Nashae M.

Nashae M.

Master of Legal Studies – 2021

A career decision and a Google search helped lead Nashae to the online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) at Northeastern Law. She worked in the legal field and wanted to be able to hold her own in conversations with attorneys. However, law school was not the right match for her goals.

Looking for a more suitable option for her career, Nashae started researching online. After alighting on what she describes as “the perfect set of words into Google,” she discovered the MLS at Northeastern Law. It was the right fit from the right school: “I know the school has a wonderful reputation both socially and formally, so it was a no-brainer!”

What ultimately led you to enroll in Northeastern’s online MLS program?

Working in an environment with many attorneys and law school grads, I felt left out in many conversations, as though my opinions and input were less informative or important. I always knew I wanted to continue my education but after many conversations with law school students and grads, I realized that [law school] might not be the best fit for me right now in light of where I was in my career as well as future projections for my work and personal life. I just knew I wouldn’t have been able to dedicate the time necessary to be truly successful in law school.

So I began searching for master’s degree programs, and after stringing together the perfect set of words into Google, I came across the MLS program here at Northeastern.

After further research into the school’s curriculum for the program, I felt very confident in the courses offered and comfortable with the cost of tuition. Also, living in the New England area, I knew the school has a wonderful reputation both socially and formally, so it was a no-brainer!

What previous experience do you have in the legal industry that sparked your interest in Northeastern’s online MLS degree?

I have always worked in the legal field ever since my first official job, and I have worked in many different areas within the industry. I have interacted with attorneys in different ways in each of my positions – corporately (at a law firm and insurance company), socially (bar association) and administratively (federal courts). Working in these different functions reassured my confidence in wanting to do and contribute more to the legal industry.

What about the online format appealed to you?

Definitely the asynchronous online courses appealed to me the most. I work a pretty strenuous job and a part-time job that has sporadic hours so it was very reassuring to know that I could get all of my learning done without over-burdening my schedule.

How did the curriculum in the online MLS program prepare you for future success in the legal industry?

I think the comprehensiveness of the intro courses helped prepare me for the legal industry. The textbook and lectures were easy to read and clear to understand. There were also many relatable analogies in the readings and assignments that make application of the lessons to real life an easy transition. Also, being able to incorporate what I do for my work into my assignments helped A LOT!

How has the Northeastern student and faculty network allowed you to advance your professional life?

The faculty and staff were super friendly and more than helpful!

What career opportunities have been presented to you from the MLS program?

This program presented possible future careers that I didn’t even know about until starting my MLS. I had a partner assignment in my first course, and the student I worked with was a court mediator. Working in the courts myself, I thought it was intriguing because I didn’t know non-judges could be mediators. That sparked a wonderful conversation and a new possible career interest for me.

What lessons and skills taught in the online MLS program helped you find success in your current career?

Within the first few weeks of starting this program, I was already able to apply the things I was learning in the program to my current job. I have a better understanding of certain terminology used, why certain documents are filed, the reasoning behind certain procedures of the court, as well as our function under the judicial branch of government. And having this newfound comprehensive understanding of my job and the role I ultimately play in society is pretty fulfilling.

What advice do you have for current and future students completing the program?

Use your resources! Communicate with your professors and other faculty regularly, they are an awesome resource! Also, get to know the other students in your cohort. There are so many different people, at different ages and from different backgrounds. You never know what kind of valuable connection you’ll make!