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Learn Environmental Law without a Law Degree

Blog, Water & Environmental Law / By McGeorge School of Law

Environmental law refers to the codes, statutes, rules, laws, and regulations that exist to protect our environment. Laws surrounding gas emissions, water, pollution, hazardous waste, and more all fall under this category.

Plenty of public interest careers involve protecting the environment. Lobbyists, scientists, government agency advocates, and nonprofit employees are all options for careers in environmental law. The education requirements differ depending on the career you choose. In many cases, you don’t need a law degree. A specialized degree opens doors for you to advance your career, whether you have an established career or are looking to break into the field. McGeorge School of Law offers a MSL in Water and Environment Law for students who range from recent graduates to working professionals.

The Online Program

For students interested in environmental law, McGeorge School of Law offers an MSL program. An MSL is a Master of Science in Law, and therefore a bachelor’s degree is the only educational requirement for the program.

Students graduate with a Master of Science in Law, Water, and Environmental Law concentration. The program has required courses in legal analysis, contracts, lawmaking, environmental law, and more. There are also elective course options such as lobbying, negotiations, and international water resources law. Career aspirations help dictate which elective courses to enroll in.

The program on average takes two years to complete. It is part-time, online, and asynchronous, allowing students to fit their education into their existing schedules. Our courses focus on ensuring that students develop the knowledge, professional skills, and broadened perspectives required for the rapidly changing legal environment.

The Possibilities

Obtaining an MSL opens doors for career advancement and opportunities. Graduates of our MSL program go on to become:

Lobbyists focusing on environmental regulations: lobbying is a huge avenue for change in this country, and as a result, receives much attention. According to opensecrets.org, as of this writing, $22,310,192 was spent on environmental lobbying in 2023. Top clients include conservatories, conservation funds, advocacy projects, law centers, and other environmental groups.
Politicians
Lawmakers: Lawmakers and legislatures are a critical step in enacting any change. Corporations — and often people — won’t do it themselves if no laws exist to protect the environment. The landscape shifts with the ebb and flow of elections, but the need never wavers. Drafting and enacting laws that decrease the environmental footprint against opposition is important.
Advocates
Other government employees
Various position holders at non-profit organizations: Whether you start your own nonprofit or work for one, organizations with specific environmental causes help raise awareness and funds to get the needle moving.
Individuals who work alongside attorneys who practice environmental law and compliance officers

The world is rife with environmental issues. A specialization in environmental law gives you focused knowledge as you head into your career. As this area of law rapidly evolves as our environment shifts, your MSL degree lets you work within the law without having to become an attorney. With technological advances and human impact harming our earth, the fight to limit our destruction becomes increasingly important.

The Perfect Fit

McGeorge has both a program that allows you flexibility and a distinguished faculty ready to take you on your journey. We have a tradition of excellence that applies to both our in-person and online courses. Students get to learn from and network with field experts, including panels focused on water and environmental law and the changing policies surrounding both.

If you care for the environment and are considering environmental law as your path, but you don’t want to become a lawyer, McGeorge’s MSL program could be the perfect fit. To find out more and how to get started, contact our admissions office today.

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Top Lobbyist Jobs After Earning a Master’s Degree

Blog, Government Law & Policy / By McGeorge School of Law

Earning a Master of Science in Law opens up doors for career possibilities in public affairs, including a career as a lobbyist. Lobbyists are people who advocate for specific matters pending before elected officials. Through oral and written communication, lobbyists work on behalf of people or organizations to influence politics. They aim to get legislation passed or presented that aligns with their cause. Lobbyists are generally experts in their field, taking on the job of educating the elected officials they are interacting with on the matter at hand.

If you’re looking to become a lobbyist full-time, earning a Master of Science in Law (MSL) at McGeorge School of Law is a great prequel to your career. Our Government Law and Policy program is designed for lobbyists looking to enhance their skills without needing a law degree to succeed.

Industries for Lobbyists

There are endless causes to champion when lobbying in the government. Whether you’re passionate about working for a cause, community, or industry, there are plenty of options to choose from. Organizations collectively spend large sums of money lobbying every year. According to data from opensecrets.org and the Senate Office of Public Records and calculations by the Center for Responsive Politics, the top industries spending on lobbying are:

Pharmaceuticals/health products
Insurance
Electric utilities
Electronic manufacturing and equipment
Business associations, a grouping including small businesses, big businesses, and international trade associations
Oil and gas
Hospitals/nursing homes
Miscellaneous manufacturing and distributing, including top consumer companies

Millions to billions of dollars get funneled into lobbying efforts by these and other industries. For example, in 2021, the United States Chamber of Commerce spent $66.4 million alone, while the American Hospital Association spent $25.1 million. Some organizations spend millions on lobbying, joining others in their industry to create heavy influence for their cause.

