Government Law & Policy Archives

McGeorge’s Online MSL is the Future of Legal Education

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

The legal profession has a reputation for being slow-moving; litigation or other proceedings across different areas of law may take months or even years. The enactment of change within regulations can take as long as decades when people need to lobby and fight to dismantle ineffective precedents. Law is also a profession known for resisting operational change. Even when it comes to getting your legal education – a chapter culminating in needing bar passage to enter the practice of law – the process has not changed in many years.

The question begs, how can you modernize legal practice? In a world where technology continues to advance, theoretical conversations about artificial intelligence have immediate concerns. With real-world, experiential learning being the primary concern even in an evolving landscape, how do you prepare students to become legal professionals?

Partner with Technology

Technology advances at a rapid pace. As younger generations continue to enter the workforce, they come sans knowledge of a world without it. Resistance to technology can lead to inefficiency or undesirableness in a law firm or organization where candidates want to work or in a partner a client might want to hire.

While some software, such as legal research databases, is standard, new legal technology always emerges. Updates and innovations help legal operations run better, facilitate client communications, and simplify students’ lives.

Utilize Practical Skills

Law school was built on a foundation of curriculums culminating in the American bar exam. While internships occurred in the summer, the focus on practical skills was not as heavy.

There is added value to having experience in legal practice or legal services. For those using their education to gain specialized knowledge while working in the field to expand their skill set, the degree acts as a door opener to further their career. Some things cannot be taught, such as how to interact with others, advocacy, and professional etiquette. Skills like these are learned through experiences like shadowing colleagues and becoming accustomed to the working environment.

Start from the Beginning

Openness to change starts at the beginning, with the education of law students. Law schools need to emphasize the benefits of technology and how it can help legal proficiency. The early introduction of artificial intelligence, case management systems, discovery tools, legal research software, and other programs get the newest generation of practitioners acclimated early to change.

There is already a stark difference between the classes of students starting now and those who have been practicing for twenty or even ten years. The older generations saw the internet emerge and integrate into their lives, even though it was already well-established by the time they started working. Many still used paper files as technology advanced, and they attended school and began their careers in a pre-pandemic world.

The pandemic changed the way people utilize technology and jumpstarted the workforce’s capacity to perform remotely. Before, while remote learning was possible as well as remote work, it was not as common of an option. Even a hybrid model was unheard of. Now, remote work and remote learning are everywhere, which helps students and employees alike. The commute time saved can be used for other personal or familial obligations. For students, remote learning and the flexibility it offers open up access to education.

Even post-pandemic, there are still many people – especially those in the legal field – resistant to this kind of change. Instilling the values of flexibility, trust, and correct management in students will allow them to carry them over to the workspace. Those students become CEOs, managers, and bosses. If they know that environments that accept technology help productivity, efficiency, and morale, they will carry it over into the field when they begin to manage others.

McGeorge is Part of the Future

The future of legal lies in the ability to adapt and move forward as times change. The legal profession, while not known for its adaptability, is forced to do so as well. As older generations retire and make way for newer ones, places of business – including law firms, university law schools, and other legal organizations – must be willing to embrace the changing legal landscape.

University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law is at the forefront of our options for legal education. We offer not only a Juris Doctor degree for those who want to become practicing attorneys but also a Master of Science in Law (MSL) and LLM degree for those who want to work within the legal field without being lawyers.

Our MSL degrees in both water and environmental law and government and policy give our students specialized knowledge that they can use to advance their careers. Our faculty are experts in their fields as well as a constant network and resource for our students and alumni. Better yet, our program is completely online. We give our students the ability to do both: complete their degree without having to choose between sacrificing their jobs or other personal obligations.

The flexibility in asynchronous lectures and assignments lets our students choose how their education will fit into their schedule, not the other way around. This structure helps them strive and achieve success. And they still have access to every resource any McGeorge student or graduate does – being online does not hinder any aspect of their educational journey.

Change can be hard, but it is usually necessary and always unavoidable. In this case, giving students and later on employees a better quality of life by utilizing flexibility and technology is a good and much-needed change. For us, it starts right at the source, in our remote classrooms within our school. We instill this motivation in our graduates so they can carry that change with them.

If you are waiting to get an advanced degree because of these common obstacles, look no further. McGeorge School of Law and our online MSL program may just be the perfect fit for you. Check out our admissions process to learn more and start your journey.

