Before you decide to enroll in a Master of Legal Studies program (MLS), you need to determine if it is the right degree for you. A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree can help you start a career as a paralegal or legal assistant in the legal field. It is also useful for a number of other industries including the government. An MLS degree may open up a variety of career options.

• Manager of Human Resources
• Compliance Officer
• Executives in Corporate
• Social worker
• Police Officer
• Lobbyist

Master of Legal Studies

Sharpen the legal skills you need to make effective decisions. Earn a Master of Legal Studies online at American University.

• You can complete it in as little as 12 months
• You don’t need to have a GRE/LSAT score in order to apply
• There are five specializations: General MLS (Business, Health Care Compliance), Technology and Cybersecurity

Online MSL for Corporate Compliance

Earn your master’s in compliance online from Fordham Law and explore how compliance law directly impacts your organization.

• You can complete it in as little as 12 months
• Not required to submit GRE, GMAT and LSAT scores
• Not eligible are professionals who have a J.D. or LL.B. in law.

Master of Legal Studies program

Gain expertise and credibility with Pepperdine’s online Master of Legal Studies, a program for nonlawyers.

• You do not need to have LSAT or GRE scores in order to apply.
• You can complete it in as little as 16 months
• Concentrations in dispute resolution, litigation, or human resources

Master of Legal Studies

Earn a Master of Legal Studies online and specialize in a specific area of law with a concentration.

• You can complete it in one year
• You don’t need to have LSAT or GRE scores in order to apply
• Five concentrations

Washington University School of Law

Your MLS program might offer courses that will help you to develop a working knowledge of the law. There are two tracks in most programs. One is for paralegals and one for HR professionals. Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose a specialization in law.

1. Legal Knowledge and Understanding

Some MLS programs have concentrations. However, all will offer some legal education. Depending on the track or specialization you choose, your MLS program might include entertainment law, business law, or health care compliance.

• American Legal System
• Civil Procedure
• Constitutional Law
• Courts and Law
• Legal Methods and Process
• Philosophy of Law
• Regulation and compliance
• Torts

2. Legal Research and Writing Skills

Effective communication is essential for legal professionals. Solid research is also essential for legal professionals. Some MLS programs include writing and research in their curriculum. Coursework may include:

• Applied Research in Legal Studies
• Introduction to Legal Research
• Legal Drafting
• Law of Information and Records

• Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing
• Legal Research and Citation

You might consider taking courses in areas of legal research that focus on business or the environment, depending on where you are concentrating. This is a great way to get a job as a paralegal, or in a law office. Your duties could include legal research and writing. Legal writing principles are used in many other industries. Legal interpretation is required for patents, contracts, and grants. Strong writing and research skills will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates, regardless of your career goals.

3. Communication and Negotiation Skills

The American Bar Association believes that negotiation is the most effective tool for lawyers to resolve client problems. Clients will most likely be encountered daily by paralegals and legal assistants who work with lawyers. Fair agreements for sales, service contracts, and other business transactions may be a priority even in non-legal sectors. If you are able to negotiate effectively, you can be a valuable asset for your employer. These skills may be enhanced by MLS training.

• Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
• Negotiations, Communications and Ethics
• Negotiation and advocacy

You can also find master’s programs in dispute resolution and concentrations for dispute resolution that are focused on negotiation skills. These courses include:

• Arbitration Advocacy
• Conflict Theory
• Organisational and Workplace
• Dispute Resolution

• Management of Conflict and Litigation
• Mediation, arbitration and conflict resolution
• Mediation Theory and Practice

Effective negotiation is built on good communication. Many MLS programs offer courses in communication skills and counseling for litigators.

4. Organization Skills

You will need to be able to manage your time and complete tasks on schedule. These skills will be practiced in an MLS program, where you can complete assignments on time and take multiple courses. Complex legal matters can make it difficult to organize your career. You may be asked by your employer to handle multiple matters simultaneously, manage multiple documents, or keep track on updates to existing laws. It is important to show that you are capable of handling the work.

5. Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Both critical thinking and decision making are essential skills in legal matters. The Master of Legal Studies program will help you think critically and analyze legal principles, then apply them in real or hypothetical situations. You will, for example, study the foundational principles and evolution of contractual arrangements throughout history. Then, you’ll apply these concepts in modern contract law.

6. Networking Resources

Your MLS courses will primarily focus on technical skills such writing and research. However, it is important to have “soft” skills like empathy and persistence in order to be successful in your chosen field. Many schools offer resources for students to network. These resources could include alumni mentors, professional organizations, and virtual networking events. You can also connect with your professors and classmates. Networking is about connecting you with people from different industries. These connections may offer you job opportunities and learning resources. You might shadow an alumnus to find out if they are interested in a similar career or tell you about a recent job opening.