organizational leadership. While the degree is not from a professional law school, it provides industry professionals with knowledge of legal principles that enable them to work better with attorneys and also assist in making more informed business decisions.
For those desiring a greater understanding of the law while continuing with their present career, this graduate degree represents an opportunity to enhance analytical abilities and explore new vocational avenues. Prospective graduate students can use careful research and planning to decide if an educational path is right for them long-term.
Paul Thomas is the author of this article. For more details about how to choose the right law school, please visit our website: lsac.org.
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