Reviewed by:
Adam Landreth, Assistant Dean for Online Programs, Wake Forest School of Law
Advanced legal knowledge is a great way to increase a professional’s value as an employee, even if they never plan to practice as an attorney. A Juris Doctor is the most well-known degree option for legal expertise, but there are other programs that provide a comprehensive view of US law, and these degrees can afford more diverse career opportunities to professionals who don’t want to become an attorney:
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
- Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
What’s the Difference Between an MLS and MSL?
A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a graduate degree that offers legal expertise to non-lawyer professionals working in highly regulated industries or roles, allowing them to confidently navigate laws, regulations, and compliance procedures.
A Master of Studies in Law (MSL) is functionally the same degree as the Master of Legal Studies—the only difference is in the name. These degrees can also be called Juris Master degrees, so it simply comes down to the university’s preferred naming convention.
Earning a Master of Legal Studies gives professionals a competitive edge for roles in risk management, human resources, policy development, health care, and compliance.
Who Should Consider a Master of Legal Studies?
A master’s degree in legal studies is typically a good choice for professionals who:
- Have a few years of work experience in a career where they need to understand and apply the law
- Manage compliance, risk, and contracts
- Need to have expertise in legal matters but do not need to become a licensed attorney
I always wanted to get my master’s, but all of my peers had MBAs, and that never really rang true to my career and my path. I knew also that getting a JD wasn’t really required to be effective at what I did. The MLS is a program that allows you to navigate the legal system, to understand it, to be proactive with it versus reactive.
– Vicki Banks (MLS ‘19)
Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Government Relations at the Biltmore Company
What Jobs Can You Get with a Master of Legal Studies?
Unlike a JD, which has one primary career outcome (attorney) or an MBA, which prepares professionals for generalized leadership positions, a Master of Legal Studies allows professionals to start or advance careers that intersect with law, regulation, and compliance.
It’s important to note that career outcomes can vary based on education, experience, and location, among other factors. However, some of the most common jobs for MLS graduates include:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
| Compliance Officer | $78,420 |
| HR Specialist | $72,910 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $117,960 |
| Contracts Manager | $109,400 |
| Risk Manager | $136,100 |
| Policy Analyst | $88,400 |
| Government Affairs Manager | $128,800 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast
Compliance Officer
Median Annual Salary: $78,420 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Compliance officers ensure that organizations follow laws and regulations, from federal to local. These roles can be very impactful for organizational success, as compliance must be taken seriously in order for businesses and non-profits of any size to stay operational.
HR Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $72,910 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Much of the compliance responsibilities within an organization falls to its human resources department, as these professionals oversee hiring, benefits, compensation, and disputes. HR specialists who specialize in compliance may also weigh in on how the company should handle difficult situations, such as harassment, hostile work environment situations, or accusations of retaliation.
Healthcare Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $117,960 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Also known as medical and health services managers, healthcare administrators ensure organizations in the healthcare industry are able to operate smoothly. They may work at healthcare facilities of all sizes, from small private practices to large hospital systems, and handle issues like operations, compliance, finances, and management.
Contracts Manager
Median Annual Salary: $109,400 (Lightcast)
Contracts are an important part of business operations and can involve a variety of parties, including suppliers, customers, and employees. While managing contracts doesn’t usually require attorney licensure, it does require an in-depth understanding of applicable laws to reduce risk and ensure all parties are on board with the contract’s parameters.
Risk Manager
Median Annual Salary: $136,100 (Lightcast)
Risk managers analyze an organization’s information, from contract clauses to financial statements, and protect that organization from risk wherever possible. They may also weigh in on organizational decisions and help leadership understand the pros and cons of taking a specific risk.
Policy Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $88,400 (Lightcast)
These professionals analyze existing laws, programs, and societal issues to help inform stakeholders and policymakers, as well as make recommendations for future policies. They can also work in the private sector, informing organizations on how emergent policies might affect their operations.
Government Affairs Manager
Median Annual Salary: $128,800 (Lightcast)
This is a public relations role that focuses on helping organizations coordinate with government entities. This allows private businesses and nonprofit organizations to monitor legislation, advocate for policy that would benefit their organizations, and support better relationships with government.
