The Master of Legal Studies is a comprehensive, 30-credit online program designed to offer professionals a robust foundation in US law, empowering them with the legal knowledge to advance or pivot their careers.
Contemporary legal knowledge can support informed decision-making for all professionals, but it is particularly beneficial in regulated fields such as business, compliance, health care, human resources, and finance.
The engaging coursework in the online MLS reflects real-world challenges and opportunities, providing students with the knowledge and skills to apply the law in their workplaces. MLS courses are delivered asynchronously through a combination of weekly units, discussions, and collaborative assignments. Classes feature faculty-produced videos and podcasts, with coursework centered on solving real-world legal issues. Though the program is 100% online, students can participate in optional residential intensives that allow for in-person collaboration with peers and faculty.
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
Master of Legal Studies Alum
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.
We have optional residential intensives during the academic year. Students come to campus already knowing each other from previous classroom interactions. It’s really fun to see them light up when they get to put the face with the name, have conversations, and work together in person.
– Christy Hardwick
Program Manager for Academic Affairs at Wake Forest University School of Law
Curriculum Structure
The Wake Forest Law MLS program is made up of core courses, track courses, and electives:
- Core courses: 13.5 credits
- Track courses: 10.5 credits
- Elective courses: Up to 6 credits
- Total: 30 credits
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Legal Studies program will:
- Examine the legal issues relevant to their workplace
- Analyze the legal and regulatory framework applicable to their industry and workplace
- Evaluate the impact of the legal and regulatory framework on the business goals of their industry and workplace
- Recognize the relevant practice limitations on non-lawyer professionals concerning legal issues
- Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively regarding legal issues and decisions and how they impact their workplace
Track Options
The online MLS allows students to customize their degrees with four track options. All students are required to choose a track.
Business Law and Compliance
The Business Law and Compliance track prepares professionals to meet regulatory requirements, identify and mitigate potential legal risks, protect data and privacy, and ultimately enhance their organization’s reputation and trustworthiness. Topics may include cybersecurity and privacy, sustainable corporations, and employment law for managers.
Health Law and Policy
The Health Law and Policy track provides healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the legal framework of the evolving sector. You’ll explore the policies behind health services delivery, understand complex regulations like HIPAA, and unpack the legal implications of medical decisions. Topics may include healthcare compliance, the business of health policy, and telemedicine.
Human Resources
HR professionals, as the intermediary between an organization and its employees, need to be able to protect their organization’s reputation while making informed, strategic decisions. The Human Resources track gives students the tools to fairly and consistently handle the challenges faced by employees. Topics may include labor law, compensation and benefits, and wage and hour law.
Financial Services
Compliance, risk management, operations, and financial advising professionals can benefit from the Financial Services track, which supports them in numerous areas of the highly regulated finance industry. Students learn how to make more informed decisions, reduce legal exposure, and engage more effectively with attorneys and regulators. Topics may include international compliance, contracts, and banking law.
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
Master of Legal Studies Alum
Course List
Core Courses
Legal Foundations
Credits: 3 hours
An overview of the United States legal system in the context of today’s workplace, including the judicial system, federal-state relationship, law-making processes, and the role of lawyers. Specific attention to real-world-centered examples, including writing and drafting assignments in various workplace settings to provide insight into the legal context of decision-making and risk management.
An overview of the United States legal system in the context of today’s workplace, including the judicial system, federal-state relationship, law-making processes, and the role of lawyers. Specific attention to real-world-centered examples, including writing and drafting assignments in various workplace settings to provide insight into the legal context of decision-making and risk management.
Public Law
Credits: 3 hours
Introduction to federal, state, and local government systems that govern the relationship between the individual and the state. This class examines the constitutional structure of American government, the processes by which laws and regulations are made, the methods agencies use to enforce the law, and the role of the judicial system. Topics covered will include civil rights, criminal procedure, environmental law, zoning and land use regulation, health and safety regulation, health care regulation, and financial regulation.
