It’s powerful to see students from healthcare, compliance, or nonprofits bring their context into the classroom and then leave with tools to do their work more effectively.
Morgan Wells, Associate Director of the MLS Program and Professor of Practice
Specializations
Choose a focus area to align your MLS with your industry, or forge your own path.
Gain a deep understanding of the legal frameworks that shape how companies are formed, managed, and grown both in the U.S. and abroad.
The Business specialization equips you to navigate corporate structures, financial regulations, and cross-border transactions with confidence. You’ll explore topics like corporate governance, creditors’ rights, and international commerce, while also developing practical skills in contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply corporate governance laws
- Draft and analyze commercial contracts
- Navigate bankruptcy and creditors’ rights processes
- Address compliance and regulatory requirements for domestic and international business
- Understand mergers, acquisitions, and venture funding structures
Sample Courses*
- Antitrust
- Bankruptcy
- Business Associations
- Commercial Contract Drafting
- Corporate Finance
- International Business Negotiation
- Intellectual Property
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Real Estate Transactions
- Venture Capital & Start-Up Law
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (asynchronous or synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Prepare to lead in one of the fastest-growing areas of law and ensure organizations meet complex legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
The Compliance specialization equips you to identify and mitigate compliance risks, design and manage internal compliance programs, and advise organizational leaders. You’ll examine how compliance impacts industries from healthcare to finance, and gain practical skills in corporate governance, data privacy, and risk management across state, national, and international contexts.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Assess and address compliance risks across industries
- Develop and implement compliance programs and policies
- Apply privacy laws at the state, federal, and international levels
- Navigate corporate governance requirements
- Counsel organizations on legal and ethical obligations
Sample Courses*
- Business Associations
- California Data Privacy
- Compliance and Risk Management (modules in Corporate Governance, Corporate Crimes, Financial & Risk Regulation, and Privacy)
- Financial Basics for Lawyers
- Financial Regulation
- Foundations of Data Privacy
- International Business Transactions
- U.S. Healthcare System
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (asynchronous or synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Deepen your understanding of criminal liability and the operations of the U.S. justice system, from investigation through sentencing.
The Criminal Justice specialization is ideal for professionals whose careers intersect with law enforcement, the courts, or corrections, such as police officers, probation officers, investigators, court administrators, or those seeking advancement in these fields. You’ll study the legal, social, and procedural aspects of criminal law while exploring pressing issues like wrongful convictions, juvenile justice, and restorative justice practices.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Analyze criminal statutes and liability
- Understand the procedural steps in the criminal justice process
- Evaluate policies and practices impacting public safety and social justice
- Apply critical race theory and other frameworks to criminal law
- Address specialized issues such as domestic violence, forensic evidence, and capital punishment
Sample Courses*
- Capital Punishment
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Criminalization and Social Control
- Critical Race Theory
- Domestic Violence Law
- Federal Criminal Law
- Forensic Evidence
- Juvenile Justice
- Restorative Justice
- Theoretical Criminology
- Wrongful Convictions
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Develop the skills to resolve conflicts effectively in corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector settings.
The Dispute Resolution specialization gives you advanced training in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, supported by the expertise of UC Law SF’s award-winning Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (CNDR). You’ll explore the theory and practice of conflict resolution, learn to navigate cultural dynamics in disputes, and gain strategies for managing high-stakes negotiations. This specialization prepares you to address disagreements before they escalate.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Apply negotiation and mediation frameworks across diverse contexts
- Conduct cross-cultural and international dispute resolution
- Manage arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes
- Integrate emotional intelligence and mindfulness into conflict management
- Facilitate resolutions that align with legal and organizational goals
Sample Courses*
- Advanced Negotiation: Art of the Deal
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Arbitration
- Cross-Cultural Negotiation
- International Business Negotiation
- International Commercial Arbitration
- Lie Detection, Emotions, and Mindfulness
- Mediation
- Negotiation & Mediation: Process & Practice
- Negotiation
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Master the laws that shape workplace policies, protect employee rights, and guide organizational decision-making.