Types of Lobbying

Within lobbying, there are four main specializations. The main differential is who they are lobbying before and trying to influence:

Executive lobbyist: Targets the executive branch of the government.

Elected government official lobbyist: Influences the local government officials. This encompasses counties, cities, towns, and villages.

Judicial lobbyist: Targets the judicial branch of government and their purchasing decisions.
Legislative lobbyist: Influences the legislative branch of government and therefore any legislation getting passed regarding their industry.

There are also different types of lobbying: direct and grassroots. Direct lobbying is what most people think of when they think of lobbying; written and oral communication with those in government to influence decisions. Grassroots lobbying occurs when someone gets the public to rally behind a cause.

How to Become a Lobbyist with McGeorge School of Law

Lobbyists need to register with their city or state, depending on where they are located. Each state has rules governing the profession that are important to become familiar with and stay on top of.

Before registration, earning a degree in the field and then getting involved in causes paves the way for a career in lobbying. McGeorge School of Law’s MSL gives our students the knowledge, skills, and broadened perspective required to succeed in the rapidly changing legal environment that exists in the United States. Plus, our program is fully online, giving students the flexibility to cater their education to their already busy lives. Our faculty are chosen for not only their exceptional teaching ability but also for their expertise in government and policy.

If you’re looking to become a lobbyist, our MSL program is the perfect next step. Interested in learning more? Contact our admissions office today to get started.

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A Master’s Degree for the Modern Professional

Blog, Water & Environmental Law, Webinars / By McGeorge School of Law

A current MSL student at McGeorge, Nancy Beecher, explained how a Master’s degree can be instrumental to success as a modern professional — and provided some excellent tips for anyone considering enrolling in the program.

Nancy, a Senior Environmental Biologist at the Southern Nevada Water Authority with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, highlights the diverse and enriching experience of the Master of Legal Studies (MSL) program. At 53 years old and with a career already established, Nancy sought the program as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

A Program for Personal and Professional Growth

In her current role, Nancy finds the MSL program incredibly beneficial, providing a new perspective on legal aspects related to environmental issues and water management. Key courses like Introduction to American Law and Privacy Law and Management have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape in her field.

The MSL program has empowered Nancy with tools and insights to navigate legal complexities in her field, contributing to her professional growth and enhancing her ability to address legal aspects in environmental biology effectively. “I was just looking for something where I could grow and develop and contribute in a different way and explore new opportunities. It’s quite a diverse program.”

Gain a Holistic Understanding of the Legal Field

Noticing a disconnect between biologists and legal professionals, Nancy looked for a program that would allow her to bridge these gaps and communicate effectively across disciplines. McGeorge was a perfect fit.

Nancy emphasizes the practical expertise of McGeorge’s professors, who bring real-life experiences as attorneys, legislators, and judges into the classroom. This practical approach, combined with theoretical education, has made the MSL program uniquely valuable for Nancy, providing her with a holistic understanding of the legal field and its real-world applications. “I’m at the end of my second year, and I have grown so much by being part of the program, and I apply what I learned at work on a daily basis.”

Flexibility Comes First

Nancy appreciates the program’s online capabilities and asynchronous course structure. The flexibility of the online program is paramount,” she says. “I couldn’t do it without it.” There are still plenty of coursework options allowing her to choose areas directly relevant to her interests, such as environmental law and regulations. This customization enables her to apply specific knowledge immediately in her professional responsibilities.

The number of credits taken per semester is also up to the individual. Some students, with lighter workloads or without family commitments, might opt for taking 3 classes a semester. She chose to take 2 or 3 per semester to fit with her full-time job and family commitments.

Real-World Career Applications

Thanks to the MSL, Nancy now incorporates a broader perspective gained from the program to her current career. The curriculum has provided her with a real-life education and better collaboration skills. “I’m getting to use what I’ve learned from school and apply it in my job and make a difference. And that wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t take that first step.”

