Master of Legal Studies

About

The WashU Law Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is a flexible graduate degree specifically designed for professionals from diverse fields who seek a deeper understanding of the law's impact on their careers and industries, without the intention of practicing as attorneys. This MLS program equips non-lawyers with critical legal knowledge, empowering them to make more informed decisions, navigate complex regulations, and understand legal procedures relevant to their professional roles in sectors such as business, healthcare, human resources, compliance, and technology. Students benefit from the same distinguished WashU Law faculty and rigorous, discussion-based curriculum as J.D. students, gaining valuable legal insights to advance their careers. The program offers significant customization through various concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific professional goals. The MLS program is a customized curriculum  students may specialize in a particular area or take a broad range of law courses to develop a general understanding of the legal system.

Career Path

Graduate careers includes Legal Compliance Officer, Contracts Manager, Legal Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Risk Management Advisor, Paralegal or Legal Assistant, Legal Operations Manager, Procurement Specialist, Business Analyst (Legal Focus), Policy Advisor, Corporate Governance Specialist, Legal Program Coordinator (NGO or Government), Law Enforcement Administrator, Public Policy Consultant, Legislative Analyst, Court Administrator, Intellectual Property Coordinator, Ethics & Compliance Manager, Healthcare Compliance Manager, Environmental Policy Advisor.