MSL in Fashion Law

For current and future fashion industry pros: A flexible master’s degree to give you the inside edge.

Fashion law started here — and at Fordham Law we believe that legal knowledge in the global fashion industry can no longer be left to lawyers alone.

Fashion industry professionals and entrepreneurs who enroll in the MSL in Fashion Law will develop their legal literacy while studying with the most distinguished faculty in the discipline, including both academics and industry insiders—in New York City, a capital of the world’s fashion industry. Whether you’re currently working in fashion or aspire to a career as a designer, production manager, licensing director, human resources coordinator, or C-suite executive, this program will prepare you to succeed.

You’ll learn aspects of the law that arise throughout the life of a garment, starting with the designer’s original idea and continuing all the way to the consumer’s closet.

You’ll explore what we’ve defined as the four pillars of fashion law:

• intellectual property
• business and finance, including areas such as investment, employment law, and real estate
• international trade and government regulation, including sustainability, privacy, and issues related to wearable technology
• consumer culture and civil rights

You’ll also gain direct access to events and networking opportunities available through the nonprofit Fashion Law Institute. Established with the assistance of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, it’s the world’s first center dedicated to the law and business of fashion—and it’s based at Fordham Law.

WHO TEACHES THE CLASSES?

Courses are taught by a mix of Fordham Law's full-time faculty, practitioners, and industry professionals.

WHO MAY APPLY?

Anyone who has earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university may apply. Individuals who have earned a JD, LLB, or similar law degree are not eligible for MSL admission. Instead, they should apply for admission to the LLM in Fashion Law.

IS THE PROGRAM FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME?

Both options are available. The full-time program can be completed in one year (two semesters). Students enrolled in the part-time program may complete the program in as few three semesters or extend their studies to fit their busy schedules.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE TO COMPLETE?

The full-time program can be completed in one year (two semesters). Students enrolled in the part-time program may complete the program in as few three semesters or extend their studies to fit their busy schedules.

IS THE PROGRAM AVAILABLE ONLINE?

No, at this time, we do not offer an online option.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

Yes. A limited number of partial, merit-based scholarships are available. Review the deadlines for scholarship consideration.

COULD MY CREDITS COUNT TOWARD A JD DEGREE?

American Bar Association rules prohibit the Law School from counting credits earned in the MSL program toward the JD degree.

A leader in American legal education, Fordham Law School has provided a complete education in the law for more than a century. While the legal profession has changed during that time, the core mission of a Fordham Law education has not. We value academic excellence, the pursuit of justice, and the ethical practice of the lawyer’s craft. We impart the warmth of community within the School and wherever Fordham Law alumni are found around the globe. Fordham lawyers are dedicated to the highest standards of the legal profession and using the law “in the service of others.”

The School’s student journals are some of the most cited in the legal profession: the Fordham Law Review is the 7th most-cited review in judicial opinions, and all six of Fordham's journals are among the top ten most-cited journals of their respective fields.

The Fordham Law alumni community is a global network. Graduates can be found in all 50 states and 74 countries around the world. Our graduates hit the streets running, joining an ever-growing alliance of doers and thinkers, organizers and inspirers, justice-makers and jury-swayers, movers and shakers. We’re at the front of courtrooms and classrooms. Deep inside the ranks of law firms of every size and specialty. We’re transacting big business. Defending the underdog. Addressing cutting-edge theoretical issues. Solving real-life legal problems. Creating leaders. Making the world a better place. In short, we’re doing everything possible to connect Fordham Law graduates to the people, places, ideas, and career opportunities that matter most.