Introduction to federal, state, and local government systems that govern the relationship between the individual and the state. This class examines the constitutional structure of American government, the processes by which laws and regulations are made, the methods agencies use to enforce the law, and the role of the judicial system. Topics covered will include civil rights, criminal procedure, environmental law, zoning and land use regulation, health and safety regulation, health care regulation, and financial regulation.
Private Law
Credits: 3 hours
Most non-criminal law concerns rights and duties between persons: the legal obligations of people to each other in carrying on their day-to-day personal and business lives. This everyday law is called private law and includes an ever-increasing, wide range of legal subtopics and specialties. Almost all of these private law subtopics, however, derive from and are variants of three, foundational, meta-legal areas of law: tort, contract, and property. This course introduces these three areas; explores their relationships in business and the economy; and considers how they enable free enterprise.
Most non-criminal law concerns rights and duties between persons: the legal obligations of people to each other in carrying on their day-to-day personal and business lives. This everyday law is called private law and includes an ever-increasing, wide range of legal subtopics and specialties. Almost all of these private law subtopics, however, derive from and are variants of three, foundational, meta-legal areas of law: tort, contract, and property. This course introduces these three areas; explores their relationships in business and the economy; and considers how they enable free enterprise.
Business Law and Literacy
Credits: 3 hours
This course will familiarize you with the basics of business law and the vocabulary of business. Specifically, you will learn about the law applicable to (1) agency relationships; (2) for-profit business firms, (3) securities offerings and stock trading, (4) non-profit organizations; and (5) mixed-purpose social enterprises. Of necessity, we will sample topics in each area (such as the formation of business firms, liabilities and governance powers of firm participants, duties within the firm, financing the firm, insider trading liability, tax implications, and firm dissolution). On all of these topics, you will acquire greater “business literacy."
This course will familiarize you with the basics of business law and the vocabulary of business. Specifically, you will learn about the law applicable to (1) agency relationships; (2) for-profit business firms, (3) securities offerings and stock trading, (4) non-profit organizations; and (5) mixed-purpose social enterprises. Of necessity, we will sample topics in each area (such as the formation of business firms, liabilities and governance powers of firm participants, duties within the firm, financing the firm, insider trading liability, tax implications, and firm dissolution). On all of these topics, you will acquire greater “business literacy."
The Unauthorized Practice of Law
Credits: 1.5 hours
The dramatic changes in the legal profession since the 2008 market crash, from the increase in virtual law practice to the rise of DIY services to clients’ increasing demand for efficiencies, have led to a recognition that non-lawyers have an increasingly critical role in the delivery of legal services. While most regulatory bars are not yet sure exactly: (a) what this role should be; or (b) how, if at all, it should be regulated, that a change is coming is certain. This course explores the extent to which people with legal training, but no license to practice, can use the law, as a social and economic variable, to better manage risk without fear of prosecution or civil liability.
The dramatic changes in the legal profession since the 2008 market crash, from the increase in virtual law practice to the rise of DIY services to clients’ increasing demand for efficiencies, have led to a recognition that non-lawyers have an increasingly critical role in the delivery of legal services. While most regulatory bars are not yet sure exactly: (a) what this role should be; or (b) how, if at all, it should be regulated, that a change is coming is certain. This course explores the extent to which people with legal training, but no license to practice, can use the law, as a social and economic variable, to better manage risk without fear of prosecution or civil liability.
Business Law and Compliance Track Courses
Detecting Wrongdoing with Investigations, Monitoring, and Audits
Credits: 3 hours
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the seven basic tools of auditing and monitoring.
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the seven basic tools of auditing and monitoring.
Employment Law for Managers
Credits: 3 hours
An analysis of the relevant laws that regulate the hiring, classification, evaluation, discipline, and discharge of employees. Also covers the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on any basis under state and federal statutes and regulations, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Students will also cover the EEOC administrative process.
An analysis of the relevant laws that regulate the hiring, classification, evaluation, discipline, and discharge of employees. Also covers the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on any basis under state and federal statutes and regulations, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Students will also cover the EEOC administrative process.