How Legal Knowledge Strengthens Leadership and Risk Management Roles
Across departments and functions, an understanding of the US legal system can help leaders and risk managers improve operations, support business stability, and communicate more effectively.
- Regulatory and Compliance Strategy: Knowledge of the law can support more informed decision-making, as leaders with legal expertise can think strategically about their decisions and understand the potential legal consequences of each option.
- Ethical Decision-Making in Business: Unethical decisions can lead to serious consequences, including fines to litigation. MLS coursework equips professionals with the skills to apply the law in the real world, helping them make decisions that lead to business growth without the risk of noncompliance.
- Cross-Functional Communication with Legal Teams: Business leaders and risk professionals often collaborate with lawyers. An MLS equips professionals with foundational legal knowledge and communication skills, facilitating better collaboration.
How an MLS Degree Can Help You Advance Your Career
Even if your dream job is not specifically a compliance or regulatory role, a Master of Legal Studies degree can support career advancement for anyone looking to add strategic value to their organization through comprehensive legal knowledge, analytical thinking skills, and regulatory expertise.
- Stand Out in Promotion and Hiring Decisions: Obtaining a graduate degree demonstrates ambition, a strong work ethic, and commitment to career advancement. Professionals with an MLS show their employers that they are prepared to go above and beyond in their day-to-day work. It also displays a valuable skill set: research, analytical thinking, and foundational legal knowledge.
- Expand Your Influence Across Your Organization: With expertise in compliance and regulation, MLS graduates have the ability to influence their teams, departments, and organizations. People look to these professionals for their opinion on strategic decision-making, from small process decisions to major organizational projects.
- Add Strategic Value Without Needing a JD: A Juris Doctor (JD) isn’t the only way to gain legal expertise. A Master of Legal Studies is specifically designed to equip professionals with the legal concepts that are most applicable to business strategy across industries. With an MLS, professionals can help their organizations minimize risk, maintain compliance, and make legally sound decisions.
Is a Master of Legal Studies Worth It?
Data shows that earning a graduate degree leads to higher earning potential and lower unemployment rates compared to individuals who have only a bachelor’s or less. Earning potential is even higher for professionals in legal occupations: this wage group had the highest average salary in the US in 2023, at $149,513.
To ensure a strong return on investment, it’s important for professionals to carefully consider their choice of program. An online and asynchronous master’s in legal studies allows working professionals to earn their degree without taking extended leave from work, helping them to advance their career without losing out on valuable income.
Choosing a program with an affordable tuition rate means that graduates can recoup the cost of their investment much faster than programs without a competitive rate.
Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what Wake Forest Law alumni have to say about how their MLS degrees have supported their career growth:
“I feel like I’m really adding value as a result of the MLS program. Just from my first semester, I’m more advanced and confident speaking when it comes to contractual negotiations. I’ve been able to hit the ground running with a lot of the concepts I’ve learned directly in class.”
— Brooks Padgett (MLS ‘20), Senior Vice President of HR at Truist
“The MLS will set you apart. I got hired into a different role within the company, and they hired me as a direct result of going to school and taking these classes.”
— Tim Ellerbe (MLS ‘21), Senior Program Manager for IT Security and Compliance at Dell, Inc.
Legal Skills for Highly Regulated Industries: Earn Your Online MLS
Wake Forest University School of Law delivers an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a strong return on investment, combining academic rigor with real-world impact and purpose-driven leadership. Students customize their curriculum by choosing from five in-demand tracks:
Wake Forest students enjoy all the benefits of a prestigious law school, including access to tenured law school faculty and a more affordable tuition rate than comparable legal studies programs and MBA programs.
Download a brochure to learn more today, or get started on your application!
Request Information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Legal Studies at the Wake Forest University School of Law, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 336.863.8438.
Sources
- Contract manager salary in United States | Indeed
- Education pays | US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Government Affairs Manager Salary | ZipRecruiter
- Legal Occupations | Data USA
- Lightcast
- Risk Manager Salaries | Glassdoor
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook