Nicole M.

Nicole M.

Master of Legal Studies – 2018

The Northeastern Law Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program helped Nicole go from having no previous legal experience to completing a JD.

“My MLS was the reason that I was not only accepted into law school but also awarded a substantial scholarship,” she explained.

Nicole also credited the supportive Northeastern faculty and students for her academic success. She explained that the faculty were more than willing to help her even after she completed the online MLS program.

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

The MLS provided a great program around my busy work schedule. Though we had deadlines throughout the week, I was able to choose when to listen to the lectures, read the course materials and complete my assignments. My work schedule was very fluid and the program gave me the flexibility to excel both at work and in my classes.

Northeastern has an impeccable reputation within both science and law, and having performed my undergraduate studies at Northeastern University, I knew I would be provided an education that would lead me to the ultimate role I sought.

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

Before starting my MLS, I had no previous experience in the legal industry. I pursued the program specifically because it would provide me the legal background necessary for my position at a biotech company as a neurobiologist.

What about the online format appealed to you?

I was a working professional with hours outside of the 9 to 5 window, and some days I wouldn’t know when my workday would be completed. The online format let me complete my work and not have to stress about getting to campus for a set time. I could be devoted both to my schoolwork and my professional career without limiting my progress in either.

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

One of the greatest parts of the MLS program is that the assignments base the material on the industry you seek. All of my coursework was applied to the biotech area, but I also saw different applications in numerous diverse settings. This gave me insight on how to be creative in applying a strategy based on my fellow classmate’s interpretations. Also, my professors read my assignments and gave me industry-specific advice.

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

One of my Northeastern Law professors has been an advocate for me since I took his class. I truly loved the program but was hesitant to leave a job I was comfortable with to pursue a law degree. He was a true asset in helping me determine the best route, but also was very objective. He placed me in a JD course at Northeastern, where I learned that I 100% wanted to attend law school — and now I am a law school graduate. To this day, if I need assistance, I will email him and he is always willing to help me. The Northeastern Law faculty go above and beyond what normal universities provide.

The students were very diverse and respectful. We had to comment on one another’s discussion points, both agreeing and respectfully disagreeing. It builds confidence by requiring you to speak your mind and really think about the topic at hand.

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

My MLS was the reason that I was not only accepted into law school but also awarded a substantial scholarship. It provided a solid foundation to my studies and set me apart from my law school colleagues.

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

The MLS program taught me time management, as working over 40 hours per work while being in an accelerated master’s program can be difficult without the proper planning. I learned how to extract legal rules from law cases and apply them to the work at hand. Also, I got over my fear of speaking in class, as discussion posts were published and commented on by our professor and fellow classmates.

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

My advice to MLS students would be to reach out to professors and make meaningful connections. These connections will provide you with a mentor who has had real legal experience.