Labor Law
Credits: 3 hours
An introduction to US labor history and federal legislation, administrative decisions, and court rulings that shaped US labor relations and collective bargaining in the private and public sectors. The course covers legal rights and obligations of employers, employees, and unions under the National Labor Relations Act, along with Union/Management relations topics including: collective bargaining, grievance administration and arbitration, and union organizing and representation. Also covered are recent shifts in legal precedent and emerging issues, and an overview of international labor relations issues, practices, and trends.
An introduction to US labor history and federal legislation, administrative decisions, and court rulings that shaped US labor relations and collective bargaining in the private and public sectors. The course covers legal rights and obligations of employers, employees, and unions under the National Labor Relations Act, along with Union/Management relations topics including: collective bargaining, grievance administration and arbitration, and union organizing and representation. Also covered are recent shifts in legal precedent and emerging issues, and an overview of international labor relations issues, practices, and trends.
Healthcare Compliance
Credits: 1.5 - 3 hours
In-depth coverage of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in two critical areas: 1) privacy and security of health care information under state and federal law, including HIPAA, HITECH Act, cybersecurity issues, and state breach notification laws; and 2) billing for health care services, including exposure under the federal False Claims Act and compliance audits under Medicare.
In-depth coverage of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in two critical areas: 1) privacy and security of health care information under state and federal law, including HIPAA, HITECH Act, cybersecurity issues, and state breach notification laws; and 2) billing for health care services, including exposure under the federal False Claims Act and compliance audits under Medicare.
Paying for Healthcare
Credits: 3 hours
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. Analysis of the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. Analysis of the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
Compensation and Benefits
Credits: 3 hours
The legal landscape governing employee pay and benefits, broadly defined, including insurance, retirement plans, educational resources, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and other perks. Students explore employee leave policies, health care reform, and executive compensation.
The legal landscape governing employee pay and benefits, broadly defined, including insurance, retirement plans, educational resources, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and other perks. Students explore employee leave policies, health care reform, and executive compensation.
Wage and Hour Law
Credits: 1.5 hours
An exploration of the federal and state wage and hour laws that impact today's business operations, including laws impacting timekeeping, overtime, wages, and equal pay, and how laws around meal/rest breaks, leaves, and scheduling impact an employer's obligations to pay wages. Students analyze how failure to comply with these laws increase risks around litigation, agency charges, and internal compliance audits. Throughout, students consider how to address the day-to-day scenarios HR professionals face in the workplace.
An exploration of the federal and state wage and hour laws that impact today's business operations, including laws impacting timekeeping, overtime, wages, and equal pay, and how laws around meal/rest breaks, leaves, and scheduling impact an employer's obligations to pay wages. Students analyze how failure to comply with these laws increase risks around litigation, agency charges, and internal compliance audits. Throughout, students consider how to address the day-to-day scenarios HR professionals face in the workplace.
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Credits: 3 hours
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
International Compliance
Credits: 1.5 hours
An overview of risk-based compliance strategies, policies, and procedures relevant to domestic businesses operating outside of the United States. This course will cover economic sanctions, import issues and export controls, anti-bribery (under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)), foreign investment, and anti-boycott regulations, with a focus on addressing the necessary diligence required for international transactions. Coverage will include the relevant government agencies regulating international business transactions.
An overview of risk-based compliance strategies, policies, and procedures relevant to domestic businesses operating outside of the United States. This course will cover economic sanctions, import issues and export controls, anti-bribery (under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)), foreign investment, and anti-boycott regulations, with a focus on addressing the necessary diligence required for international transactions. Coverage will include the relevant government agencies regulating international business transactions.
