Gavin Howe
A Master of Law degree can open doors to a variety of career paths and opportunities. The degree provides a deeper understanding of how the legal system shapes industries and is an asset for those requiring working knowledge of the law within their job. Graduates can find employment in law-related professions like human resources, healthcare law, and finance, as well as in law enforcement, accounting, and paralegal work. The degree can also be a stepping stone to law school for those seeking to become practicing attorneys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career Options | Human Resources Manager, Senior Business Analyst, Paralegal, Military Police, Regulatory Compliance Officer, Law Librarian, Conciliator, Contracts Manager, Compliance Manager, Payroll Manager, Accountant, Law Enforcement Officer |
| Transferable Skills | Working knowledge of the law, legal acumen to assist professionals, legal concepts, legal training and experience |
| Salary | $60,820 - $155,795 |
| Time to Complete | 1-2 years |
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What You'll Learn
Transition to a law-related profession
Transitioning to a law-related profession with a Master's in Law
A Master's in Law can be an excellent stepping stone to a law-related profession. The degree provides a strong foundation for graduates to pursue a wide range of careers in law and related fields. It is a versatile qualification that can lead to various roles, including those directly and indirectly related to legal practice.
The degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of the legal system and its influence on industries. This knowledge is highly valuable for professionals who regularly interact with lawyers or need to address compliance and regulatory issues in their work. With this degree, individuals can pursue roles such as compliance managers, ensuring organisations adhere to mandatory regulations and identifying and addressing compliance issues.
For those interested in a more human-centric approach, a Master's in Law can lead to careers in human resources management. HR managers are responsible for overseeing employee development, recruitment, hiring, and employee benefits. They also play a crucial role in handling disputes and disciplinary procedures and maintaining a harmonious workplace while adhering to relevant laws and regulations.
The degree also opens doors to becoming a law librarian, a role that involves assisting professionals in accessing legal information. Additionally, graduates can explore opportunities as conciliators, who guide opposing parties towards mutually acceptable agreements outside of the courtroom.
The Master's in Law is particularly useful for transitioning military personnel seeking law-related careers. It provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue roles such as paralegals or legal assistants, supporting lawyers in law offices or working in law enforcement.
Overall, the Master's in Law is a versatile qualification that can facilitate a transition to a law-related profession, offering a range of career paths and the opportunity to work directly or indirectly with the legal system.
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Move up the ranks in your current company
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) can be a great way to move up the ranks in your current company. The degree is designed for those who want to work in the legal field but don't want to commit to becoming a practising lawyer. It gives you a working knowledge of the law, legal terminology and legal writing, which are essential skills if your job involves interacting with lawyers and the court system.
The MLS can be particularly useful for those in middle or upper management roles who want to take on more responsibility and authority within their industry or organisation. It can also help you move from an entry or lower-level position into management or administrative roles.
- Business Analyst: A business analyst plays a crucial leadership role in the architecture of a company, working to implement necessary changes that improve the business model. A thorough understanding of the law and government regulations can be an asset for this role, ensuring that any actions taken are appropriate and comply with the law.
- Associate Operations Director: An associate operations director is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business or organisation. They ensure that company goals and objectives are met and that challenges are overcome. Having an MLS can be beneficial in this role to ensure that all changes and improvements are in compliance with the law and government regulations.
- Human Resources: An MLS can be useful for those working in human resources, especially in larger companies that are expanding their in-house legal teams with non-lawyers. HR managers must stay on top of the latest regulations and policy changes, and an MLS can provide a solid understanding of compliance and regulatory issues.
- Compliance Officer: Compliance officers are present in every corporate office, from banks to hospitals to factory floors. They ensure that policies are enforced and documentation is complete and filed with relevant agencies on time. An MLS can provide a strong understanding of compliance and regulatory issues, which is essential for this role.
- Other Corporate Positions: An MLS can open doors to various other corporate positions, including risk management, which involves analysing and avoiding risky legal scenarios to save the company from potential lawsuits.
The MLS is a versatile degree that can enhance your existing skills and knowledge, making it a valuable tool for advancing your career and moving up the ranks within your current company.
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Pursue a career in human resources
A Master's in Law can be a valuable asset for someone seeking a career in human resources. Human resources managers and directors are responsible for recruiting suitable employees, administering benefits programs, handling disputes and disciplinary procedures, and serving as an unbiased link between employees and employers. A legal background can be particularly useful for HR professionals to advise on complex workplace issues and navigate the ever-changing legal landscape.
For example, HR lawyers help employers remain compliant with laws governing the workplace, including anti-discrimination laws, OSHA guidelines, environmental regulations, and benefits regulations. A human resources attorney is a vital resource for many companies, as failing to meet these guidelines and laws can result in serious fines and penalties. HR lawyers also assist employers with their benefits and compensation planning.
The UCLA School of Law Master of Legal Studies in Employment and Human Resources Law is designed for HR professionals seeking to advance their careers. The program covers critical areas such as employment law, discrimination, compensation, labor relations, and data privacy. Similarly, the MHREL program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University caters to professionals in human resources, recruitment, and operations fields. This program helps non-lawyers better understand the legal and regulatory structure that governs their work.