The Employment specialization prepares you to navigate the complex web of federal, state, and local employment regulations. You’ll explore topics like discrimination law, wage and hour compliance, labor relations, and employee benefits to develop the legal insight needed to manage workplace risk and promote fair practices.
Students interested in advancing equity can further their studies through UC Law SF’s Center for WorkLife Law, which focuses on gender and racial justice in the workplace.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply employment and labor laws
- Address workplace discrimination and harassment claims
- Navigate compliance requirements for hiring, promotion, and termination
- Advise on employee benefits, pensions, and insurance matters
- Implement workplace policies that align with legal and ethical standards
Sample Courses*
- Advanced Employment Law
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Employment Discrimination
- Employment Law
- Gender and the Law
- Insurance Law
- Labor Law
- Pensions and Employee Benefits
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Tackle the legal challenges behind today’s most urgent environmental issues from climate change and pollution to biodiversity loss and water scarcity.
The Environmental Law specialization equips you with the knowledge to address environmental, energy, and water law at local, national, and global levels. Located in the heart of San Francisco, UC Law SF offers direct access to leading environmental law firms, government agencies, and NGOs. You’ll learn from faculty with expertise in areas like climate policy, land use, and conservation, building the skills to navigate laws that shape our planet’s future.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply environmental regulations and policies
- Analyze legal frameworks for climate change, energy, and water resources
- Address land use, biodiversity, and conservation issues
- Understand the intersection of environmental law and social justice
- Advise organizations on compliance with environmental standards
Sample Courses*
- Administrative Law
- Animal Law
- Biodiversity Law
- California Water Resources
- Climate Change: Law, Policy & Business
- Energy Law
- Environmental Criminology
- Environmental Justice and the Law
- Environmental Law and Policy
- International Environmental Law
- Land Trusts & Conservation Easements
- Land Use Regulation
- Maritime Law
- Public Lands & Natural Resources
- Water Law
Format Options: This specialization can be completed in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of how laws and policies are made, implemented, and enforced at the local, state, and national levels.
The Government specialization prepares you to navigate the complex interplay between public institutions, the law, and the private sector. You’ll study topics like election law, public finance, and administrative regulation while benefiting from UC Law SF’s strong reputation among government agencies and organizations that work closely with them. Whether you aim to advance in public service or enhance your role in a regulated industry, this specialization equips you with skills to operate effectively in governmental contexts.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply laws across multiple levels of government
- Understand the legislative and regulatory process
- Navigate legal frameworks in areas like taxation, education, and energy policy
- Analyze the impact of public policy decisions on communities and industries
- Advise on compliance and advocacy strategies in government-related work
Sample Courses*
- Administrative Law
- American Indian Law
- Climate Change: Law, Policy and Business
- Education Law
- Election Law
- Employment Law
- Energy Law
- Federal Income Tax
- Food and Drug Law
- Labor Law
- Land Use Regulation
- Public Finance
- Public Policy Advocacy
- Refugee Law & Policy
- State and Local Government Law
- Water Law
Format Options: This specialization can be completed in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Understand the legal and regulatory forces shaping one of the most complex and highly regulated industries in the nation.
The Health Law specialization equips you to navigate the intersection of law, medicine, public policy, and ethics. You’ll explore how legal frameworks impact health care providers, patients, insurers, and regulators and gain the expertise to address challenges in compliance, patient rights, and public health. With access to UC Law SF’s unparalleled course offerings and the resources of the UC Law SF/UCSF Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy, you’ll develop the skills to lead and advise in health-related fields.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret health care regulations at federal, state, and local levels
- Address legal and ethical issues in patient care and public health
- Advise on compliance in health care organizations and systems
- Navigate insurance, provider, and regulatory requirements
- Analyze policy reforms and their impact on health care delivery
Sample Courses*
- Bioethics, Law & Healthcare Decisionmaking
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Disability Law
- Elder Law
- Food and Drug Law
- Health Care Providers, Patients, and the Law
- Health Care System Reform: Regulation and Competition
- History of Forensic Science
- Insurance Law
- International and Comparative Health Law
- Law and the Human Body
- Public Health Regulation: Vaccines
- U.S. Healthcare System & the Law
- Women’s Health & the Law
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (asynchronous or synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Build a comprehensive understanding of the laws and policies that shape immigration in the United States.