Advanced Contracts
Credits: 3 hours
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
Sustainable Corporations
Credits: 1.5 - 3 hours
Considers the sustainability of the modern US corporation: can the corporation meet current social needs while enabling future generations to meet theirs? We begin by looking at the corporation's current and unsustainable design: its externalization of costs, its short-term focus, its groupthink decision-making, and its political personhood. We then consider recent (and remarkable) triple-bottom-line responses to this design: environmental stewardship (planet), voluntary CSR (people), and socially responsible investing (profits). We conclude by exploring some potential paradigm shifts: new social enterprise forms, new environmental/social reporting, and the corporation as a moral system.
Considers the sustainability of the modern US corporation: can the corporation meet current social needs while enabling future generations to meet theirs? We begin by looking at the corporation's current and unsustainable design: its externalization of costs, its short-term focus, its groupthink decision-making, and its political personhood. We then consider recent (and remarkable) triple-bottom-line responses to this design: environmental stewardship (planet), voluntary CSR (people), and socially responsible investing (profits). We conclude by exploring some potential paradigm shifts: new social enterprise forms, new environmental/social reporting, and the corporation as a moral system.
The Business of Health and Policy: Politics and Theory
Credits: 1.5 hours
Designed to provide a general understanding of health theory and policy. This includes exploration of economic and political philosophies, and their impact on health policy development, consideration of the impact of cost, access, and quality, policy-development theories, legislative processes, as well as frameworks for health policy analysis and advocacy.
Designed to provide a general understanding of health theory and policy. This includes exploration of economic and political philosophies, and their impact on health policy development, consideration of the impact of cost, access, and quality, policy-development theories, legislative processes, as well as frameworks for health policy analysis and advocacy.
Law and Public Policy
Credits: 3 hours
Today's employees need to understand legal policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true in the state and federal response to COVID-19. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
Today's employees need to understand legal policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true in the state and federal response to COVID-19. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
Legal Research
Credits: 1.5 hours
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library’s website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library’s website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
Banking Law and Regulation
Credits: 3 hours
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system.
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system.
Women, Law, Leadership, and Character
Credits: 3 hours
This interdisciplinary course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women.
This interdisciplinary course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women.
Residential
Credits: 1.5 hours
A residential course is an intensive weekend in Winston-Salem devoted to a specific legal issue that is applicable to all MLS tracks. Students will be required to be on campus from early Saturday through midday Sunday. Each specific residential class may require work before and after the weekend.
A residential course is an intensive weekend in Winston-Salem devoted to a specific legal issue that is applicable to all MLS tracks. Students will be required to be on campus from early Saturday through midday Sunday. Each specific residential class may require work before and after the weekend.
Financial Services Track Courses
International Compliance
Credits: 1.5 hours
An overview of risk-based compliance strategies, policies, and procedures relevant to domestic businesses operating outside of the United States. This course will cover economic sanctions, import issues and export controls, anti-bribery (under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)), foreign investment, and anti-boycott regulations, with a focus on addressing the necessary diligence required for international transactions. Coverage will include the relevant government agencies regulating international business transactions.
An overview of risk-based compliance strategies, policies, and procedures relevant to domestic businesses operating outside of the United States. This course will cover economic sanctions, import issues and export controls, anti-bribery (under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)), foreign investment, and anti-boycott regulations, with a focus on addressing the necessary diligence required for international transactions. Coverage will include the relevant government agencies regulating international business transactions.
Advanced Contracts
Credits: 3 hours
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
Securities Regulation
Credits: 3 hours
This course is your ticket into the world of securities regulation. You will learn the "ins and outs" of federal regulation of securities offerings (IPOs, private placements, and crowdfunding) under the Securities Act of 1933, as well as become familiar with the basics of federal regulation of securities markets and trading under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. P-LAW 203.
This course is your ticket into the world of securities regulation. You will learn the "ins and outs" of federal regulation of securities offerings (IPOs, private placements, and crowdfunding) under the Securities Act of 1933, as well as become familiar with the basics of federal regulation of securities markets and trading under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. P-LAW 203.
Banking Law and Regulation
Credits: 3 hours
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system.
This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States by addressing the history of the banking industry, the fundamental rationales for regulating banks, the restrictions imposed upon banks and other financial institutions, the causes and consequences of bank failures, and the rise of the shadow banking system.