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Law for Non-lawyers: Advance in Your Legal Career without a JD

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

Obtaining a law degree is a three-year journey that culminates with taking the bar exam in order to become a licensed attorney. The legal field, however, has many opportunities that exist for non-lawyers. Many people don’t want to be lawyers, want to be in the legal field in some way shape, or form, and don’t realize that they don’t need to go through a JD program and bar exam to get there.

When it comes to working professionals and law for non-lawyers, McGeorge University School of Law is the place to enroll to advance your education and career. We have multiple master of studies in law, MSL, programs that can bring you that much closer to your career goals without needing to obtain a Juris Doctor.

Vast Career Options

McGeorge has two online law and graduate degrees:

MSL degrees equip students with the skill set to go into a variety of careers. On top of that, our school of law offers the added bonus of specialization. As a result, each degree lets you gain legal expertise in a particular field.

For our water and environment law graduates, our graduates go on to become engineers, city planners, and environmental consultants. For those who want to go into government law and policy, there are plenty of opportunities for lobbyists, grassroots advocates, campaign workers, and employees in all levels of government agencies.

Working Within the Law and a Non-Attorney

Learning the intricacies of the law can be like learning a new language. Many careers, especially those mentioned above, work within the law and tackle legal issues regularly. Legal concepts and regulations govern every career. Guidance on how to navigate that system from experts in the field makes achieving your job much more manageable.

For people working in government law and policy, advocacy to make your community a better place is a consistent goal. Lobbyists work within the nation’s capital to urge politicians to draft and vote for policies that work best for their organization. Fields such as hospitals and nursing homes work to make the healthcare system better for those involved. Other powerhouse industries, such as oil and gas as well as pharmaceuticals, aim to make the legal system work for their corporations. Campaign workers, grassroots advocates, and politicians all actively work to get people in office or campaigns moving that will positively affect their community. While none of these professions involve the practice of law, the legal system, laws, and regulations guide their day-to-day life.

The same can be said for those in the environmental field. We live in a time of continuously expanding technology and revelations of our ever-expanding footprint. With climate change at the forefront of needed action, a master’s degree in water and environmental law lets students stay up-to-date with the compliance and pressing problems surrounding real estate. Our legal studies programs give our graduates the tools to either go into government and policy under the environmental umbrella or work to enact change in other ways. They change waste management, doctrine, and planning for government agencies by understanding legislation, lawmaking, and leadership. All of these skills and knowledge come from our certificate program.

Flexibility and Freedom in McGeorge’s MSL

When it comes to education, choosing what works best for you and your dream career is how students stay invested and receive a return on that investment. An MSL program offers people the freedom to work in so many fields within the law without becoming an attorney.

In addition to having specialized MSL programs, McGeorge also offers additional flexibility in our program. It is a completely online program that students complete asynchronously and part-time. At the same time, all of our resources are ready and available, as well as our extensive network. We have experts in the field teaching our courses. Students are able to advance their careers without sacrificing any personal or professional obligations they might have prior. Our MSL program tailors to both recent graduates and working professionals. We have a tradition of excellence that is offered to everyone.

If you’re looking to advance your career in a program that aims to cater to and support its students, look no further. Contact the admissions office at McGeorge today, begging your application, and get started.

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Water Rights and Agriculture: Earning a MSL Degree

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

Water is the most precious resource on this planet. We are all water users in some way. Groundwater sustains life and is home to various creatures. It is an energy source as well, providing an alternative option to the fossil fuels that are finite and depleting, as well as harmful to our atmosphere.

As with any natural resource, the management of water rests with humans and therefore is surrounded by rules and regulations to keep it safe from contamination. Water law exists in many forms, covering everything from water systems to water quality and everything in between. Environmental advocates persist diligently to ensure that our most important resource continues to thrive.

When it comes to water rights and agriculture, earning your master’s degree allows you to be at the forefront of environmental activism. The degree opens the door to a variety of career paths so that you can transform public policy.

