What does MLS stand for law?

Asked by: Berniece Breitenberg  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (75 votes)

A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree provides options for people who are interested in furthering their education in law but don't necessarily want to attend law school to become an attorney. Legal matters are interwoven with business operations.

What does MLS mean in law school?

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Degree

MLS degrees may provide alternatives for individuals who don't want to attend law school but do want to increase their legal knowledge.

Is an LLM higher than a JD?

An LLM takes a lawyer deeper, to gain "advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility, and/or expanded practice opportunities." The primary difference in the curriculum is that a JD program covers general law concepts; the LLM is focused on a specific area of expertise.

Is it worth it to get an MLS degree?

This type of degree even grants the opportunity for working professionals to venture into law-adjacent careers. If you're already committed to a non-legal field but would like to better understand the regulations, compliance standards, and other key legal aspects of your industry, an M.L.S. program is ideal.

Is a master of jurisprudence worth it?

A master's degree in jurisprudence might communicate to prospective employers that you possess the ability to understand the legality of certain situations better than other candidates. At the end of the day, any graduate degree could increase your overall job effectiveness.

What Is the Difference Between a JD Degree, LLM Degree, and Master of Legal Studies?

19 related questions found

Can you be a lawyer with a juris master?

While the degree won't allow someone to practice law, it will expand their legal knowledge and an expertise in their chosen field. As a relatively new offering in the market, you probably have questions about the degree—what it is, who it's for, and how you can apply it in your career.

How much does a master of jurisprudence make in the US?

As of Jan 15, 2025, the average annual pay for a Juris Masters in the United States is $119,188 a year.

How hard is it to get into the MLS?

MLS Tryouts are very difficult to be invited to unless you are drafted out of college from the MLS Superdraft or the MLS Supplemental Draft. If you are not invited to the MLS Combine the likelihood of you getting a chance to tryout with an MLS team is very limited.

Can you be a paralegal with a Master's in legal studies?

An MLS may help you begin a career in the legal field as a paralegal, legal assistant or other non-lawyer professional. This degree is also useful for a variety of other industries, including government and the private sector.

How long is a MLS degree?

The program can be completed in 9 months with full-time study or 2-4 years with part-time study. A minimum of 26 units is required to complete the degree, but students wishing to take more classes may do so for up to four years before graduating.

Are you a lawyer with an LLM?

An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.

How hard is law school?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

What is the first professional degree in law?

First professional degree means a degree awarded for successful completion of all institutional requirements for becoming a practitioner in a field such as law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, theology, or nursing.

Is MLS a professional degree?

However, unlike physicians or other advanced healthcare professionals, medical laboratory scientists must complete a four-year degree to practice in their area.

Can you get a Master's in law without a law degree?

Technically, you can pursue an LLM degree without ever earning your JD. That's only possible, however, if you're an international student who studied law outside of the U.S. “You have to have what we call a first law degree. In the U.S., your basic first law degree is the JD, so you do need it to get your LLM.

What is the highest degree for a paralegal?

The degree conferred may be a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA) in Paralegal Studies. Master's-level programs are often designed for people who already have experience in the paralegal field and are looking to advance their career or focus their studies on one area of law.

Can you go to law school after being a paralegal?

Even if you're a working paralegal, before you can apply to law school, you'll need a bachelor's degree. If you've already earned an associate's degree in paralegal studies, some of your credits will likely transfer, but you'll need to complete additional courses to obtain your bachelor's degree.

Can you be a lawyer with a Master's degree?

However, earning a master's degree alone will not allow you to sit for the bar or become an attorney. If these are your goals, you'll need a JD degree — or, in some cases, an LLM degree. Requirements for admission vary by school, but generally, an undergraduate degree is the main requirement.

How long does it take to study for MLS?

How long should you study for MLS? A medical laboratory scientist career requires a 4-year degree and up to 5 years of relevant work experience, depending on the education path. Therefore, achieving the MLS certification may take 4 to 9 years of study in medical laboratory science.

Is it worth it to get an MLS?

It can lead to promotions and salary increases

Many organizations offer pay raises for earning a master's degree, but Serkin believes an MLS degree gives students a leg up in the workplace that can lead to job advancement because of the skills acquired.

How much does it cost to get into the MLS?

Access to the MLS generally costs between $20 and $50 a month, depending on the MLS. This comes on top of any other fees you must pay as a member of the local real estate board. MLS fees also increase if you link your website via IDX or RETS.

Who is the highest paid lawyer in us?

Peter Angelos | $2 Billion

The wealthiest lawyer in North America, Peter Angelos earned his J.D. from the University of Baltimore and gained prominence in asbestos litigation, securing over $100 million from a single case.

Is a master of jurisprudence a lawyer?

While some classes may be shared with J.D. candidates, the Master of Jurisprudence does not prepare recipients to sit for the bar exam to practice law, but rather provides a better understanding of legal issues related to the recipient's chosen field.

Do judges have masters degrees?

What level of education do judges have? Judges often have similar levels of education. 53% of judges have a doctorate, with the second most common being a high school diploma at 23%.