Nancy offers valuable advice for students considering taking their first step forward:

Don’t Be Afraid of the Program: If the program aligns with your interests and career goals, Nancy encourages you to pursue it without hesitation.
Be Smart About Time Management: Consider how the program will impact your personal and professional life. Reflect on how you will manage your time effectively to balance your academic endeavors with other commitments.
Financial Considerations: Tuition is an important factor to consider. Investigate scholarship opportunities, such as internal and external scholarships, and inquire about tuition reimbursement if your job provides such benefits. Be proactive in seeking financial assistance to support your education.
Reach Out and Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to program coordinators, faculty, and staff for information and guidance. Nancy emphasizes that the program’s coordinators and professors are approachable and responsive, ready to answer any questions and provide assistance.
Take Advantage of Resources: Once in the program, make the most of the available resources. Utilize professors’ office hours, engage in discussions with classmates, and explore opportunities to connect with peers. Building relationships within the program can enhance your overall experience.
Don’t Be Shy: Actively engage with the program, your professors, and fellow students. Ask questions, seek clarification, and participate in discussions. Being proactive and involved contributes to a richer learning experience.

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Improve Environmental Justice with a Degree in Water & Environmental Law

Blog, Faculty Spotlight, Water & Environmental Law / By McGeorge School of Law

When you hear the word “racism,” your first thought probably leads to the obvious; prejudicial actions towards a group of people based on the color of their skin. But there are many facets of racism with destructive, far-reaching effects.

Environmental racism is a form of institutional racism leading to landfills, incinerators, and hazardous waste disposal – essentially, environmental hazards – that have disproportionate impacts in communities of color. In the 1950s, the term “environmental justice” emerged to describe the efforts to combat these hazards and find solutions. Back then, a study that traced the federal government’s bulk placement of hazardous waste sites within African-American communities was brought to light.

The biggest recent example of environmental injustice includes the Flint water crisis, where the residents of a town in Michigan lost access to the most basic survival need – clean drinking water. The issue disproportionately affected minorities and low socio-economic classes that could not fix the problem, find other sources of water, or leave.

Environmental racism generally results from the actions of large companies and the government. In those situations, it can be hard to feel as if you have the ability to enact change as an individual. But you do.

McGeorge School of Law has two programs that lead to environmental impact: an LLM and an MSL program in Water and Environmental Law. The degrees provide value to land use planners, engineers, environmental consultants, public information officers, lobbyists, public agency and legislative staff, and others who seek expertise in this continually evolving field without a law degree.

Addressing Environmental Justice

In order to achieve environmental justice, there are two frameworks that must be addressed: stopping environmental wrongs and promoting environmental goods. Environmental bads involve toxins, carcinogens, and other toxins that disproportionately affect people of color. Environmental goods involve access to recreational opportunities, parks, and greens.

Clean energy, clean air, and access to public health for all income communities are all aspects of environmental equity.

Achieving Environmental Justice

The one true way to achieve environmental justice is to redistribute the power. The decision-making must revert to the vulnerable communities that are impacted by environmental justice issues. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that can happen in a day. There are plenty of steps in between that can be taken, including:

Education of pressing issues and effects of practices and policies that are in place
Elevation of the voices of the communities that are impacted
Advocating for policies that help the community
Continuous accountability demanded from those in charge
Participation in the decision-making process
Promotion of environmental health

What Can You Do?

Obtaining your MSL or LLM degree in Water and Environmental Law opens up possibilities to enact change. Planners and engineers are a line of defense in ensuring that environmental hazards don’t make their way out to the community. Lobbyists advocate, pressuring elected officials to do what is good for their constituents. They become experts in their field, using their knowledge to let politicians know what is happening on the ground. Legislative staff can help create policy. Consultants assess the risk and advise projects on a path with little destruction. There are many options that the advanced degree can help you achieve.

McGeorge’s MSL and LLM programs provide the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills that are critical in today’s complex regulatory environment. We have a distinguished faculty of experts in the field. Plus, our program is online, allowing students location and scheduling flexibility. Whatever other obligations you have in life, our online, asynchronous program lets you seamlessly integrate your education into them.

For those not looking for a Juris Doctor who work in the legal or environmental field, our MSL gives you legal education without having to become a lawyer. And for attorneys who want to dive into their specialty, the LLM program is a perfect fit. What are you waiting for? Contact our admissions office today to join the environmental justice movement.

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Faculty Spotlight with Margaret Vick

Blog, Faculty Spotlight, Water & Environmental Law / By McGeorge School of Law

Professor Margaret Vick first took water law as JD student at McGeorge 40 years ago last May. At that time, the leading US expert on water law was teaching at McGeorge. She had also always been fascinated by the subject thanks to her upbringing in the middle of a major Western irrigation district, so all in all, there was no better institution to pursue her passion. McGeorge, essentially, was the perfect fit. Today, she believes that this program might be the perfect fit for many prospective students thanks to some unexpected and profound reasons.