The Clean Water Act

Perhaps one of the most influential pieces of legislation that exists in water law is the Clean Water Act (CWA). It was enacted in 1948 by Congress as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. In 1972, public awareness was growing about water pollution and its dangers. Water pollution was causing illnesses, disorders, and even reproductive issues. This led to the movement for amendments to the Act, which occurred in 1972. Carried out and enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Water Act has the following six provisions:

Research and related programs (Title I)
Grants for construction of treatment works (Title II)
Standards and enforcement (Title III)
Permits and licenses (Title IV)
General provisions (Title V)
State water pollution control revolving funds (Title VI)

The results of the Act are simple: it establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

The CWA was one of the first environmental laws passed in the United States and is one of the most influential. Even though many would think that something as universally negative as water pollution would have bipartisan support, it was shockingly vetoed by President Nixon after passing in the House and Senate. Both parts of Congress overrode Nixon’s veto with overwhelming bipartisan support. The journey included:

Introduced in the Senate as S. 2770 by Edmund Muskie on October 28, 1971
Committee consideration by the Senate Public Works Committee
Passed the Senate on November 2, 1971 (86-0)
Passed the House on March 29, 1972 (passed)
Reported by the joint conference committee on October 4, 1972; agreed to by the House on October 4, 1972 (366-11) and by the Senate on October 4, 1972 (74-0)
Vetoed by President Richard Nixon[1] on October 17, 1972
Overridden by the Senate on October 17, 1972 (52-12)
Overridden by the House and became law on October 18, 1972 (247-23)

At the helm of it all were lobbyists, politicians, and writers who moved the needle to get the CWA to what it is today.

Water Resources

Water resources are sources of water that are useful for things like drinking, bathing, and washing. They are used by animals, humans, and plants alike in order to survive. Here are some interesting water supply statistics:

71% of the Earth is covered in water
Of that 71%, 97% of it is salt water, which provides a home to all of the aquatic creatures but is not a water resource to help us live. The 3% amount of water exists as surface water, under river flow, groundwater, and frozen water
Of that 3%, 69% is in glaziers and frozen ice caps, 30% is underground, and less than 1% is located in rivers, lakes, and swamps.
This means that only 1% of water is usable by humans

One percent is a small percentage to serve almost 8 billion people, not to mention any other creatures that may need it as well.

Luckily, water is a constantly renewable resource thanks to rain and weather. And yet, water resources are under constant threat of attack, from water scarcity, water pollution, water conflict, and climate change. Public policy comes into play when it comes to the quantity of water and how it is protected. Even in aspects such as agricultural production – where water is the fuel driving business – regulations that work to keep the earth from getting drained of its resources are vital.

National Parks

Within the United States, there are 429 national parks throughout all four corners of the country. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are over 6,500 national parks today. They are important for a variety of reasons:

Provide a home for many species, especially threatened native ones
Protect the environment from threats
Prevent land clearing
Prevent pollution
Protect from invasive species
Prevent urban development
Keep wildlife intact
Maintain biodiversity

Parks exist on the state, local, and national levels. Despite holding such importance, they are also under threat from humans. People who come into parks and litter or cause disruption can have an effect. Parks provide a place for people to be in touch with and awe in nature. This in theory should create enough of an investment that people look to protect these great places and preserve our rich natural diversity.

Not only can people pass rules and regulations to help protect our parks, but they can also work as fundraisers, campaign managers, and heads of conservatory nonprofit organizations whose mission is environmental activism. All of these career paths are open to graduates of our Online Master of Science in Law MSL program.

Enroll At McGeorge Today

Humans drain the resources on this earth. We must fight for the longevity of our resources so as to ensure the longevity of our species. Scientists warn about the point of no return if climate change continues to destroy this planet that we call home. If you are impassioned about environmental activism, McGeorge School of Law can get you there. Our school is one of the top 10 public policy schools in the nation, receiving an A ranking from PreLaw magazine Our MSL program lets you work in public policy and hold space for impact in your career.

Not only do our students graduate from a top nationally ranked program, but they can rest easy on their educational journey, as it is fully online. Courses can be done on your own schedule so that students can structure their coursework and class time around other commitments, whether they are professional or personal. Our faculty aids our students in personalizing coursework plans to meet their goals.

Being a fully online student does not detract from the wealth of resources that McGeorge has to offer. Our faculty are experts in their field and give our graduates a strong foundation to build their careers in public policy. Graduates go on to become local, state, and federal agency employees, as well as lobbyists and legislative staff. The McGeorge network is expansive, and you can be a part of it. Contact our admissions office today to get started on your journey.

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Government Law and You: How an MSL Can Benefit Public Sector Professionals

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

McGeorge School of Law’s recent webinar, hosted by the online Master of Science in Law (MSL) program, was focused on the dynamic field of Government Law and Policy. The session featured Jamie Taylor, Director of the California Senate Fellows Program and esteemed McGeorge alumnus, who shared his insights on navigating the complexities of government law and the transformative impact of the MSL degree on public sector careers.

