Master of Law Studies

A wide range of careers today demand an understanding of law and legal principles, from corporate compliance and human relations positions to positions in government and social service agencies. GGU’s Master in Law Studies (MLS) degree prepares graduates for law-related careers that do not require a law license. MLS students learn to analyze and apply legal arguments and theories to everyday situations without the need to become a practicing attorney. MLS students gain a foundation in law and the critical thinking skills needed to work with lawyers and legal matters in legal-adjacent professions. MLS courses are taught by law faculty and students have access to all GGU School of Law academic resources. MLS courses are available in-person or online for students studying full- and part-time.

Innovation is Our Tradition

Located in the heart of San Francisco, GGU Law offers a cutting-edge and personalized learning experience for the lawyers of tomorrow. For over a century, GGU Law has offered a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment that is committed to giving students the individualized attention and real-world knowledge that they need to succeed!

Who We Are

Golden Gate University School of Law is an award-winning, ABA-accredited law school with a prime location in the heart of San Francisco. GGU Law offers an innovative and personalized learning experience that produces a diverse group of graduates with the skill, judgment, and knowledge to become exceptional lawyers for today’s truly global market. Our location in downtown San Francisco puts students steps away from the global hub of the legal, business, and technology industries. With direct access to courts, law firms, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and rapidly expanding tech companies, GGU Law puts our students in the center of the action with career opportunities at every turn.

Now is a great time to become a lawyer. There is an increased need for innovative leaders to help us through the challenging times in our country and the fast-paced changes in technology and our economy. There is no better place to prepare students to be a lawyer and leader in their community, country, and the world than GGU Law.

Diversity

GGU Law has a legacy of inclusion, expanding access, and breaking barriers. Recognized as one of the most diverse law schools in the nation, GGU Law knows that diversity is our strength. We believe that training future lawyers and leaders of diverse backgrounds and experiences creates a stronger, more inclusive justice system. GGU Law is proud to be a leader in expanding access to legal education, helping to promote equity within the profession, and diversifying the legal community.

The City is Your Campus

San Francisco has long been the heart of the culture of innovation and social justice. The city’s incredible diversity and rich blend of cultures from around the world prepare students for today’s truly global market. Our campus is also surrounded by easy access to public transportation, giving students easy access to commute or even just explore this exciting city and its beautiful surrounding region.

Located near thousands of potential employers, GGU Law students are afforded unique opportunities to engage in pro bono work, internships, externships, and other hands-on legal work under the supervision of practicing lawyers and the guidance of experienced professors. The biggest tech companies in the industry – Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and many more – surround our campus, giving our students unparalleled access to the ever-expanding tech industry and an unbeatable edge as they begin their legal career. San Francisco has always been at the forefront of change, and GGU Law has been there every step of the way!

Interim Dean's Welcome

As a first-generation college and law school graduate, I was drawn to GGU Law because of its dedication to expanding access to and diversifying the legal profession, something we have been doing for more than a century. We do this by providing a warm, diverse, and engaging community where students are driven to make changes in our community, country, and world.

As Dean, I am committed to helping each student succeed in law school and as lawyers. In fact, I meet individually with each new student to learn about their reasons for going to law school and how I can support them. You will also find this personal touch with every GGU faculty and staff member you meet. I am confident that you won’t find this same personalized and supportive environment at many other places.

I hope you will join me and the entire GGU Law family in San Francisco where we are always committed to the success of our students in law school, on the bar exam, and in the legal profession.

Sincerely,

Eric Christiansen Interim Dean & Professor of Law

History & Philosophy

Golden Gate University School of Law believes lawyering is an honorable profession, worthy of public trust. Toward that end, we provide students with a solid foundation in legal theory and the skills necessary to be a successful practitioner.

Professional Skills Development

JD students develop professional skills through a variety of programs including clinics, certificates of specialization, the Honors Lawyering Program, joint degrees, and more.

Faculty

GGU students are taught by an accomplished and diverse faculty, who practiced law before teaching and are experts in a wide range of legal areas.

Public Interest Law

GGU Law has a special commitment to public interest law, offering a strong public interest law curriculum, financial assistance to students who pursue careers in the field.

Accreditation

Golden Gate University School of Law is fully accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (ABA), the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State of California, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). GGU Law is also a member in good standing of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). GGU Graduates qualify to take the bar exam in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia.