How an MLS Degree Strengthens Careers in Human Resources and Employment Compliance
Today’s human resource (HR) and compliance professionals (including HR compliance managers, coordinators and employee relations specialists) are navigating the ever-complex landscape of employment law and workplace regulations. From issues surrounding workplace discrimination and wage violations to employer classification and beyond, these professionals must draw from extensive legal knowledge to do their jobs well.
For those in an HR or employment compliance role looking to advance their understanding of the issues surrounding their field, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree from Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law could help do just that — all without the fuller commitment of a Juris Doctor (JD) program.
The Intersection of Law and Human Resources
In the contemporary workforce, there’s no separating law and human resources; today’s HR teams are responsible for not just talent acquisition and training but also mitigating legal risk and forging business strategy.
The Evolving Landscape of Employment Compliance
HR and compliance professionals are tasked with staying on top of increasingly complex laws as they relate to employment, with federal regulations including:
In addition to federal laws, these professionals may need to navigate compliance regulations at the state and local levels.
Why Modern Organizations Value Legally Trained HR Professionals
In fiscal year (FY) 2024 alone, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported a 9.2% increase in employer discrimination charges compared to the previous year — underscoring the significant legal consequences businesses can face when compliance standards aren’t met.
With so much at stake, modern organizations are beginning to see the value of legally trained HR professionals who can identify and mitigate potential regulatory risks before they escalate into larger problems.
How an MLS Degree Strengthens Careers in Human Resources
For those working in law-adjacent roles in HR and workplace compliance, an HR law degree (such as a Master of Legal Studies) can instill a well-rounded understanding of the legal systems and regulatory frameworks that support everyday HR functions.
More specifically, an MLS HR education may:
- Help bridge communication gaps between human resources teams and legal departments, especially when collaborating over workplace investigations, new policies and employee relations issues.
- Better equip HR teams to mitigate risk and proactively avoid litigation by following equitable employment practices.
- Elevate tactical HR generalists to more strategic business partners through enhanced legal expertise, empowering them to advise decision-makers on issues like workforce risk and organizational governance.
- Prepare graduates for advancement into more specialized roles, including law firm HR jobs.
Why Demand for HR Compliance Experts Is Surging
Today’s organizations aren’t just looking for HR generalists. They’re seeking knowledgeable and experienced HR compliance experts — and for good reason.
The Rise of Remote Work and Cross-State Employment Law Challenges
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 22.9% of employed Americans worked remotely during the first quarter of 2024, signifying more than a 3% increase from the previous year. With more companies allowing for remote and hybrid work arrangements, employers are also faced with some inherent compliance challenges as they relate to:
- Worker classification standards
- Wage-and-hour regulations across state lines
- Tax regulations and pay transparency rules
With this in mind, organizations transitioning to more hybrid and remote work setups need guidance from HR professionals who have a firm grasp of these unique compliance challenges and how to handle them.
Increased Regulatory Scrutiny on Corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Meanwhile, as workplace diversity initiatives receive growing attention from policymakers and courts, organizations are under increased pressure to balance their own diversity objectives with state and federal anti-discrimination requirements. This calls for an extensive knowledge of legal topics such as equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination laws and workplace accommodations — all of which may be developed as part of an HR degree program.
Key Employment Compliance Areas Covered in an MLS Curriculum
While not every MLS program looks exactly alike, there are certain common compliance areas that should be covered as part of an MLS curriculum in HR and employment compliance. These include:
- Wage and hour laws, FLSA and FMLA governance – Employee classification, overtime eligibility, family and medical leave obligations and similar topics
- Anti-discrimination frameworks – Title VII protections, ADA accommodation requirements, harassment prevention protections and anti-discrimination laws
- Workplace safety and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)/benefits compliance – Occupational safety requirements, workers’ compensation frameworks, retirement plan governance and other requirements as they relate to employee benefit plans
With a solid understanding of these legal frameworks as they relate to HR and employment compliance, professionals may be better prepared to execute the responsibilities of their HR roles or even advance into HR jobs in law firms.
Top Career Paths for MLS Graduates in HR and Compliance
Aside from law firm HR jobs, the knowledge gained in an MLS program could open doors to numerous other specialized roles in the field. It is important to note, of course, that earning an HR law degree alone does not guarantee employment.
