Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Programs in New York

Several law schools in New York offer a master’s in legal studies (MLS) program. The MLS is ideal for individuals who want to expand their career options with knowledge of the law, but do not wish to practice law.

Students in New York may be able to complete an online master’s in legal studies degree in an average of 12 to 18 months.

New York continues to rank among the top states for legal jobs, holding the second-highest employment level for legal occupations in the U.S., with about 135,540 legal-occupation roles (May 2025), and it offers MLS graduates a wide range of career opportunities, including work connected to cybersecurity, business, and fashion, where regulatory and compliance oversight is essential.

Overview of Legal Degrees in New York: Types and Concentrations

In addition to a Master of Legal Studies, other degrees are available at schools throughout New York, including Master of Studies in Law and Master of Science in Law. Although completion of any of the above degrees does not permit you to sit for the New York bar exam, you can customize your career path with various degrees and concentrations. In New York concentrations may include:

• Dispute Resolution
• Human Resources
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
• Policymaking
• Patent Law
• Health Law and Compliance
• Regulatory Compliance

If you hold a professional law degree, such as Juris Doctor (J.D.) and are interested in advancing your legal knowledge in a specific area of law, you may consider a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program instead of a Master of Legal Studies. Those with a professional law degree are usually not eligible for MLS admissions.

Law School Highlights in New York

New York is home to 15 ABA-approved law schools in New York, offering students a wide range of paths into legal practice and law-adjacent careers.

Among the best-known programs are Columbia Law School, New York University School of Law (NYU Law), and Cornell Law School, which were all founded in the 1800s and long recognized for educating leaders across law, business, and public service. Columbia Law School, for example, counts Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt among its notable former students. New York law school curricula are designed to prepare graduates for diverse sectors, including private practice, clerkships, government, public interest, and corporate roles. At Cornell Law School, the ABA-reported employment outcomes for the Class of 2024 indicate that 194 of 196 graduates were employed as of March 17, 2025 (the standard reporting period is approximately 10 months after graduation).

Legal Career Outlook in New York

Earning a Master of Legal Studies degree may benefit your career in a number of ways, such as an increase in career options, higher salaries, and greater job security. According to the BLS in 2024, New York, which has the nation’s second-highest employment level for legal occupations, had 135,540 employed individuals in legal occupations with an average salary of $176,900.

Careers with a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies in New York

The knowledge gained from a master’s in legal studies program is useful across a range of industries, a few career options with an MLS include:

• Paralegal
• Human Resource Manager or Director
• Court Administrator
• Contract Negotiator
• Business Analyst
• Compliance Officer

To learn more, check our guide on what you can do with a master’s in legal studies.

Nationally, the BLS projects employment in legal occupations to grow about as fast as average from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations, with about 83,800 openings per year on average when growth and replacement needs are combined. Because New York has a large concentration of businesses and major employers, professionals with legal expertise—including MLS graduates—often find opportunities in in-house legal support and compliance functions (such as contracts, regulatory compliance, privacy, and risk management) that help organizations comply with laws and regulations.

Largest Legal Employers in New York

There are many private law firms in New York, making them major employers of legal professionals in the state. Other possible legal employers include the state of New York, real estate, tech, financial, industrial and fashion companies whose legal department focuses on intellectual property, business and finance, and consumer culture.

Paralegals or other legal support staff with an MLS degree can consider a large number of private law firms in New York as potential employers. The largest and most prominent law firms with major New York City offices and/or headquarters include:

• Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
• Davis Polk & Wardwell
• Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
• Kirkland & Ellis
• Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Note: *Programs granted acquiescence by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Information on this page was retrieved and updated in June 2026.