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Key takeaways
- ✓ Median pay is around $60k nationally.
- ✓ The top 10% earn more than $98k.
- ✓ Specialization, certification, and metro location raise earnings.
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What paralegals earn
The median annual wage for paralegals sits around $60,000, with the top 10% earning more than $98,000. Pay scales with experience and the complexity of the work.
What moves the number
- Specialization in high-demand areas like IP and litigation
- Certification and continuing education
- Working in large legal markets and metro areas
Sponsored partner programs
SponsoredExplore featured online MLS programs and request info directly from each school.
Online Master of Legal Studies
American University Washington College of Law
- No GRE/LSAT
- Online
- Industry concentrations
The online Master of Legal Studies program from American University Washington College of Law is designed for non-lawyers who could benefit from fundamental legal training but do not want to become practicing attorneys. The program offers industry-specific concentrations and certificates in Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology. Students who choose the Health Care Compliance track may be eligible to earn an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). No GRE/LSAT required.
Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Fordham University School of Law
- No GRE/LSAT
- Online
- As few as 12 months
In as few as 12 months, learn to advocate for integrity at your organization with a flexible, online M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law School. No GRE or LSAT required. Choose a program track—general, human resources, financial services, or health care—to gain industry-specific knowledge.
Online Master of Legal Studies
Northeastern University School of Law
- Online
- Part-time
- 5 concentrations
Northeastern University School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program gives non-lawyers the unique opportunity to learn legal concepts without having to obtain a Juris Doctor. The flexible Master of Legal Studies (MLS) online program was created for working professionals, and as a result, can be completed part-time. In addition to a general path of study, the program features five concentration options.
Sponsored online Master of Legal Studies programs
SponsoredExplore featured partner programs and request information directly from each school.
Online Master of Legal Studies
American University Washington College of Law
- No GRE/LSAT
- Online
- Industry concentrations
The online Master of Legal Studies program from American University Washington College of Law is designed for non-lawyers who could benefit from fundamental legal training but do not want to become practicing attorneys. The program offers industry-specific concentrations and certificates in Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology. Students who choose the Health Care Compliance track may be eligible to earn an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). No GRE/LSAT required.
Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Fordham University School of Law
- No GRE/LSAT
- Online
- As few as 12 months
In as few as 12 months, learn to advocate for integrity at your organization with a flexible, online M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law School. No GRE or LSAT required. Choose a program track—general, human resources, financial services, or health care—to gain industry-specific knowledge.
Online Master of Legal Studies
Northeastern University School of Law
- Online
- Part-time
- 5 concentrations
Northeastern University School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program gives non-lawyers the unique opportunity to learn legal concepts without having to obtain a Juris Doctor. The flexible Master of Legal Studies (MLS) online program was created for working professionals, and as a result, can be completed part-time. In addition to a general path of study, the program features five concentration options.
Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL)
Wake Forest University
- Online
- Affordable
Wake Forest University School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) prepares professionals to confidently handle law, risk, and regulatory challenges. With an MLS degree, you can gain all the legal knowledge you need without pursuing a law degree. This affordable program is designed for working professionals who are seeking practical skills that translate directly to highly regulated sectors such as health care, finance, and human resources.
Online Master of Legal Studies
Washington University in St. Louis
- Online
- Top-ranked
- As few as 12 months
The online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) from WashU Law gives students foundational expertise in U.S. law from a top-ranked law school. Designed for highly regulated industries, including business, health care, compliance and human resources, this program delivers rigorous legal education in a fully online format that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Online Master of Legal Studies
University of California Law San Francisco
- Online or hybrid
- Part- or full-time
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. Earn your MLS on your terms: online or hybrid, part time or full time.
Online Master of Legal Studies
Southern Methodist University (Dedman)
- Online
- For working professionals
If you are a non-lawyer who regularly deals with complex legal issues at work and would benefit from specialized legal knowledge, the online Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) from SMU Dedman School of Law is an excellent fit for you. This online M.L.S. was created for professionals at various stages of their careers who would benefit from a working knowledge of U.S. law.
Online Master of Legal Studies
DePaul University
- Online
- Flexible schedule
Taught by experienced faculty, the DePaul Master of Legal Studies offers a curriculum designed to advance your legal skills in your chosen field with the flexibility of online learning. The interactive, collaborative coursework allows students to complete their MLS degree remotely while building a network of peers and strengthening their knowledge of litigation risk, transactional law and compliance issues.
Online Master of Legal Studies
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law
- Online
- Part-time
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies program gives you the legal knowledge to elevate your career without becoming a lawyer. The online, part-time format is tailored to busy professionals who want to advance in their careers or transition to a field that values legal expertise.
About the authors
Written by
Kasia Nelson, Esq.
ContributorLicensed attorney and legal content writer with a background in corporate immigration law.
- Education
- Western Michigan University – Cooley Law School, J.D.; Michigan State University, B.S.; Licensed in Michigan
- Focus
- Corporate Immigration Law, Legal content writing
Reviewed by
Ryan P. Duffy, Esq.
Editorial LeadAttorney licensed in New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina; estate planning, personal injury, and business law.
- Education
- Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, J.D.; Licensed in NJ, NC, SC
- Focus
- Estate Planning, Personal Injury, Business Law