Master of Studies in Law - The JD Alternative

[@rusrosa]

In my experience: Still a bit of a gap in understanding what a MLS/MSL really is, from an employer’s perspective. I’ve had the degree since 2019, and it hasn’t really helped all that much, unfortunately. From the legal perspective, in my experience, there’s a bit of a cap on career growth. At some point, it seems like the JD/attorney is more valuable. Other careers, the MBA seems preferred.

[@AziraleyLove]

I agree. I think the schools haven't promoted the degree enough with employers and employers haven't really heard of it so it's not something a company would put in a job ad, which means graduates have to try to fit their degree into other requests from companies and then tell/show them how they are a good fit. Not ideal. I feel like as more people get this degree, it will improve. But change is always hard and generally slow!

[@aliciaheisey5194]

I also work in workers compensation - I start my MLS degree in April of this year. I am an RN ☺️

[@aliciaheisey5194]

Also I would love to hear what you do/did in this field.

[@AziraleyLove]

awesome, good luck with it all!

[@Mindset_Mechanics]

I'm an RN too. Starting MLS this fall.

[@akbar1342]

Just applied to mls at Fordham. This just gave me so much encouragement. I’m excited to study now. Hope I get accepted!!!

[@legallearning1138]

I'm so glad. I hope you do too!! Good luck!

[@ladidodi8912]

I hope you get it! What is the tuition for this program? I’ve been trying to figure it out but can’t find it.

[@akbar1342]

Thank you! I did get in with a scholarship! I’ve just completed my third week

[@alexandriaramos3687]

This is probably one of the best videos I’ve seen about this program ! Thank you

[@legallearning1138]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@thevanessakay]

I actually didn’t think I’d have an informational video on the MLS degree. Thank you both for doing this! I’ve been struggling deciding if I should go to law school with my other passions, but I really want a law degree and learn more about the law to have that law knowledge and background.

[@Jo67548]

Thanks! I've since published The Law School Alternative - a book to help you compare MLS schools and options but you may want to check out The Pre-Law Survival Guide as well. It talks about law school and some of the things to be careful of, including some stories of people who regretted their decision to go to law school (at least in part).

[@kbere4142]

It seems to me that pursuing a MLS/MSL is a great way to sharpen your understanding of law to further professional pursuits from middle Management to upper management. I was considering going for my MBA but I love studying law (business law, contract law) and I think this might be more useful for me because I already have managerial experience and would like to go into contract management and operations. Any thoughts?

[@legallearning1138]

I absolutely agree. I think it's perfect for that. I would also recommend you speak to people in the position you are interested in and share with them what this program offers and an MBA and see which they feel would be best as well. One of the many issues with higher education is that people do what they think they need and find out later it wasn't necessary. So always check with SEVERAL people. Not just one (as they may, unknowingly, be a bad person to ask). And if you are interested, I'd then check out THE LAW SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE - my book on Amazon. Once I made this episode I HAD to create an organized way for people to find the perfect program for them. There is no data base in the same way other higher education programs are somewhat organized. That book can help you find the school that will best help you get where you want to go! Good luck!

[@Shwhi23]

This was great! This was great information.

[@TeamTimeRiders]

I have a question about this degree. As a JD candidate, aren’t MLS degrees a scam? It’s an unknown degree that no employer respects.

[@legallearning1138]

Good question. If you are in a JD program, you cannot do an MLS. If you are considering a JD, the MLS has pros and cons. It's more time and money if you are adding it before a JD, but it can help you prep for law school and bolster your resume. If you are doing it instead, it is mostly recommended for those who already have a career. So it adds to the career. If you can't get that promotion, it may help you get it, for example. I interviewed a few graduates of the program, including one who then went on to law school in my book, The Law School Alternative if you want to read their perspectives on what the program offers and has done for them.

[@TeamTimeRiders]

@@legallearning1138 I would love to know what the program has done for those students. From where I sit as a JD student at a top 20 law school, my school, and other peer schools, seem to use MSL money to supplement the JD program by offering online classes that squeeze students with legal dreams dry, with minimal instruction, taught only online, and close to zero professor interaction. There is not much an MLS can get you that a bachelor or paralegal certification cannot, yet schools charge the same price as a full year of law school tuition. It’s beyond predatory in my eyes.

[@joleneb4620]

@@TeamTimeRiders Yes, there is a vast difference in the programs. Some are in person and have students sit in the same classes as law students. And again, it really is a better option for those who already have a career and know this program can get them ahead than for those who are using it strictly as a paralegal substitute.

[@AHUSMC0321]

@@TeamTimeRiders I just finished the MJur degree at Texas A&M Law (29) and also got a grad certificate in Cybersecurity Law & Policy. For me the program was phenomenal and I learned a ton!!! I already had a grad degree from a Top 20 Business School, and as a Texas combat veteran I have the Hazelwood Act (which is 120 hours of tuition exemption at public universities in Texas) so the program was completely free for me (minus my time). When I started the program I was working for a startup that got acquired by a large tech company. I was already making about the same as what most Big Law attorneys from T14 schools make so I had no intention or desire to actually try and practice law. After pivoting internally to a new role while in the program, my pay increased exponentially, and I think having "some" specific legal knowledge helped me stand out and land the new role. Our classes were mixed with half of them being attorneys that were getting their LLM and the other half being Mjur students in the various specializations. It has really helped me understand the intersection between Law and Cybersecurity which has been super impactful in my current role. Now I would agree that a general MJur or MLS degree might not be worth it, but specializing in a very niche degree could open some doors.

[@briannaoppong-antwi9702]

@@joleneb4620i want to work in hospital management or clinical research. I’m considering pursuing this degree because knowing the legal side of things in healthcare is invaluable.

[@loisowunna3679]

Just came across this video as a lawyer from Nigeria , I was looking out for ways to transition into the law system here in the United States. I registered for LSAT but UConn law says I don’t need LSAT I only need MLS. I hope it is the right information because I’m looking to practice as an attorney, but watching this program I think the JD should be the best option , I want to practice eventually. Any advise for me ?

[@joleneb4620]

I'm not sure what their requirements are but they may mean that you can take the LSAT and apply for next year or you can attend the MLS program now and use that to apply instead. You would definitely need a JD if you want to practice law!

[@loisowunna3679]

@@joleneb4620 thank you so much, I just registered for the LSAT, thank you so much for this information it was very helpful honestly 💯

[@joleneb4620]

@@loisowunna3679 I'm glad! Good luck!