6 February, 2026
Many organizations need to employ professionals who understand the law, even if they don’t practice it. Nonprofits and government agencies handle contracts and compliance reviews, financial institutions are subject to major regulations that require legal fluency, and legal offices themselves need non-lawyer staff with foundational legal knowledge to support work.
Though these roles don’t require a Juris Doctor, they still call for individuals with a clear grasp of legal principles and the ability to interpret complicated laws and regulations.
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) offers this foundation through a legal education specifically geared toward business environments. In these programs, students strengthen their ability to understand regulations and support strategic decision-making in their organizations. This well-rounded set of skills prepares professionals for several careers in law that don’t require professionals to be a practicing attorney.
What Differentiates an MLS From a JD?
The difference between a Master of Legal Studies and a Juris Doctor is relatively simple. While both degrees provide an education in the law, the JD is a professional degree that prepares graduates to obtain the license necessary to practice law and represent clients in court. The MLS is an academic degree that does not qualify individuals to seek a license, but builds the skills of professionals dealing with regulation, compliance, risk and more.
Professionals choose an MLS when they want a legal understanding of business processes, but they do not plan to practice law or take the bar exam. The degree allows students to strengthen communication and apply legal reasoning in sector-specific roles.
Seven Legal Careers You Can Pursue Without a JD
Any professional who needs legal fluency, regulatory insight and strong communication skills is a good fit for a legal studies degree, so anyone from health care administrators to corporate managers can benefit from an MLS.
However, many MLS graduates find their skills most applicable in roles that truly immerse them in the legal environment. While they won’t argue cases in court, MLS graduates in legal roles will engage with analysis and research to shape strategic decision-making and communicate how the law can shape business outcomes.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Legal secretary | $56,330 |
| Paralegal | $61,010 |
| Mediator | $67,710 |
| Compliance officer | $78,420 |
| Risk analyst | $97,500 |
| Legal operations specialist | $105,200 |
| Contract manager | $115,100 |
Source: Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
1. Legal Secretary
Median Annual Salary: $56,330 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Legal secretaries manage a firm’s schedule and maintain frequent communication between attorneys and clients. They draft routine correspondence and organize documents that flow through a legal office. A successful secretary needs exceptional organizational skills and familiarity with legal terminology. Many of these professionals eventually move into office management or legal operations roles, as they already have insights into administrative processes and work structure.
2. Paralegal
Median Annual Salary: $61,010 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Paralegals work with attorneys by organizing case files and preparing court documents. They also review records, assist with research and communicate with clients. Many work in law firms, though corporate legal departments and government offices also employ paralegals.
This role calls for clear writing skills and strong attention to detail, as paralegals often need to review in-depth statutes and draft strictly-formatted documents.
3. Mediator
Median Annual Salary: $67,710 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Mediators help parties resolve conflicts or negotiate complex issues without litigation. They guide conversations and encourage participants to reach cooperative solutions that meet each party’s needs. Many mediators work in government, although many also work in health care and education as well.
This career focus calls for clear communication and an ability to analyze the interests behind each position. A legal studies education is great preparation for this path, as courses in negotiations prepare them to support productive outcomes and help parties avoid lengthy legal disputes.
4. Compliance Officer
Median Annual Salary: $78,420 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Compliance officers make sure organizations follow regulatory guidelines by monitoring internal processes and identifying gaps that could create financial or legal risks. Many work in the finance or healthcare fields.
Compliance roles are always needed, as organizations need to effectively respond to new regulations and maintain consistency. Professionals in these positions take time to interpret rules clearly and help leadership teams create policies that support responsible operations.
5. Risk Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $97,500 (Lightcast)
Risk analysts explore various factors that may affect an organization’s financial or operational stability. They review data and recommend actions that protect the business from potential loss. Many of these individuals work in finance, insurance, health care and technology.
Effectively determining risk requires strong analytical skills and an understanding of how regulations influence financial decisions. Risk analysts who clearly understand legal frameworks provide valuable insight.
6. Legal Operations Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $105,200 (Lightcast)
Legal operations specialists support legal departments by evaluating workflows and recommending adjustments that support better outcomes, such as improved communication or more efficient resource management. Many work with outside counsel and coordinate processes like budgeting and technology adoption.
This position benefits from skills in organizational management and policy evaluation. Professionals in this role thrive when they can understand the needs of legal professionals and support them with structured processes.
7. Contract Manager
Median Annual Salary: $115,100 (Lightcast)
A contract manager oversees the agreements that guide relationships between vendors or clients. They coordinate approval processes and make sure terms reflect organizational and legal requirements.
Contract managers need the ability to interpret contract language and support decision-making as it relates to compliance. Contract managers often become key partners for project teams because they ensure that agreements also reflect budget and regulatory expectations.
How Do MLS Programs Prepare You for a Law-Related Career?
Master of Legal Studies programs equip students with legal knowledge that applies across several industries. An MLS curriculum focuses on building skills in:
- Communication
- Legal research
- Policy interpretation
- Negotiation
- Regulatory compliance
These skills are especially relevant in law, where organizations continue to face new regulatory challenges. Leaders need professionals who can adhere to regulations and communicate clearly across teams. An MLS provides these capabilities without requiring students to train for court representation.
An MLS can also help professionals move into leadership roles by building strong communication skills and helping demonstrate the ability to understand the legal implications that shape organizational outcomes. Graduates often advance into positions that influence policy and support risk-aware decisions.
Build Legal Foundations With Core Courses
MLS programs introduce students to the foundations of U.S. law through their core coursework. These legal frameworks help them make sense of laws and how they apply in specific settings.
| Course Topics | Focus | Relevant Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | How regulations shape organizational processes, how to identify and address compliance gaps | Compliance officer, risk analyst |
| Legal research and writing | How to create clear, accurate and legally sound documents | Paralegal, legal secretary, contract manager |
| Organizational management and the law | How laws influence decision-making, budgeting and operational policies | Legal operations specialist, contract manager |
| Communication and negotiation | How to manage conversations, resolve conflicts and support agreements | Mediator, compliance officer |
Deepen Expertise With MLS Concentrations
MLS students at DePaul College of Law benefit from the flexibility to customize their degree to support jobs that involve the law in specific industries. Concentrations help graduates strengthen the skills they need in specialized environments.
Business Law
The Business Law concentration focuses on commercial regulations and organizational policy. Students study contracts and corporate structures, as well as evaluate potential risks. These skills help professionals support decision-making in real estate and procurement industries, as well as an array of other businesses.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Law
The Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Law concentration teaches students how privacy laws influence corporate technology decisions and how organizations manage data responsibly. Professionals in compliance and information governance benefit from this concentration. Many organizations need staff who can interpret privacy rules and guide policy updates that protect customer and organizational data.
About the DePaul Law Master of Legal Studies Program
DePaul Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) provides professionals the knowledge and skills they need to navigate complex legal landscapes, understand legal research and collaborate with legal advisors.
Our curriculum covers essential legal topics such as research and writing, regulatory compliance, negotiation, communication and organizational management. With three concentration options available in data privacy and cybersecurity law, business law and general legal studies, students can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Courses are taught by dedicated faculty who are working lawyers and renowned legal scholars. They embed interactive learning components into the coursework, including simulation exercises and practice-based assignments, which allow students to hone their skills before applying them to their own workplaces.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field are welcome; no prior legal experience and no test scores are required to apply. Through our professional experience waiver, students can receive up to six credit hours (out of the 30 required for the degree) based on their relevant work experience, allowing them to earn their degree in a shorter time frame.
Learn more about the online MLS by downloading a brochure, or get started on your application today.
