The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program is a one-year, 30-credit program designed for non-lawyers who would like to learn about U.S. laws and regulations. This program will help students develop legal knowledge, skills, and networks in specific areas of law tailored to their career interests. The curriculum includes three required courses, a variety of electives, and an advanced writing requirement. MLS courses are currently offered as a residential program on the VLGS campus in South Royalton, Vermont, with online and hybrid options planned for the future. Students will benefit from intensive mentor guidance and strong comparative law expertise.

Program Description

The world’s complex regulatory environment demands that professionals in almost every industry have a basic understanding of legal compliance. If you are interested in learning about laws and regulations, or if your day-to-day work intersects with law, this Master of Legal Studies Program is for you.

The MLS program is not the same as a Juris Doctor degree. This program is designed for non-lawyers.

The MLS program is also different from the LLM degree programs, which require a law degree as a prerequisite. The MLS program does not require a law degree, and applicants with a degree in ANY major can apply.

What are the learning goals of the Master Of Legal Studies Program?

• Gain knowledge of the U.S. legal system and how it is different than other legal systems.
• Learn the process of legal analysis and develop practical skills to evaluate and understand legal systems in cases, statutes, and in practice. Students will also learn the public policy that is foundational to many laws in the U.S. and in other countries.
• Enhance other fundamental professional skills, including negotiation, critical thinking, research, client advocacy, and written communication.

The MLS program curriculum is composed of three required courses, a series of elective courses, and an advanced legal writing requirement.

What is the Curriculum?

The MLS program curriculum is composed of three required courses, a series of elective courses, and an advanced legal writing requirement.

• Three required courses
  • U.S. Law and Legal Analysis
  • Comparative Law
  • One of the core law school courses: Contracts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Torts, Corporations, Civil Procedure, Legislation/Regulation, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, International Law
• Elective Courses (mentor-guided elective course plan)
  You can select elective courses from all the courses offered by VLGS that tailor to your areas of interest and career development goals. Students can also choose a focus area, such as Business Law or International Law. Our MLS program mentors will work with you to design your elective course plan.
• Writing Requirement
  MLS students are required to complete a writing project in the last two semesters as a capstone project for the degree.

What Are The Benefits Of The MLS Program?

• Flexibility
  The MLS curriculum is designed with flexibility in mind, offering a combination of both master’s and J.D. courses. Students have the freedom to select from the full range of courses offered by VLGS, as long as they fulfill the three required courses. We are happy to work with you to create a personalized academic plan that aligns with your goals and interests.
• Intensive Mentor Guidance
  We will work closely with you to make an individualized course plan tailored to your career and academic goals.
  
• Varieties of Specializations
  You can take general law courses with your professional interests, or choose from one of the following specialization areas that are cross-functional and interdisciplinary: Environmental Law Specialization, Animal Law Specialization, Business Law Specialization, Climate Change Law Specialization, Energy Law Specialization, China and Southeast Asia Specialization, Food and Agricultural Law Specialization, Legal Writing Specialization, and Environmental Tax Law and Policy Specialization.

Degree Details

Frequently Asked Questions About the Master of Legal Studies Program

What is the MLS program? 

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program at Vermont Law and Graduate School is designed for individuals who want to enhance their careers by gaining a solid understanding of U.S. law without becoming attorneys. This 30-credit program offers flexibility with full-time or part-time options, available both on campus and online. Students can choose specializations in areas like environmental law, business law, or animal law and complete an advanced legal writing project as part of their degree. It’s ideal for professionals seeking legal knowledge in a specific field.

What is the difference between MLS and a JD? 

The main difference between the MLS (Master of Legal Studies) and the JD (Juris Doctor) is that the MLS is designed for individuals who want to understand legal concepts and regulations without becoming lawyers. It is typically for professionals in fields like business, healthcare, or government. In contrast, the JD is for those pursuing a career as an attorney, requiring extensive legal training and preparation for the bar exam. The MLS program does not lead to licensure to practice law, while the JD does.

Can I specialize in certain areas of law? 

Yes, the MLS program at Vermont Law and Graduate School offers several areas of specialization, such as environmental law, business law, animal law, and more. Students can tailor their studies to focus on these areas or pursue broader legal education. This flexibility allows individuals to gain expertise in the legal fields that align with their professional goals.

Are there any required courses? 

Yes, the MLS program at Vermont Law and Graduate School includes three required courses: U.S. Law and Legal Analysis, Comparative Law, and a core law school course (Contracts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Torts, Corporations, Civil Procedure, Legislation/Regulation, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, International Law). These courses lay the foundation for understanding key legal principles before students move on to their specialized elective courses.

What are the elective options? 

The MLS program at Vermont Law and Graduate School offers a wide range of elective courses. These electives provide the opportunity to tailor the program to individual career interests and goals, with guidance from faculty members. This flexibility ensures students can align their legal studies with their professional aspirations.

Is there a writing requirement? 

Yes, the MLS program at Vermont Law and Graduate School includes a writing requirement. Students must complete a writing project as part of the program’s capstone. This project allows students to demonstrate their ability to analyze and communicate legal concepts effectively.