The Immigration specialization equips you with the knowledge to navigate federal immigration statutes, court decisions, and the real-world processes that affect individuals, families, and organizations. You’ll study the legal frameworks that govern citizenship, asylum, and refugee protections, while also engaging with pressing social and policy debates. Opportunities to connect with UC Law SF’s renowned Center for Gender and Refugee Studies provide both academic and professional depth.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply U.S. immigration statutes and regulations
- Analyze refugee and asylum laws in domestic and international contexts
- Understand constitutional issues tied to immigration policy
- Navigate administrative processes and immigration court procedures
- Address human rights concerns within the immigration framework
Sample Courses*
- Administrative Law
- Citizenship & Equality
- Constitutional History: Race
- Constitutional Law II
- Domestic Violence Law
- Immigration Law
- International Human Rights
- International Law
- Race, Racism & American Law
- Refugee Law & Policy
Format Options: This specialization can be completed in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Explore the legal protections that power innovation and creativity, from groundbreaking technology to original works of art.
The Intellectual Property Law specialization covers the fundamentals of copyright, trademark, and patent law, preparing you to protect and manage creative works and other intellectual property. You’ll examine how IP law intersects with technology, entertainment, science, and business, gaining insight into both domestic and international IP frameworks. You’ll also explore emerging issues in artificial intelligence, including authorship, ownership, and the ethical challenges of AI-driven innovation.
Courses are taught by leading practitioners from boutique and global firms, in-house counsel, and distinguished faculty.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply copyright, patent, and trademark laws
- Address legal issues tied to technology, media, and innovation
- Protect and manage intellectual property assets
- Navigate IP disputes, licensing, and enforcement
- Understand the role of IP in venture funding and start-ups
Sample Courses*
- Antitrust & Intellectual Property
- AI Law
- Copyright Law
- Cybercrime
- Digital Media
- Entertainment Law
- Foundations of Data Privacy
- Intellectual Property
- Internet Law
- Patent Law
- Patents and Trade Secrets
- Trademarks and Unfair Competition
- Venture Capital & Start-Up Law
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Gain the skills to navigate legal issues that cross borders in today’s interconnected world.
The International Law specialization explores both public international law and private international law, which addresses disputes between private entities in different countries. You’ll study global trade, human rights, environmental agreements, and cross-border business transactions, all while learning from UC Law SF faculty who are leaders in their fields. Faculty mentorship supports students pursuing careers in government, NGOs, multinational corporations, and international advocacy.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret treaties, trade agreements, and international regulations
- Advise on cross-border disputes and transactions
- Apply international human rights principles in diverse contexts
- Understand the impact of global law on environmental and health policy
- Negotiate and draft agreements in multinational settings
Sample Courses*
- China and the International Legal Order
- Climate Change: Law, Policy & Business
- Comparative Law
- International & Comparative Health Law
- International Business Negotiation
- International Business Transactions
- International Commercial Arbitration
- International Human Rights
- International Law
Format Options: This specialization can be completed in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Master the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the legal system with confidence.