Always the Right School

Margaret’s first job after graduating was focused on water law in Arizona, and she has continued to hone her skill in her chosen area of practice ever since. Only recently retired, she stays busy teaching for her alma mater and pursuing research projects in the area. “There’s a growing number of us who call ourselves water law nerds. That is our area of interest and expertise,” she says with a smile.

On a more personal note, when Margaret’s children were in high school, she did not want to be tied to the private practice schedule of deadlines and client commitments but wanted to remain active in the field. So she went back to McGeorge, studied some more, and in 2009 received her JSD, this time in International Water Law. This added degree rounded out her education and provided a global perspective.

Water Law’s Unexpected Social Impact and Importance

There is so much more to water law than many prospective students might imagine. Here’s some context: Margaret grew up in New Mexico, where interaction with the native peoples was quite common. In law school, her background with water law led to a clerkship and first job with a firm representing many Native American tribes in Arizona. This sub-specialty, as she calls it, has remained close to her heart and motivating in her career.

Her private practice, focused on representing several tribes and organizations with a focus on tribal government and tribal water rights. “It’s a fascinating, personally rewarding, and fun experience working with tribal leaders and helping them understand the complexities involved,” she remarks. “I often would describe myself to tribal councils as a translator; my job was to take the legal complexities of water law and the added complexities of tribal rights, and translate them into a way that these leaders could make informed decisions about what they needed to do to protect their people for their future sustainability and their viability as a government.”

The Far-Reaching Value of a McGeorge Degree

Her work also touched upon the effects of climate change on the water sources for these tribes, such as the diminishing quantity of water in the crucial Colorado River. On facing these harder truths, Margaret attests “I think it’s critical. Water allocations in the West are based on historical norms that are no longer present.” From a tribal to federal level, planning infrastructure, delivery of supplies, and economic returns all depend on the physical landscape. “Knowing as much about meteorology and climate as possible for a non-scientist and the legal structures that will still apply even though the natural environment is rapidly changing, is critical to being able to work in our future with variable conditions.”

Margaret knows the deeply applicable value of her degree and learned experience. “That’s what I have been able to bring to the table for my clients; a very broad perspective on legal systems gained from practice and study.” As conditions change, we need to be able to offer proposals for future water uses that are informed by what is happening in other locations. “That’s the value of the different programs that McGeorge offers: courses in the domestic water and environmental laws of the United States and courses in international water and environmental law. I took advantage of this 40 years ago, again in 2009 in the graduate program and current students have these same opportunities.” she adds.

Study Now, Assure a Exciting Future

Both climate change and social impact are pivotal issues to consider when going into water law. In a field inextricably focused on the future, prospective students naturally want to choose a cutting-edge program with the longevity to match. “In water law, McGeorge has always had the leading experts,” Margaret assures. “If you want to learn from the practitioners in the field who have written the seminal textbooks, McGeorge is the place to be.”

The credentials are unmatched. Interested in international water law?

The leading scholars and practitioners are right here. In fact, Margaret recently published an article about water law in the latest edition of Western Legal History, a Ninth Circuit Historical Society Journal. In her important piece she illuminates tribal water rights and provides an historical perspective on the legal principles and language used. The paper’s second part provides a guide to a few key water terms frequently in the news related to the Colorado River, often incorrectly. Learning from faculty members like Margaret is one one the greatest assets McGeorge can provide its students.

We Need People Like You to Find Solutions

On top of these advantages for water law study specifically, McGeorge is one of the leading institutions in Government Law and Policy, a field you need to understand in order to lead in this area – what is our future going to be, and how are we going to meet the increasing demand with decreased supply?

“As a water lawyer, the most conflict over water occurs when you don’t have enough of it. Then you need creative, learned people to find solutions. Dealing with that variability and addressing those issues is going to require more people.” This is how you know that your advanced degree from McGeorge comes with immense growth potential and upward mobility; you can be one of the people who works for a better future through the study of water law.

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Understanding Legal Analysis: Earn an Online MSL in Government Law & Policy

Blog, Government Law & Policy, Water & Environmental Law / By McGeorge School of Law

In the United States, 14.4% of Americans earn a higher degree after completing their bachelor’s. For those who don’t want to become attorneys but want to utilize legal analysis and reasoning in their careers, an online Master of Science in Law (MSL) is a perfect fit. Understanding Legal Analysis is crucial in this context because it forms the backbone of the skill set you’ll develop.

