Law

Overview

The Law program of Northwestern University allows students to access a highly successful alumni base, in addition to world-renowned faculty and broader Northwestern University resources. Northwestern Law is also a long-standing leader in curricular innovation, known for launching several other path-breaking programs. MSL students truly enjoy the best of both worlds: an innovative, new law degree awarded by an established, world-class law school.

MSL students join the program with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds; their diverse perspectives enhance the learning experience for everyone. Students come with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in many STEM disciplines. Approximately 65% of MSL students have prior work experience and about a third of MSL students have already earned an advanced degree. MSL students are culturally diverse, including students from all over the U.S. and the world.

Career paths

The MSL program provides an array of career services for its students, including a dedicated MSL career advisor and a range of professional development workshops designed to help students improve their marketability and their knowledge of the job search process. Our goal is to empower MSL graduates to seek out interesting and worthwhile positions that will use the skills and knowledge gained in the MSL Program. Throughout their time in the program, students have numerous opportunities to learn about relevant careers and professional positions – the MSL program and many other groups at the law school regularly sponsor events, panels, and talks focused on careers and professional development. MSL students also have access to some of Northwestern University’s career resources, including University-sponsored career fairs, employer information sessions, and Handshake – Northwestern’s central platform for career activities and job opportunities.

MSL graduates are well-equipped for a variety of positions at the intersection of law, business, and technology and they have had great success in the job market. The most recent employment statistics – relating to the class of 2016 – show that within 9 months of graduation, 96% had achieved their post-program goals: 75% were gainfully employed in jobs related to their MSL training and 20% were enrolled in another educational program (MD, JD, PhD, or MBA).