Katjana Wurschum, Assistant Director of Graduate Online Programs at McGeorge, presented Jamie with some practical questions. His answers provide practical insights, advice, and expert information for current or aspiring professionals in the public sector, as well as for prospective MSL students.

Could you share with us how your journey in political community and legislative affairs led you to pursue your MSL at McGeorge?

“Going through the McGeorge MSL experience starting in 2014 was a real game-changer,” Jamie says. It began with writing a personal statement that led him to focus on his goals and identity. The assignment turned out to have a lasting impact. “It matters for me personally in the work I do every single day … right away, as I was applying, I was thinking about ‘where did I come from and where do I want to be?’”

Jamie grew up in the Bay Area, where members of his family lost their property due to redevelopment. His grandmother, who was one of the first women of color to open a nightclub in San Francisco, was fighting for her stolen legacy. He and his family didn’t understand the language of the law spoken around them, and Jamie noticed the negative effects. “It burned into my mind the importance of protecting one’s community, understanding the language of the law, and being able to communicate with people in power. I realized this is something that I need to know how to do better.”

Jamie was very clear in his intention, which kickstarted his next step on the journey both to McGeorge and where he is now. “As soon as I got into the MSL program, then finished that experience, along came another job opportunity that I was prepared for. I was confident in my skills and had the educational background that the state wanted, so I essentially took away all the ‘no’s by getting that higher degree.”

How do you see an MSL degree enhancing the skill set of professionals entering a professional and legislative career?

Jamie details the high impact and tremendous value of not just an MSL degree, but one that’s specifically from McGeorge School of Law. “It’s unparalleled, what you’ll receive in terms of your legal reasoning skills. You will be amongst people in a cohort that often work in and around the government, so you’ll be sharpening your legal reasoning ax with others in government spaces and having conversations about policy from that standpoint.”

“Your research, writing, and verbal communication will take a big step forward. Conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation … these are just the tip of the iceberg of things you’ll pick up along the way that are very useful anywhere, but much more in government. I would say that the MSL program enhances all of these skill sets.”

How did the MSL degree inform your approach to leadership and mentorship?

“I’ve always had a passion for the law, but I think going through McGeorge gave me a passion for justice …. a big part of my MSL experience was being around practitioners and professors who were super passionate about the area of law they taught. Classmates as well – we would have really passionate conversations about the law in class, and that translates well to working in government.”

“I don’t think you can serve people unless you’re passionate and you understand their needs. If you’re passionate about justice and politics, you’re passionate about people.” Jamie also speaks to the adaptability, creativity, confidence, negotiation, and more key skills gained through the MSL program at McGeorge.”

What challenges do professionals in government law and policy face today, and how does the MSL equip them to address these challenges?

Jamie notes that the field faces a current lack of applied writing skills. “Learning how to write in this space and adapt to the needs of the audience in this space,” is key. As we are creating legislation, it needs to be steeped in certain facts as well as certain bits of information – but not all of the information, because there are attention spans that are very short because of the amount of work that needs to be done!”

“If you think, ‘I wish I could write better,’ that’s excellent. Go for it with the MSL program because your skills are going to take off. If you have an MSL degree or a legal background, the writing that you do will be that much more precise and effective for your audience. If you are seeking an opportunity to go back and sharpen your writing skills, you will be a very good written and verbal communicator once you come out of the program.”

What advice would you give to public sector professionals who are contemplating an MSL to advance their careers?

Passion is the key to succeeding in a graduate degree program. “Really take a look at what you want to do on the policy side. I think McGeorge offers an unparalleled experience …. Don’t go back to school to figure out what you want to do, go back to school saying, ‘I’m really passionate about [for example] water law, and I really want to get into water law.’ You really want to be passionate about what you’re going back to school for, especially with the MSL program. Look at McGeorge through that lens and you’ll have a great experience.”

How do you see the role of MSL-educated professionals evolving the landscape of government law and policy?

There are many exciting opportunities for graduates of McGeorge’s online Master of Science in Law (MSL) program. “Having a legal background and experience working in law translates to better legislation. I think MSL-educated professionals will make better legislation. I think they’ll take into consideration their understanding of the law, but also, they will apply their research and communication skills in ways that will translate to better, longer-lasting, and more durable forms of legislation.”