Whether you work in law and policy or another field, an online MSL enhances many professions. The degree complements those who work as local, state, and federal agency employees, lobbyists, legislative staff, and more. By gaining a deep understanding of legal analysis, you can make informed decisions that guide your organization through complex regulations.

McGeorge School of Law offers both hybrid and online MSL options. Our online Government Law and Policy MSL degree is built on the foundation of McGeorge’s nationally-ranked program in public law and its renowned Capital Center for Law & Policy. Our degree opens up opportunities by allowing you to shift to the legal aspects of your career.

What is Legal Analysis?

Legal analysis is the systematic process of examining legal issues, statutes, and case law to draw conclusions or make arguments. It involves identifying legal issues, applying relevant laws, and reasoning through the implications to arrive at a well-founded conclusion. This method is commonly used by lawyers to solve legal problems, however, it’s also extremely valuable for non-lawyers in various fields who need to understand legal documents and regulations.

For non-lawyers working in or around the legal field, understanding legal documents allows you to further yourself in your career and is a highly marketable skill. Legal analysis builds the ability to read and understand contracts, regulations, and other compliance issues.

Courses at McGeorge

Throughout your MSL, McGeorge offers a few different courses that hone the skills needed for legal analysis, such as:

Introduction to Legal Analysis: This course provides students with an overview of the American legal system, including the sources and development of law as well as the dispute resolution process. The course further focuses on developing an understanding of how lawyers read and analyze cases, statutes, and legal documents, and provides an introduction to legal reasoning. A primer on legal research with a focus on locating and evaluating the weight of legal sources is also included.
Analytical Skills (Contracts): This graduate course offers a practical introduction to a foundational area of law, such as contracts, and to the legal method. Students learn best practices for studying law and developing foundational legal analytical skills so that they can read and understand case law, statutes, and regulations. These analytical skills include IRAC rule-based methodology as a structure for legal analysis, case-briefing, outlining, and test-taking. Students also practice negotiating and drafting agreements.

We also offer courses in policymaking and lawmaking. These courses develop practical skills such as drafting statutory language, bill analysis, and developing public policy.

Benefits of McGeorge

In addition to our legal analysis courses, our MSL program has a variety of other benefits. It is completely online, giving our students flexibility and freedom when it comes to obtaining a higher degree. The burden of time is a massive blocker for those who want to continue their education post-bachelor degree. Our online and asynchronous courses allow our students to study and continue with other obligations in life, whether work or personal.

If you think that getting an online degree might present a disadvantage when it comes to resources, think again. At McGeorge, our students build marketable expertise under the guidance of our faculty. The faculty here are chosen for outstanding teaching as well as depth of knowledge in government law and policy. As a student at McGeorge, you can enhance your career without missing a beat in your own life.

What are you waiting for? Contact our admissions office today to get started.

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NGO Career Outcomes: How an Online MSL Degree Can Jumpstart Your Water and Environmental Law Career

Blog, Water & Environmental Law, Webinars / By McGeorge School of Law

If you are passionate about water law and environmental law, this is a great time to pursue a career; personally, professionally, and globally. Clémence Kucera, Assistant Dean for the Graduate, Online, and International Programs, and guest speaker Kim Defino discussed the pathway from environmental enthusiast to successful advocate.

Kim is an adjunct professor and alumna of McGeorge School of Law. She is also the founder and president of Earth Advocacy, a consulting company that provides policy and advocacy guidance to nonprofits and foundations with the goal of protecting and restoring our lands, water and wildlife for future generations.

Passion and Advocacy

Kim earned her B.S. in political science and public service with an environmental policy emphasis from UC Davis and her law degree from, of course, McGeorge. For 3 years, she worked for a small public interest law firm performing environmental litigation representing nonprofit organizations. But a pivot was on her horizon “I realized that while I loved the issues that I was working on, I really enjoyed developing the policy rather than litigating. So I actually changed my focus.”

Fostering positive systemic change from the inside out, Kim was the State Director for Defenders of Wildlife for almost 20 years before she founded her own firm, Earth Advocacy. She has a broad range of experience under her belt and an even broader skill set: working in strategy, communications, and organization; with clients like Defenders of Wildlife, the National Audubon Society, land trusts, and foundations; at the federal and state levels.

