14 August, 2024
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) offers a focused curriculum that can equip you with essential legal research and analysis skills. But is it the right move for you? To help you decide, we’ve asked an experienced law instructor to share her thoughts on the MLS degree.
Anne Hudson is the senior faculty research librarian and an adjunct professor in DePaul’s College of Law, where she teaches courses in legal writing and legal research. She previously worked at the Department of Justice in the environmental enforcement, civil rights and civil case divisions.
Here are Professor Hudson’s four essential insights on MLS programs.
1. A Master of Legal Studies is a specialized degree that’s distinct from a JD, LLM degree or paralegal program.
“An MLS is more academic and in-depth than a paralegal program, as the degree covers how the law influences every aspect of our lives. These programs also spend time discussing the history and development of the law.
“While a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Master of Laws (LLM) prepares students to practice law, an MLS equips students to work in legal roles without becoming practicing attorneys.”
2. Be ready to do a lot of research — it’s a crucial skill for any legal role.
“Legal research is at the foundation of the law. In order to work in the legal field, or even in law-adjacent positions in industries such as health or business, you must be able to find and apply the relevant laws. This requires strong legal research skills.”
3. Artificial intelligence is not going to change the need for skilled legal professionals.
“The law has always impacted the daily lives of American citizens and those seeking legal status, and it always will. Consequently, there will always be a need for individuals who can find and apply the relevant laws to various situations.
“The emergence of search engines like Google — and, more recently, artificial intelligence — has led some to believe technology could replace legal professionals. However, this hasn’t been the case.
“In fact, our evolving legal landscape will increasingly require skilled individuals who can navigate the complexities of technology and its impact on society.”
4. Your professors want you to succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“Reach out to your professors! We can provide you with the information you need, set up meetings with you and offer support and feedback. You should feel comfortable asking to meet with us — we are excited to get to know each of our students.”
Become a Strategic Legal Expert With an MLS From DePaul
If a master of legal studies fits your professional goals, DePaul’s fully online MLS program will prepare you to confidently influence legal decisions at your workplace and effectively engage with complex legal issues in your industry.
Our online MLS degree stands out thanks to our commitment to student success, which includes education and support from leading scholars and professors like Anne Hudson.
We welcome professionals from all fields who want to add career-changing legal skills without earning a JD or becoming an attorney. In recognition of the value of work experience, we offer a waiver that can reduce overall tuition costs. Find out how you can qualify for a professional experience waiver.