Health Law and Policy Track Courses
Detecting Wrongdoing with Investigations, Monitoring, and Audits
Credits: 3 hours
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the seven basic tools of auditing and monitoring.
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the seven basic tools of auditing and monitoring.
Telemedicine
Credits: 3 hours
An introduction to the legal landscape governing the use of digital information and telecommunication technologies in patient care delivery. Coverage will include licensing and credentialing, technology, business models, contracts, and governance issues impacting the rapidly growing global digital health industry.
An introduction to the legal landscape governing the use of digital information and telecommunication technologies in patient care delivery. Coverage will include licensing and credentialing, technology, business models, contracts, and governance issues impacting the rapidly growing global digital health industry.
Healthcare Compliance
Credits: 1.5 - 3 hours
In-depth coverage of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in two critical areas: 1) privacy and security of health care information under state and federal law, including HIPAA, HITECH Act, cybersecurity issues, and state breach notification laws; and 2) billing for health care services, including exposure under the federal False Claims Act and compliance audits under Medicare.
In-depth coverage of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in two critical areas: 1) privacy and security of health care information under state and federal law, including HIPAA, HITECH Act, cybersecurity issues, and state breach notification laws; and 2) billing for health care services, including exposure under the federal False Claims Act and compliance audits under Medicare.
Paying for Healthcare
Credits: 3 hours
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. Analysis of the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. Analysis of the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
Bioethics and the Law
Credits: 1.5 hours
A survey of leading topics where ethical issues are prominent in health care delivery, including the “right to die,” genetic therapies and research, organ transplantation, and advances in biotechnology.
A survey of leading topics where ethical issues are prominent in health care delivery, including the “right to die,” genetic therapies and research, organ transplantation, and advances in biotechnology.
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Credits: 3 hours
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
Advanced Contracts
Credits: 3 hours
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
Sustainable Corporations
Credits: 1.5 - 3 hours
Considers the sustainability of the modern US corporation: can the corporation meet current social needs while enabling future generations to meet theirs? We begin by looking at the corporation's current and unsustainable design: its externalization of costs, its short-term focus, its groupthink decision-making, and its political personhood. We then consider recent (and remarkable) triple-bottom-line responses to this design: environmental stewardship (planet), voluntary CSR (people), and socially responsible investing (profits). We conclude by exploring some potential paradigm shifts: new social enterprise forms, new environmental/social reporting, and the corporation as a moral system.
Considers the sustainability of the modern US corporation: can the corporation meet current social needs while enabling future generations to meet theirs? We begin by looking at the corporation's current and unsustainable design: its externalization of costs, its short-term focus, its groupthink decision-making, and its political personhood. We then consider recent (and remarkable) triple-bottom-line responses to this design: environmental stewardship (planet), voluntary CSR (people), and socially responsible investing (profits). We conclude by exploring some potential paradigm shifts: new social enterprise forms, new environmental/social reporting, and the corporation as a moral system.
The Business of Health Policy: Politics and Theory
Credits: 1.5 hours
Designed to provide a general understanding of health theory and policy. This includes exploration of economic and political philosophies, and their impact on health policy development, consideration of the impact of cost, access, and quality, policy-development theories, legislative processes, as well as frameworks for health policy analysis and advocacy.
Designed to provide a general understanding of health theory and policy. This includes exploration of economic and political philosophies, and their impact on health policy development, consideration of the impact of cost, access, and quality, policy-development theories, legislative processes, as well as frameworks for health policy analysis and advocacy.
Law and Public Policy
Credits: 3 hours
Today's employees need to understand legal policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true in the state and federal response to COVID-19. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
Today's employees need to understand legal policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true in the state and federal response to COVID-19. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
Legal Research
Credits: 1.5 hours
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library’s website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library’s website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
Women, Law, Leadership, and Character
Credits: 3 hours
This interdisciplinary course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women.
This interdisciplinary course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women.