Potential Positions in the Field

The water and environmental law field — unfortunately, due in part to climate change and all of the impacts that we’re experiencing — is growing. “I think you’re going to see, more and more, a need. And there are a lot of things that people can do with a legal or policy background in the private setting,” she encourages. If you want to work in a nonprofit setting, alternatively, “Having a policy background is essential to make progress on the big issues we’re tackling. There’s a wide range of issues that are out there that people can work on and roles they can play.”

Within this range, you can find your own niche. “You could spend your entire life just trying to understand water law and policy. What are the rules of the game, and what are the policies that the rules are trying to promote? That’s very important to understand.” As an example, if you want to protect an endangered species, you could really benefit from learning the basics of land use planning. The options are limitless.

The Keys to Success

There are certain skills needed to be successful in these positions. First, to state the obvious, you need to know the existing laws and regulations. But to state the less obvious, you also have to know the legislative process and the real-time steps it takes to move a project along. Kim imparts as much of this knowledge as possible in her McGeorge online courses.

“We do a survey of some of the biggest environmental laws out there, and we look at it from the perspective of, ‘Why do we have this? Why was this law written? How has this law been interpreted? How has this law evolved over time? And where are we now with the law?’” They take a critical look at climate change, the Clean Water Act, the integration between federal and state laws, and more, through nuanced analysis and practical assignments.

An Informed Approach to Teaching

The multifaceted perspective Kim hopes to teach her students was honed over time. She admits that, earlier in her experience and education, she only gradually uncovered the nuances. “I think I would have liked to have had a deeper understanding of the various layers,” she acknowledges. “I wish that when I was younger I had a better perspective. But I think the problem is, perspective only happens with age.”

This year, she created a project in which students wrote comment letters on proposed regulations stating whether or not they supported them and why. Essentially, she had them participate in the rule-making process. Another had students unite as teams and tackle climate change, everything from the implications of using nuclear power to integrating the opinions of stakeholders. Innovation and creativity are always at the core of McGeorge courses, even when they are online.

Expanding Perspectives

Kim encourages a thriving conversation throughout her class. In discussion threads, students and teacher have a back-and-forth around complex topics, which she thoroughly enjoys. “People have different perspectives and different ways of looking at things. And I often get feedback in those discussion threads, such as ‘I didn’t think about it like that, but that’s a really interesting way of putting it.’”

Ultimately, the dedication to ensuring her students’ optimal education comes back around. “My sense is, at the end of the day, when the students are done with the course they have a deeper understanding of federal environmental law. I’ve had students who now practice in the environmental field say, ‘you know this was really helpful.’”

McGeorge’s online MSL curriculum consists of courses like this one, taught by expert, supportive, and passionate professors. Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career.

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Why McGeorge is One of the Best Schools for Practical Legal Training

Blog, Government Law & Policy / By McGeorge School of Law

Books and classes aren’t everything. While it is important to obtain certain degrees if you go into specialized fields, you don’t learn everything you need for your career in the classroom. It is why doctors must complete residency programs in addition to passing their board exams, and it is why lawyers work in clinics and internships before taking the bar. Skills that you develop as an attorney, such as negotiation, cross-examination, and client interaction are skills that you can only obtain through doing.

What is Practical Legal Training?

You might be wondering exactly what this practical legal training entails. Simply put, it is the chance to apply skills learned in class to unique, real-world lawyering situations. Students get the ability to simulate real client representation. Classes involving advocacy, policymaking, negotiations, and lobbying prepare you for situations you’ll encounter in your career.

Practical legal training is important because it helps new lawyers navigate the legal landscape better. When working with or against attorneys with more experience, the skills honed in law school let you keep up with colleagues and adversaries in the real world.

How McGeorge Stands Out

McGeorge has long been a leader in teaching practical lawyering skills, dating back to 1964. This was when our first clinics opened, giving students real-world experience before graduation. Our online graduate programs extend this tradition and method of instruction, promoting the integration of legal theory with in-demand, marketable skills.

Here is a glimpse at some of the courses we offer:

Persuasive Public Speaking: This online course introduces students to the many aspects of persuasive public speaking, including content, word choice, and delivery. Students develop public speaking confidence by practicing their skills and receiving constructive feedback.
Negotiations: This course examines the theoretical, ethical, and practical skills essential to being an effective advocate in negotiations involving legal disputes. Students learn negotiation skills through lecture, discussion, video simulations, and extensive interactive exercises and role-plays.

