Careers: Master of Legal Studies

Careers: Master of Legal Studies
04.18.2024
30
05.06.2024
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Summer 2024 Info Session

Join Program Director Susan Stephan on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 1 p.m. EST for a live, virtual discussion about University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Legal Studies program.

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Masters of Legal Studies Career Opportunities

In many fields, the need for legal skills in non-lawyer jobs is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the demand for professionals with MLS and similar degrees in law for non-lawyers is growing 15% through 2026. As law firms seek to increase efficiency, they are hiring more non-lawyer roles. Large companies are also expanding their in-house legal teams with non-lawyers rather than hiring additional attorneys. In these cases, the advanced knowledge and skill from a non-JD graduate degree (such as an MLS) benefit both the career professional and the company.

Pivoting Your Career with UC Law’s Online Masters of Legal Studies Program

Our MLS Law online degree can also open career opportunities by allowing you to pivot your career toward the legal aspects of your field.  For example, individuals working in healthcare could benefit from a course in compliance policies.

Through our Masters of Legal Studies curriculum, you will be better equipped to:

  • Review and interpret agreements such as contracts
  • Understand the regulatory requirements for specific industries
  • Work with attorneys and compliance officers
Occupation Median Wage Projected Growth
Compliance Officers $71,690 5-8%
Human Resources Managers $130,000 5-8%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $48,780 -2%
Paralegals and Legal Assistants $59,200 2-4%
Business Intelligence Analysts $103,500 9%
Insurance Underwriters $76,230 -2%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,080 -2%
Management Analysts $95,290 9%

Masters of Legal Studies Career Opportunities

Due to how the law intersects with every industry in one way or another, it is very likely there is some aspect of your current role that could be enhanced with an MLS degree. Here are some common titles for in-demand jobs:

  • Compliance officer
  • IT technician
  • Human resources manager
  • Business Officer
  • Contracts and grants officer
  • Management consultant
  • Insurance representative
  • Accountant
  • Government official
  • Tax/payroll manager
  • Courtroom clerk
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Media executive
  • Healthcare practitioner
  • Legal assistant
  • Senior business analyst
  • Associate operations director
  • And many more

Average Salary for MLS Graduates

Students pursue an MLS degree to build the skills and expertise needed to advance their careers.  As a result, they frequently see higher salaries post-graduation.  In general, regardless of industry or profession, an individual who holds a master’s degree will earn an average salary of $68,000, as compared to $50,000 for those with a bachelor’s degree.

For those specifically with an MLS degree, data from PayScale shows that graduates earn an average of $66,803 per year; however, certain job titles see higher levels of compensation. For example, according to the Legal Salary Guide compiled by Robert Half, compliance directors can earn as much as $186,000 annually.