The online Master of Science in Law (MSL) in Government Law & Policy is designed for local, state, and federal agency employees, lobbyists, legislative staff, and recent graduates, to enhance their skills in lawmaking, regulation, election law, and lobbying.

This fully online program, rooted in McGeorge’s nationally-ranked public law program, offers practical training and expertise taught by experienced faculty. Courses focus on real-world knowledge and the development of practical skills in government law and policy, translating to in-demand skills.

All of McGeorge’s online graduate courses are designed to be flexible, effective, and engaging. The courses are designed to provide regular and substantial interaction between faculty and students, but primarily asynchronous, which means you view them when you want to, at a time convenient for your schedule.

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Transforming Public Policy with an Online MSL Degree

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

Public policy shapes everything around us. It is the laws, regulations, guidelines, and actions to solve or address relevant and real-world problems, guided by a conception and often implemented by programs. Governmental bodies identify and address societal issues and reach collective goals through public policy. At every level, people are intricately involved in advocating for positive change within public policy. They can be lawmakers, lobbyists, politicians, or grassroots campaigners. If enacting change is your goal, there are a variety of ways to get there.

Educationally, obtaining a degree to help you understand the processes and systems you will work within can enhance your career. While many people assume becoming a lawyer is the main road, becoming an attorney isn’t the only option. Earning a Master of Science in Law (MSL) also opens those doors. For those looking to pursue an MSL, McGeorge School of Law is there. Our nationally-ranked public law program gives our students professional, thorough legal knowledge by offering practical training and expertise taught by experienced faculty.

Transforming Government

Advocating and enacting change happens in the biggest way through laws and regulations that governing bodies set out. Whether this is at the federal, state, or local levels, impact occurs everywhere.

There are various career paths you can take if you’re looking to make long-term changes within government, including:

Lobbyists: people who take part in organized attempts to influence legislators. They usually work for a specific cause and lobby within Congress. A lobbyist’s job is to fight for a goal and to get laws enacted that further the goal. They can be environmental, pharmaceutical, community-driven, and more. They are knowledgeable in their field and use the knowledge to educate legislators on what is happening as well as influence them on why they should pass laws in their favor.
Politicians: Politicians hold power either in the state or local governments. They are proposing and vetoing laws and regulations. Politicians are elected by the people to represent the people and are supposed to work with their constituents’ best interests in mind.
Policy writers/analysts: Policy writers research and draft policy initiatives. Afterward, they aid in the implementation and adoption of those policies. Policy analysts are on the ground level when implementing or changing the regulations in place becomes a thought. They do the research and reports on the ramifications of any kind of policy change so that everyone is well-informed on the potential impact it holds.
Campaign workers: Many of us have interacted with campaign workers at some point, especially around elections. Campaign workers encompass many cogs in a moving machine. They might be polling the community, making phone calls, raising funds, or advising the person running for office. They could be coordinating travel, keeping an eye on current news, or speech writing. Campaign workers form a team that backs up their running person until election results are in. Getting their candidate in office has a direct impact on the next cycle of government and how it runs.
Grassroots community builders: Community builders are distinguishable in that they are locally accountable. They work to improve the collective livelihoods of their community. This can manifest in many different ways, whether it is starting initiatives to educate the community on pressing issues, pushing for resources, or fighting for change. Some grassroots movements grow large enough that they step outside of their local area. Alexandria Occassio-Cortez as well as other politicians famously started as grassroots movements.
Public health officials: Healthcare practitioners and public health officials help transform the landscape of our healthcare system. According to the CDC, public health professionals play an important role in the policy process. They do this by conducting policy analysis, communicating findings, developing partnerships, and promoting and implementing evidence-based interventions. Policy is an effective way to improve the health of populations.

These positions all work within the government to change it, whether by being a part of it or working on the outside with the branches in place.

Private Sector

Transforming public policy doesn’t only happen on a public level, but on a private one as well. The private sector, which many times has funding that the public sector does not, also can have an impact on transforming public policy. Plenty of private sector jobs can help influence public policy, such as:

Journalists/policy reporters: While this may not be the first thought for a job that influences policy, news reporting always has the potential to heavily sway the public’s opinion. In today’s age, where there are many news outlets, social media, and various forms of technology keeping us connected to what is happening in our community and around the world, reporting news is no light responsibility. Journalists not only let the public know what is happening but also portray the facts to help people come to conclusions about courses of action that should occur.
Engineers: Engineers can shape public policy by identifying how their engineering as well as science shapes social issues. Water resource or environmental engineers, for example, use engineering disciplines to develop solutions for planetary health.