Legislatures & Lawmaking: The course provides opportunities for the development of practical skills such as drafting statutory language, preparing and assessing bill analyses, commenting on legislation, and participating in the legislative process.
Leadership in Organizations: This course explores skills necessary for professional competency and excellence in twenty-first-century organizations. Working in and with public agencies is emphasized. Topics covered may include teams in organizations, cross-cultural dynamics, professional work product and communications, and professional ethics. Focus is given to case studies and practical exercises.
Government Law & Policymaking: This course introduces students to the lawyer’s role in developing, modifying, implementing, advocating, and influencing public policy. Students learn policy analysis; the strategic implications associated with the various venues and processes; research using a variety of sources and practice applying course knowledge and skills to important public policy matters of the day.

The focus of each of these courses is its applicability to the workforce and situations students may encounter as parts of their jobs. We empower our students not only with knowledge, but the actionable skills for the various legal environments they will work in.

Contact Us Today

In addition to preparing our students for their careers on a practical level, our LLM and MSL programs are online and asynchronous, giving our students the gift of flexibility. They can complete the program part-time and on their own time, so that if there are any other professional or personal obligations to attend to, their education doesn’t need to be put on hold. McGeorge is here to continue our tradition of excellence, while simultaneously options for working professionals. We are here to and utilizing and making the most of the technological age we live in. It’s the best of everything we have to offer.

Interested in our program? Contact our admissions office today.

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MSL vs JD: A New Pathway in Legal Education

Blog / By McGeorge School of Law

For many aspiring professionals intrigued by the complexities of law and policy, the conventional path has always pointed towards the Juris Doctorate (JD). However, an alternative path has emerged that offers an equally compelling blend of knowledge, rigor, and practical applicability — the Master of Science in Law (MSL).

With tailored concentrations in niche areas like Water and Environmental Law, and Government Law and Policy, McGeorge School of Law is paving the way for individuals to immerse themselves in specialized and career-building legal knowledge, even as non-lawyers. So, why consider an MSL degree over a JD? In a Prelaw magazine article about this very topic, Clemence Kucera, Assistant Dean of online programs at McGeorge School of Law, had this to say, “While students walk away with legal knowledge, they don’t have to take the 88 units the law school requires or prepare for the bar.”

Key Benefits for Non-Lawyers

One of the key benefits of the MSL degree is its accessibility to non-lawyers. This program is ideal for professionals who need to understand and navigate the legal landscape in their work, but do not intend to practice law. From engineers to environmentalists, business leaders to policymakers, an MSL allows individuals across various fields to enhance their understanding of law and policy, thereby enriching their career trajectories and decision-making capabilities. MSL graduate, Amanda Richie, explains, “For me getting an MSL was the best of both worlds. It was a shorter version of law school that provided me with the classes I needed.”

Specialized Legal Expertise

The online MSL degree at McGeorge School of Law offers concentrations that provide graduates with a unique advantage over competitors in the job market. For instance, in the Water and Environmental Law track, students delve into the intricacies of environmental regulations, policies, and legal frameworks related to natural resources. Meanwhile, the Government Law and Policy track equips students with comprehensive insights into public policy-making and legal issues tied to governance. This depth of understanding, specific to their field, equips MSL graduates with knowledge beyond what many JD holders may have in these specialized areas.

Career Advancement

The MSL degree can be a catalyst for career progression. While not a law degree in the traditional sense, the MSL can open doors to roles that require a robust understanding of legal systems and processes, such as policy analysts, regulatory affairs managers, and more. For professionals already working in these fields, the MSL can enhance their credentials and position them for higher-level roles or pay grades.

Time and Financial Considerations

Earning a JD typically takes three years of full-time study and often involves a significant financial commitment. On the other hand, the MSL program at McGeorge is part-time and online, allowing you the flexibility to work around a full-time job and family commitments. This reduced timeframe and, often, a lower cost, makes the MSL a more feasible option for many working professionals looking to gain legal knowledge without committing to a full law degree. Students consistently highlight this flexibility as one of the top reasons to choose McGeorge

The Value of an MSL from McGeorge School of Law

The MSL program at McGeorge School of Law provides an alternative pathway to deepening legal proficiency without the time and financial commitment of a JD. The specialized concentrations offer non-lawyers and working professionals the opportunity to enhance their career prospects and industry expertise. While the MSL doesn’t replace the JD for those intending to practice law, it certainly offers a wealth of benefits for individuals aiming to advance in other areas of work. So, if you’ve been contemplating how to sharpen your legal skills and career prospects without becoming a practicing lawyer, the MSL could be the perfect fit for you.