Examples of roles MLS graduates often pursue in HR and compliance include:
How to Earn the Attention of Companies Hiring for HR Compliance Roles
Earning an MLS HR and law degree is a key first step, but being able to communicate your value and expertise to potential employers is equally essential when it comes to pursuing HR compliance roles, HR jobs in law firms or other career advancement opportunities.
Translating Academic Legal Knowledge into Business Metrics on Your Resume
Start with a review of your resume. Aside from listing MLS coursework that’s relevant to the job you’re pursuing, also highlight any proven business outcomes you’ve demonstrated in your current/previous roles. Metrics and examples here may include:
- Reduced compliance risk
- Enhanced investigation processes
- Stronger regulatory readiness/compliance
- Improved employee relations outcomes
In addition to your resume, to attract corporate recruiters for HR compliance roles, showcase the value of your MLS degree through your online professional network. On your LinkedIn profile, for example:
- Include not just your degree title and graduation date but relevant skills and coursework as well.
- List your Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in the "Education" section with the concentration spelled out (e.g., "Master of Legal Studies, Employment & Labor Law") and mirror it in your headline (e.g., "HR Compliance Professional | MLS in Employment Law").
- Meanwhile, load your About and Skills sections with recruiter-searched keywords like FMLA, EEOC, Title VII, and HR audits.
- Quantify compliance wins in your experience bullets (e.g., "reduced policy violations by 30%").
- Try to engage with employment-law content or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to signal domain fluency and surface in recruiter searches.
Highlighting Specialized Courtroom or Regulatory Case Studies in Interviews
If your MLS program includes any case studies, legal analysis or specialized courtroom experience, this should also be emphasized on your resume as you explore employment/advancement opportunities. Think of this as a chance to demonstrate critical and analytical thinking skills while discussing your experience with developing workplace recommendations based on your legal knowledge.
For instance, if you’ve worked on mitigation avoidance initiatives with your current employer (e.g., revising worker classification practices to prevent misclassification of 1099 contractors vs. W2 employees), bringing this up in a job interview could demonstrate the immediate business return on investment (ROI) of your education.
Leveraging SHRM/HRCI Certifications Alongside Your MLS Degree
Along with earning your MLS degree, you might consider pursuing other designations, like industry certifications, to further advance your knowledge and set yourself apart from other applicants. Some examples of in-demand credentials in the HR/compliance realm include:
Frequently Asked Questions About MLS Degrees in HR
To learn more about earning your Master of Legal Studies degree, explore answers to a few common questions here:
What topics do HR-focused MLS programs cover?
MLS programs with an HR or workplace compliance concentration may cover dedicated coursework in areas such as employment law, dispute resolution, risk management and workplace investigations. However, no two programs are identical, so it’s important to review the curriculum and coursework of any MLS program before applying or enrolling.
What is the difference between MLS vs. MS in Human Resources (MSHR or MA-HR)?
Whereas a Master of Science in Human Resources typically focuses more on general HR topics (like talent management and organizational behavior), an MLS in HR tends to center more on the legal aspects of working in human resources — including regulatory compliance, risk management and employment law. Ultimately, the path that’s right for you depends on where your unique interests and career goals lie.
Can I complete an MLS degree while working full time in HR?
Yes, you can earn an MLS while working a full-time job, especially if you find a program that offers flexible online coursework and the option to enroll either part or full time. In doing so, you can gradually work toward your MLS degree on your own time without putting other responsibilities (or your career) on the back burner.
Invest in Your Future as a Compliance Leader
With businesses arguably under more regulatory scrutiny than ever, HR and compliance professionals play an increasingly integral role in navigating complex laws and people management. With the specialized legal knowledge gained in an MLS program, HR and compliance professionals may be better prepared to tackle the inherent challenges of their work while preparing for potential advancement opportunities into high-level HR, compliance and leadership roles.
At Drexel University, the 45-credit Master of Legal Studies program features a career-focused curriculum in such topics as law, legal analysis and risk assessment — and our available Human Resources Compliance concentration offers further specialized coursework in areas that include:
- Legal Issues in Employee Hiring and Termination
- Human Resources Compliance
- Human Resources in Practice
In addition to the HR Compliance concentration, our MLS program is available in eight other concentrations to suit your career goals. Plus, with a convenient online learning format, this program is ideal for busy professionals who want to pursue an advanced degree without putting their careers on pause.
Request more information about Drexel University’s MLS HR degree, explore our admissions criteria or get started with your application today.
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