Residential
Credits: 1.5 hours
A residential course is an intensive weekend in Winston-Salem devoted to a specific legal issue that is applicable to all MLS tracks. Students will be required to be on campus from early Saturday through midday Sunday. Each specific residential class may require work before and after the weekend.
A residential course is an intensive weekend in Winston-Salem devoted to a specific legal issue that is applicable to all MLS tracks. Students will be required to be on campus from early Saturday through midday Sunday. Each specific residential class may require work before and after the weekend.
Human Resources Track Courses
Detecting Wrongdoing with Investigations, Monitoring, and Audits
Credits: 3 hours
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the seven basic tools of auditing and monitoring.
An introduction to the detection of wrongdoing in the workplace, with an emphasis on the following key methods: investigations, monitoring, and auditing. Coverage includes essential investigation components and pitfalls, as well as the seven basic tools of auditing and monitoring.
Employment Law for Managers
Credits: 3 hours
An analysis of the relevant laws that regulate the hiring, classification, evaluation, discipline, and discharge of employees. Also covers the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on any basis under state and federal statutes and regulations, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Students will also cover the EEOC administrative process.
An analysis of the relevant laws that regulate the hiring, classification, evaluation, discipline, and discharge of employees. Also covers the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on any basis under state and federal statutes and regulations, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Students will also cover the EEOC administrative process.
Labor Law
Credits: 3 hours
An introduction to US labor history and federal legislation, administrative decisions, and court rulings that shaped US labor relations and collective bargaining in the private and public sectors. The course covers legal rights and obligations of employers, employees, and unions under the National Labor Relations Act, along with Union/Management relations topics including: collective bargaining, grievance administration and arbitration, and union organizing and representation. Also covered are recent shifts in legal precedent and emerging issues, and an overview of international labor relations issues, practices, and trends.
An introduction to US labor history and federal legislation, administrative decisions, and court rulings that shaped US labor relations and collective bargaining in the private and public sectors. The course covers legal rights and obligations of employers, employees, and unions under the National Labor Relations Act, along with Union/Management relations topics including: collective bargaining, grievance administration and arbitration, and union organizing and representation. Also covered are recent shifts in legal precedent and emerging issues, and an overview of international labor relations issues, practices, and trends.
Telemedicine
Credits: 1.5 hours
An introduction to the legal landscape governing the use of digital information and telecommunication technologies in patient care delivery. Coverage will include licensing and credentialing, technology, business models, contracts, and governance issues impacting the rapidly growing global digital health industry.
An introduction to the legal landscape governing the use of digital information and telecommunication technologies in patient care delivery. Coverage will include licensing and credentialing, technology, business models, contracts, and governance issues impacting the rapidly growing global digital health industry.
Paying for Healthcare
Credits: 3 hours
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. Analysis of the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
The changing landscape of how we pay for health care, consisting of Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and health insurance reform. Analysis of the current fee-for-service system and its alternatives, as well as the policies behind these models.
Compensation and Benefits
Credits: 3 hours
The legal landscape governing employee pay and benefits, broadly defined, including insurance, retirement plans, educational resources, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and other perks. Students explore employee leave policies, health care reform, and executive compensation.
The legal landscape governing employee pay and benefits, broadly defined, including insurance, retirement plans, educational resources, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, and other perks. Students explore employee leave policies, health care reform, and executive compensation.
Wage and Hour Law
Credits: 1.5 hours
An exploration of the federal and state wage and hour laws that impact today's business operations, including laws impacting timekeeping, overtime, wages, and equal pay, and how laws around meal/rest breaks, leaves, and scheduling impact an employer's obligations to pay wages. Students analyze how failure to comply with these laws increase risks around litigation, agency charges, and internal compliance audits. Throughout, students consider how to address the day-to-day scenarios HR professionals face in the workplace.