The MLS degree is versatile and valuable, and graduates can pursue careers in human resources, where the legal training and experience obtained in the MLS program help them understand legal concepts. A master's in Legal Studies can open doors in many fields and undoubtedly move candidates up the ranks within the legal sector. It provides a deeper understanding of how the legal system shapes industries and is perfect for someone requiring working knowledge of the law within their job.
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Work in a law firm as a paralegal
A Master's in Law can be a valuable asset for those seeking to work in a law firm as a paralegal. While it is possible to become a paralegal without a college degree, having an advanced degree in law can make it easier to find work in the field and qualify for senior positions.
Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, work closely with lawyers to assist them in various tasks. They are responsible for researching, writing documents, organizing files, and providing administrative assistance. They help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings by gathering information and ensuring that legal documents are filed accurately. While paralegals cannot offer legal advice, their research and report preparation skills provide valuable support to attorneys.
With a Master's in Law, individuals can pursue paralegal positions in law firms, gaining hands-on experience in the legal arena. This experience can be advantageous as they move towards obtaining a law degree or transitioning into a lawyer role. The legal knowledge and skills acquired through the Master's program can enhance their ability to perform legal duties and collaborate effectively with attorneys.
Additionally, a Master's in Law can provide opportunities for career advancement within the paralegal field. It can equip individuals with the expertise to take on senior roles, such as mediators or contract negotiators, within law firms. The degree demonstrates a deeper understanding of the legal system and its intersection with industries, making graduates highly valuable in supporting lawyers and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
Overall, for those aspiring to work as paralegals in law firms, a Master's in Law can offer enhanced career prospects, specialized knowledge, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to legal processes.
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Become a law librarian
A master's degree in law can be a gateway to a wide range of career options, including law-related professions such as human resources, healthcare law, and paralegals. It can also be a stepping stone to law school for those seeking to become lawyers.
One such career option available to those with a master's in law is to become a law librarian. Law librarians typically require a master's degree, preferably in library and information science, with a specialization in law librarianship. While a law degree is not always necessary, it can be beneficial and may qualify you for additional professional positions.
- Education: Obtain a master's degree in library and information science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. Examples of such programs include the University of North Texas's online Master of Science in Library Science with a Law Librarianship and Legal Informatics concentration and the University of Arizona's online Master of Arts in Library and Information Science with a Law Librarianship/Legal Information concentration. These programs provide a strong foundation in library science while offering specializations in law librarianship, legal research, and legal information services.
- Joint Degree Programs: Consider enrolling in a joint JD/MLS degree program, where you can simultaneously earn a law degree and a library degree. These programs typically require at least four years of study and are a great option if you want to pursue management positions in research and academic institutions.
- Competencies: Develop core competencies in library management, collection management, library technology, information management, and information-seeking behavior. Additionally, gain subject-specific competencies such as an in-depth understanding of the legal system, law-specific research skills, web design, and teaching instruction. Familiarize yourself with online databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis, which are commonly used in legal research.
- Internships and Fieldwork: Seek internship and fieldwork opportunities during your studies. These experiences will provide you with practical knowledge and enhance your resume when applying for law librarian positions. The University of Washington, for example, offers a unique fellowship at the UW Gallagher Law Library, allowing students to work in a law library while earning their MLIS degree.
- Professional Experience: While not always mandatory, consider gaining professional-level experience through practicums or regular employment. This can include working in law libraries or related fields to develop a strong understanding of law librarianship and build valuable connections.
- Scholarships: Explore scholarship opportunities to support your studies. Organizations like the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) offer scholarships for individuals seeking to become law librarians. These scholarships can provide financial assistance and enhance your educational journey.
- Job Prospects: Law librarians are in demand across various sectors, including academic law libraries, law firm libraries, government law libraries, court law libraries, university libraries, and legal technology companies. Keep an eye on job postings on dedicated websites such as the AALL website, where most law librarian jobs are advertised.
With a master's in law, you can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful law librarian. Remember to stay informed about the specific requirements and opportunities in your desired geographical location, as the job market can vary, as seen in the competitive landscape of Seattle.
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Frequently asked questions
A Master of Laws (MLS) is a degree that provides a deeper understanding of how the legal system shapes industries. It is perfect for someone who requires working knowledge of the law within their job but does not intend to become a practicing lawyer.
A Master of Laws can open doors to new career opportunities and help you move up the ranks within your current company. It can also lead to lucrative career opportunities and high-paying salaries.
Some jobs that professionals with an MLS degree can pursue include human resources manager, senior business analyst, compliance manager, and contracts manager. Other jobs include paralegals, law enforcement officers, and accountants.
To be admitted into a Master of Laws program, students typically need a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, a minimum GPA. Some universities may also require relevant career experience.
A Master of Laws degree can be completed in one to two years, depending on whether it is studied full or part-time.
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