MSLs as a Stepping Stone

A Master of Science in Law gives practical training, expertise, and legal knowledge. Graduating from the McGeorge program lets you:

Review and understand agreements such as contracts
Review and draft proposed local, state, and federal laws and regulations
Understand and comply with regulatory requirements for specific industries
Work with attorneys and compliance officers

Specialized degrees give you a higher leg up in today’s competitive job market. We have MSL programs in both government law and policy as well as water and environmental law. Both bring our students advanced knowledge of the legal system, which can open doors within their careers. Advanced knowledge of the legal system helps you:

Gain a competitive edge when applying for jobs;
Provide a greater understanding of how the law affects your current role;
Enhance your resume by developing a specialization in government law or water & environmental law.

Whether you want to break into a new role, advance your current role, or pivot into being more focused on the legal possibilities within your career, an MSL could be a great move for you.

McGeorge School of Law not only offers two specialized MSL programs but also offers them online. Our fully online programs allow our students to blend the demands of higher education with other demands in life, such as work or personal responsibilities. McGeorge has a nationally-ranked law program that our MSLs are rooted in, and our online students get access to all of the resources and networks that McGeorge has to offer. This includes on-campus academic and social events which can be joined either through live-streaming or in person.

If you’re looking into an MSL program, consider McGeorge. Submit your application today or call our admissions office to get started.

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Breaking Down Complex Legal Concepts for Non-Lawyers

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

A common school of thought is that to work in the legal field, you have to be a lawyer. This is far from the case (pun intended). Plenty of people – including lobbyists and even politicians, who help make laws – are not attorneys. You can work within your legal system as long as you understand it. The first step is taking legal concepts that appear complex and breaking them down into points that are easier to understand.

If you’re considering a career in law in the United States but don’t want to become an attorney, McGeorge School of Law is the place for you. We have specialized Master of Science in Law degree programs that give our students distinctive knowledge in their field. The need for legal skills in non-lawyer jobs continues to grow, and having expertise in law, legislation, and regulation can help expand career opportunities.

Important Legal Terminology

Knowing legal terminology is half the battle. Law school and becoming a lawyer is a massive learning curve. At first, it might feel like learning a whole new language. Knowing what some of these terms mean helps massively as you navigate legal issues.

1. Contract

A contract can come in many shapes and forms. People sign contracts regularly – whenever you purchase a plane ticket or a phone or hire someone for an event, you are entering into a contractual agreement with that company. A lease, home purchase, and mortgage are all major contracts that most people will sign at some point in their lives. Contracts are agreements between two parties for something – whether it is buying goods or exchanging services.

2. Damages

Damages are some kind of harm that occurs to a person. Usually, this can be measured in monetary amounts. Have you suffered an injury? The medical bills and lost wages are considered damages. Any pain and suffering caused is also considered damages. Damages are usually given a numerical amount in a lawsuit and are what gets awarded at its conclusion if the party wins.

3. Liability

Liability essentially translates to blame or responsibility. Who holds the blame for something that happened? The party being held responsible is the one who has liability.

4. Force Majeure

Force majeure was a term that many people had never heard of until the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a French term that directly translates to mean, “greater force.” In contracts, it refers to an unforeseeable and unavoidable event that prevents the terms of a contract from being carried out, sometimes called, “an act of God.”

A pandemic is a perfect example of this, as are extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or acts of war. Force Majeure generally relieves parties from liability in carrying out the terms of their contract because external forces make it impossible. It is completely out of their control and something that never could have been predicted.

5. Negligence

Negligence is the failure to take proper care to do something. In the world of law, it involves a few elements. To be considered negligent, someone (or an entity) needs to have a duty of care towards another and breach that duty. As a direct result of that breach, an injury has to have occurred and that person must have incurred damages.

6. Malpractice

Malpractice is essentially professional negligence. It applies to professions that are held to a higher standard of care because they serve people – such as doctors and lawyers. These professions are highly trained and therefore have a higher duty of care. Malpractice can have devastating consequences – including death, jail time, and ruined lives. Breaching that duty tends to have higher consequences. Deviating from and breaching that duty of care is considered malpractice.

7. Plaintiff

Plaintiffs are one of two parties in a lawsuit. They are the person instigating the action and suing the other party, known as the Defendant.