An exploration of the federal and state wage and hour laws that impact today's business operations, including laws impacting timekeeping, overtime, wages, and equal pay, and how laws around meal/rest breaks, leaves, and scheduling impact an employer's obligations to pay wages. Students analyze how failure to comply with these laws increase risks around litigation, agency charges, and internal compliance audits. Throughout, students consider how to address the day-to-day scenarios HR professionals face in the workplace.
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Credits: 3 hours
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
An overview of cyber risks, along with the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing threat landscape of cybersecurity. We will explore the impacts of data breaches, data privacy challenges, cyber-criminal motives, and common strategies used to combat cyber warfare. After studying the strategies and challenges of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and protected health information (PHI), you will develop a cybersecurity risk mitigation strategy for your workplace or personal data.
Advanced Contracts
Credits: 3 hours
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
This course provides a deeper examination into the issues that arise when negotiating and interpreting contracts. We will cover the fundamentals of business contracts, with a practical lens, and examine how to draft them to avoid disputes. We will learn about the UCC and its role in contract enforcement, as well as warranties, defenses, remedies, third party interests, and choice of law decisions. Emphasis will include tools of negotiation that help ensure the intentions of the parties are upheld.
Sustainable Corporations
Credits: 1.5 - 3 hours
Considers the sustainability of the modern US corporation: can the corporation meet current social needs while enabling future generations to meet theirs? We begin by looking at the corporation's current and unsustainable design: its externalization of costs, its short-term focus, its groupthink decision-making, and its political personhood. We then consider recent (and remarkable) triple-bottom-line responses to this design: environmental stewardship (planet), voluntary CSR (people), and socially responsible investing (profits). We conclude by exploring some potential paradigm shifts: new social enterprise forms, new environmental/social reporting, and the corporation as a moral system.
Considers the sustainability of the modern US corporation: can the corporation meet current social needs while enabling future generations to meet theirs? We begin by looking at the corporation's current and unsustainable design: its externalization of costs, its short-term focus, its groupthink decision-making, and its political personhood. We then consider recent (and remarkable) triple-bottom-line responses to this design: environmental stewardship (planet), voluntary CSR (people), and socially responsible investing (profits). We conclude by exploring some potential paradigm shifts: new social enterprise forms, new environmental/social reporting, and the corporation as a moral system.
Law and Public Policy
Credits: 3 hours
Today's employees need to understand legal policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true in the state and federal response to COVID-19. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
Today's employees need to understand legal policy and how it impacts their constituents. This is particularly true in the state and federal response to COVID-19. This course will study the development and implementation of public policy with a focus on pandemic relief legislation.
Legal Research
Credits: 1.5 hours
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library’s website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
This course will introduce students to a variety of sources commonly used in legal research (statutes, cases, administrative regulations, etc.). Students will learn how to perform efficient searches in a variety of free and subscription services available via the Wake Forest Law Library’s website. Topics that will be covered include: statutory research, both state and federal; federal and state case law; administrative codes and regulations, state and federal; municipal codes and ordinances; legislative history, primarily at the federal level; secondary sources.
Women, Law, Leadership, and Character
Credits: 3 hours
This interdisciplinary course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women.
This interdisciplinary course holistically explores the intersection of women, law, leadership, and character. First, it examines what character is, why it matters, and how it is taught. Next, it explores how leadership is defined, theories and strategies for effective leadership, and how leadership skills can be developed. Then the course moves into a basic exploration of anti-discrimination frameworks that aim to prohibit discrimination against and sexual harassment of women. It also explores unconscious sex bias, privilege, and sex stereotyping, which are concurrently both the cause and effect of discrimination against and sexual harassment of women.
Residential
Credits: 1.5 hours
A residential course is an intensive weekend in Winston-Salem devoted to a specific legal issue that is applicable to all MLS tracks. Students will be required to be on campus from early Saturday through midday Sunday. Each specific residential class may require work before and after the weekend.
A residential course is an intensive weekend in Winston-Salem devoted to a specific legal issue that is applicable to all MLS tracks. Students will be required to be on campus from early Saturday through midday Sunday. Each specific residential class may require work before and after the weekend.