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Faculty Spotlight with Thomas Cinti

Blog, Faculty Spotlight / By McGeorge School of Law

Thomas Cinti wasn’t always interested in law — or teaching it, for that matter. In fact, he started in the sciences, but eventually loved the subject so much that he even decided to teach it to others. Now, he has useful insights and advice for students going through their own law education journey, especially online learners in McGeorge’s LLM or MSL degree programs.

Getting Talked Into Law

Thomas attended Harvard in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. Meanwhile, his childhood friend, Michael Colatrella, convinced Thomas to join him in looking at law schools. “He essentially talked me into it, and dragged me around to a couple of law schools. We filled out the applications together, and that was my somewhat ignominious introduction to the study of law.” Oh, and if the name sounds familiar to you, you’re absolutely right; that would be the same Michael Colatrella who is currently serving as Co-Director of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learnings and a professor of law right here at McGeorge.

But before he was fully sold on the idea, Thomas returned to Harvard fully expecting to stay and earn a doctorate degree. But when faced with conflicts and obstacles within his doctoral committee, he took it as a sign to choose law school. It was a reluctant journey, “But I will say this, because of my background in environmental science, what I was really interested in doing was environmental law. And that’s what I spent my entire career doing.” Now, he naturally has no regrets.

Becoming a Professor

While working his day job, Thomas noticed that a small college in Philadelphia called Holy Family University was looking to hire an adjunct professor of environmental science. “That’s perfect for me,” he thought. “I have my master’s in environmental science, I like doing it, and I don’t get as much of an opportunity as a lawyer other than augmenting what I do in the legal profession. So I thought it’d be fun to go ahead and teach.”

He had done some teaching while at Harvard, and surprised himself with how much he enjoyed it. He got the job, and for the first year, strictly taught environmental science. He avoided teaching law, instead trying to relegate it to his day job, but eventually the university talked him into it. So unfolded (his again rather ignominious) journey to teaching law, including courses on HR law, business law, and particularly, negotiations. Around a decade later, McGeorge reached out. “I really enjoy it. It makes you yourself continue to learn, which is one of the most fascinating things about the role of teaching.”

A Wide Lens and Accessible Approach

Environmental law is a multidisciplinary field with a lot of crossover between water rights and protection as well as dealing with the government, because “It’s hard to do one without the other. And that’s, I think, both inherent and the thing I enjoy about the practice. It really does require you to be multidisciplinary.” Some legal professionals choose a very narrow focus, but Thomas likes the diversity of a water law issue one day and a zoning problem the next. “I think that’s what makes it exciting and keeps it fresh, and it keeps you on your toes, because you have to keep abreast of all these different areas of law.”

Though a little reluctant when he first started online instruction many years ago, Thomas has since become much more open and excited about the potential possibilities, “and a lot of it has to do with the technological advances that occurred because of COVID. It really forced us to get good at this stuff. I think it’s closer to being seamless.” He identifies the asynchronous course structure, which “really makes it accessible to students who, because of their jobs or family, wouldn’t otherwise be able to partake in the course. And I think that’s a huge plus.” There are certain benefits to be gained from in-person learning, he acknowledges, but genuinely believes that the benefits outweigh it.

Online Learning Success

For the benefits to sink in, however, students can aim to meet some key success factors. “You have to be able to work independently and motivate yourself,” he warns. But don’t be alarmed if you have thrived in conventional classrooms and need some extra reinforcement. “I meet with students all the time. We have phone calls and Zoom sessions, but it’s a little different than being in the classroom and being able to grab the professor after class to ask a question. So If you are a self-motivated person, and you’ve got a busy life, I think this is a great format in order to take your classes.”

Another thing to keep in mind is the social element of traditional versus online classes. Thomas recognizes that some hallmark student experiences, like meeting up with each other after class or forming spontaneous study groups, can be lacking. But if the social aspect of school is important to you, you can still reach out to your classmates and form relationships. When you do, you’ll likely find recent graduates from college looking to jumpstart vibrant futures, established professionals moving towards a career change, and government workers expanding into new and more advanced levels. “It’s very diverse,” he concludes.

Overall, Thomas is satisfied and proud of both the work he does and the students he teaches. His final piece of advice could double as pure encouragement; “If there’s anyone who ever had any hesitation about taking courses in the online format, I would recommend you give it a try. I think it’s an entirely new environment that you can teach in now. And I think students seem to enjoy it.”

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