Government positions that you might consider pursuing with a Master of Legal Studies degree include:
Government Contractor
Government contractors manage a variety of U.S. federal contracts that need to be in accordance with procedures and laws. Through the MLS program, you will gain a working knowledge of government contract law and policy applicable to sealed bids, negotiated procurements, simplified acquisitions, overseas contracts, and the forums for challenging federal procurements. You will also learn the practical legal skills needed for the development and implementation of successful compliance programs.
Legislative Assistant
Legislative assistants conduct policy research, amend legislation, and advise policymakers about the effects of proposed legislation on constituents. An MLS can benefit professionals in this position by providing the foundation for more professional legal correspondence and improved negotiations and mediation between parties.
- The average annual wage for legislative assistants was $55,304 in 2018.1
Lobbyist
Lobbyists attend congressional hearings and influence policymakers to support or reject legislation that impacts businesses, organizations, and communities. With an MLS, lobbyists will be able to understand various forms of negotiation strategies and gain the communication skills needed to inform the law.
Congressional Staffer
The job of a congressional staffer is to assist a member of congress during their term in office. Through the MLS program, aspiring staffers will gain a solid understanding of the U.S. legal system, preparing them to better aid with policy-specific work and address constituent concerns about legislation.
- The average annual wage for staff assistants was $42,303 in 2018.2