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Master of Legal Studies

Law Is Everywhere.
Be Fluent.

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To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Legal Studies offered by the University of California Law San Francisco, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at (415) 849-9748.

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Why UC Law SF?

  • Build skills in legal analysis, writing, and regulatory understanding
  • Continue working while you earn your online or hybrid degree
  • Follow an optional curated specialization or design your own with faculty support
  • Take courses alongside J.D. students
  • Get high-touch advising and support from faculty who know you

Master legal reasoning and make better decisions with a career-focused MLS.

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) from the University of California Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) is designed for professionals whose work intersects with the law. Whether you’re looking to advance in your field, transition careers, or seek new credentials, this program helps you make ethical, law-informed decisions without becoming a lawyer.

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If I could wave a magic wand, I’d have everyone in the U.S. get this degree. It changes how you think and communicate.

Jessica Vapnek, Associate Dean of the MLS Program, Director of the International Development Law Center, Professor of Practice

Flexible. Focused. Practical.

Earn your MLS on your terms: online or hybrid, part time or full time. Courses are delivered in a variety of formats. Many are fully asynchronous, so you can log in and complete work online on your own time. Others meet live both virtually and in person, so that balancing coursework with a full-time job is a reality, not just a dream.

Most students finish in one to two years, with the option to pace your studies over four years.

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Customize Your MLS Path

At UC Law SF, your legal education is designed around your goals. Choose from pre-built specializations to gain in-demand skills, or partner with faculty to create a personalized path. Whether you’re advancing in your current field or shifting into a new one, the program offers the flexibility to focus on what matters most to your career.

Available specialization options will vary depending on your course format and course schedule. An enrollment specialist can help you find the best fit based on your interests and schedule.

  • Business
  • Health Law
  • Legal Compliance
  • Intellectual Property
  • Criminal Justice
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Employment Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Government
  • Immigration
  • International Law
  • Litigation and Legal Process
  • Social Justice
  • Start-Ups and Entrepreneurship
  • Tax

Explore Our Specializations

Students walking down the stairs

This program is high-touch. We know our students’ goals and challenges, and we teach and advise them accordingly.

Morgan Wells, Associate Director of the MLS Program and Professor of Practice

What You'll Learn

In this program, you can:

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Develop practical legal research and writing skills.
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Build foundational knowledge in civil procedure, contracts, torts, and administrative law.
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Gain applied insight into privacy, compliance, negotiation, and risk management.
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Choose courses that match your industry and interests, including AI law, anti-poverty law, environmental regulation, and more.

Who Is This Program For?

Our master’s in legal studies is designed for professionals who want to lead with confidence in their careers, industries, or communities.

UC Law SF students come from many industries, but share a desire to understand the law thoroughly enough to be part of the decisions that shape their work.

This legal studies degree for non-lawyers is a strong fit if you want to:

  • Build confidence working with laws, policies, and regulations
  • Move forward in your current role or shift directions entirely
  • Collaborate more effectively with legal teams
  • Strengthen your impact in your field

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About the University of California Law San Francisco

The University of California Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) was established as the first law school of the University of California system. Located in the heart of San Francisco, UC Law SF provides students with direct access to the courts, public agencies, law firms, and nonprofits that shape legal and social change.

Our community is built on the values of public service, innovation, and access to justice. We prepare students to think critically, act ethically, and lead in complex environments. From technology and healthcare to civil rights and corporate governance, our programs reflect the realities of today’s legal landscape.

We’re known for our interdisciplinary approach and strong connections throughout California and beyond. Whether you’re on campus or online, you’ll be part of a learning environment that emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and meaningful impact.