8. Defendant

Defendants are the party getting sued. The root of the word, “defend,” essentially describes the process of defending one’s actions in a lawsuit.

9. Claim

Claims are requests or demands for something. Generally, someone has been harmed in some way and they are seeking a legal route to right the wrong.

10. Lawsuit

Lawsuits occur if the person with a claim is bringing it forward to court.

McGeorge Gets You Through The Door

Attending law school and obtaining your MLS degree gives you a well-rounded knowledge of legal topics and allows you to participate in, and inform legal discussions. Whether you’re working in criminal law, intellectual property law, business law, or a completely different field, law will intersect. Our graduates go on to become and work as:

Analysts
Regulatory compliance officers
Human resources representatives
Program coordinators
Contracts and grants officers
Management consultants
Government officials and public agency staff
Courtroom clerks
Healthcare practitioners
Legislative aides
Legislative directors
Lobbyists
Program managers
Environmental engineers
Public information officers
Journalists or policy reporters
Land use planners
Policy advocates
And so much more.

Our MLS program offers two concentrations: government and policy, and water and environmental. The program is fully online, giving our students the flexibility to expand their knowledge and career opportunities without sacrificing any life obligations they currently have. Interested in getting started? Contact our admissions office today.

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Advance your Advocacy Career with an Online MSL in Government Law & Policy

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

Education opens doors to advance your career. Obtaining a higher degree gives you an edge in a competitive job market. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2022 only 14% of Americans had completed advanced education such as a master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate. If you’re looking for an advocacy career, the specialized knowledge gained from a master’s degree is a tool to become a better advocate.

McGeorge School of Law has a Master of Science in Law (MSL) in Government Law and Policy that teaches students the ins and outs of things such as legislature and policymaking. When it comes to being an advocate and enacting change, the real-world education provided at McGeorge gives our graduates marketable expertise.

Advocacy as a Calling

If you are someone who has always had the passion to fight for others and the betterment of the community, advocacy could be your career calling. There are various types of advocates. Many careers hold some level of advocacy within. Teachers, social workers, and lawyers advocate for their students and clients. You can get involved in the political space, by helping lobby for legislation that protects the community or even running for an elected office. You jump into the legal space in a different manner, by helping grassroots movements and writing policy. You can work in the nonprofit realm, as many nonprofits have missions related to the public interest. Many people have a personal tie to the cause they are advocating for, and there are many options out there.

What an MSL Can Do For You

Some advocacy careers, such as lawyers and teachers, require specific degrees. Others don’t have an education requirement beyond a bachelor’s degree. So why is getting your MSL beneficial? How can it help you professionally? And why an MSL in government law and policy?

First, many advocacy careers intersect with the law in some way. Whether or not you are involved on the ground level trying to change policy, the laws that are out there affect the people you are advocating for. In order to work to change them or figure out how they can help, you’ll need to have a better understanding of how the system works. In many cases, whatever is out there isn’t enough. You’re advocating for more. An MSL degree can enhance the role you are currently in. It can also help you pivot your career into the legal field if you were not there already and you want to head in that direction. Plenty of advocacy careers, such as lobbying, legislature, policy, and elections, benefit from specialized knowledge of government law and policy.

Why McGeorge

Our MSL program enables you to learn from professors and practitioners who are experts in law, legislative process, regulation, and policymaking. Our students come away with knowledge and a skillet that allows them to:

Review and understand agreements such as contracts
Review and draft proposed local, state, and federal laws and regulations
Understand and comply with regulatory requirements for specific industries
Work with attorneys and compliance officers

They also have a publishable piece of research. The coursework is designed to benefit many career paths that our graduates go on to pursue. They become analysts, law clerks, and government staff. Graduates can advance their current career path or step into a new role entirely.

When it comes to logistics, McGeorge works to ensure that getting your MSL is not prohibitive for the rest of your life. Students come in with full-time jobs and other obligations that don’t need to be put on hold while they get their degree. Our program is part-time, completely online, and asynchronous. This gives students the freedom to mold class to their schedules instead of the other way around. It is a facet that makes education more accessible without sacrificing quality. Our program was built on the foundation of McGeorge’s nationally-ranked program in public law and its renowned Capital Center for Law & Policy, and our MSL students have full access to our resources as well as our extensive alumni network.

An MSL can help you hold greater space for impact. McGeorge’s MSL program in Government Law and Policy is the perfect place to start. What are you waiting for? 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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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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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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