The Litigation and Legal Process specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of how cases move through the courts, from initial filings to resolution. You’ll gain practical skills in contract drafting, negotiation, mediation, and facilitation. Designed for professionals who interact with the legal system on behalf of others, this specialization is ideal for paralegals, court reporters, expert witnesses, and those in compliance or risk management roles.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Understand civil procedure and litigation strategy
- Draft and review legal documents and contracts
- Facilitate dispute resolution through mediation and negotiation
- Analyze complex litigation, class actions, and remedies
- Apply legal research methods to support case preparation
Sample Courses*
- Advanced Legal Research
- California Civil Procedure
- Careers in Civil Litigation
- Civil Procedure I & II
- Class Actions
- Complex Litigation
- Contract Writing & Analysis
- Drafting Legislation
- E-Discovery
- Mediation
- Negotiation
- Remedies
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Harness legal strategy to fuel business innovation.
The Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship specialization equips current and aspiring business owners with the legal knowledge to launch, grow, and protect their ventures. From structuring contracts to navigating intellectual property rights, you’ll gain the tools to minimize risk and maximize opportunity at every stage of your business journey. Working closely with UC Law SF’s Center for Innovation and LexLab, you’ll learn how to think like a lawyer, giving you an invaluable edge in the competitive world of start-ups and small business ownership.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Structure and manage business entities for growth and compliance
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts that protect business interests
- Apply intellectual property law to safeguard creative and technical assets
- Understand the tax implications of business decisions
- Navigate emerging technology regulations and data privacy concerns
Sample Courses*
- Business Associations
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Copyright Law
- Corporate Finance
- Employment Law
- Federal Income Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships
- Foundations of Data Privacy
- Negotiation
- Regulating Emerging Technologies
- Trademarks & Unfair Competition
Format Options: This specialization can be completed in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Master the rules that shape financial and business decisions.
The Tax specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. tax system, from foundational principles to specialized areas such as international taxation, estate planning, and nonprofit organization taxation. You’ll explore how tax policy impacts businesses, individuals, and government while learning to navigate complex regulations with precision. Through UC Law SF’s Center on Tax Law, you’ll also expand your professional network and gain insight from experienced practitioners.
Skills You’ll Gain:
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local tax laws
- Advise on tax implications for business structures and transactions
- Understand the tax treatment of estates, trusts, and family wealth transfers
- Analyze nonprofit tax requirements and compliance
- Evaluate the impact of tax policy on organizations and individuals
Sample Courses*
- Business Planning
- Estate Planning
- Federal Income Taxation
- Federal Income Taxation of Corporations & Partnerships
- Federal Income Taxation of Real Estate & Other Investments
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Pension and Employee Benefits
- State and Local Taxation
- Taxation of Family Wealth Transfers
- Tax Policy
- Tax Procedure: Litigation
Format Options: This specialization can be completed in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
At UC Law SF, you can design your education around your goals. Choose the courses that matter most to your work, your passions, and your future. Mix and match classes from any of our 15 specialization options to create a curriculum as unique as your career path.
This program is for forward-thinking professionals who want maximum curricular flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.
What You’ll Do in a Customized MLS:
- Curate a curriculum tailored to your industry and role
- Combine legal knowledge from multiple disciplines
- Build cross-specialization expertise to stand out in your field
- Work one-on-one with a faculty advisor to refine your path
- Adapt your studies as your career evolves
Format Options: This specialization may be completed fully online (asynchronous or synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format, depending on the courses you select.
Many specializations can be completed entirely online. Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Request Information
To learn more about the Master of Legal Studies program offered by UC Law SF and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist by calling (415) 849-9748.
Turn your commitment to equity and advocacy into powerful legal expertise.
The Social Justice specialization attracts students from diverse communities and life experiences, all united by a desire to create meaningful change. This shared mission fosters a strong, supportive network that extends beyond graduation. As a public institution, UC Law SF is deeply committed to training professionals who serve in social justice fields. Through a robust selection of courses, you’ll explore critical issues such as racial justice, gender equity, disability rights, and public interest law — gaining the legal tools to advance your cause effectively.
Skills You’ll Gain:
Sample Courses*
Format Options: This specialization can be completed fully online (synchronous) or in a hybrid (mix of virtual and in-person) format.
*Course availability varies by term and modality. UC Law SF does not guarantee that all courses will be offered each semester. Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Request Information