How an MLS in Law and Emerging Technologies Can Boost Your Career in Tech

The tech industry moves fast—often faster than regulators, policymakers or ethical standards can keep up. Whether the technology is artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain or cybersecurity, technological innovation often enters uncharted legal territory,¹ which means professionals pursuing tech law careers are in increasingly high demand.

As companies navigate complex issues like data privacy, algorithmic accountability and AI ethics, those who understand the technical and legal dimensions are emerging as invaluable leaders.² A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Law and Emerging Technologies can equip you with the knowledge to guide innovation responsibly, mitigate risk and position yourself for long-term career growth in tech law careers.

Read on to discover why tech professionals need legal literacy, what an MLS in this specialization teaches you and the dynamic career paths it can unlock.

Why Tech Professionals Need Legal Literacy

The tech industry has long been a pioneer of inventive ideas. However, regulatory scrutiny in recent years has intensified, particularly in the fields of AI, fintech and cybersecurity.³ Governments and watchdog organizations around the world are drafting new laws in an attempt to get ahead of the societal impacts created by emerging tech. This increasingly regulated landscape is forcing companies to prioritize compliance and rethink their business strategies around risk management.

Ethical concerns regarding the bias, transparency and data sourcing of AI have led to legislation in both the EU and the United States. Although this has created a hassle for companies, it has simultaneously opened up opportunities for professionals specializing in AI governance law.⁴

Similarly, in fintech, the regulation of digital payments and cryptocurrency is continuously being revised and asked to conform to higher security standards.

Compliance mistakes in these sectors are costly. Riskonnect reports that financial compliance failures alone can result in fines, a damaged public image and operational setbacks that take years to overcome.⁵ A strong legal knowledge allows tech professionals to identify these risks proactively rather than reactively. This foresight helps MLS graduates protect both their companies and their careers.

Perhaps most importantly, legal fluency enhances innovation itself. Rather than slowing down product development, an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks can unlock creative solutions that are both ethically sound and market-ready.¹ When done correctly, compliance can actually drive innovation by building user trust and opening opportunities in highly regulated markets.⁶

If you’re interested in emerging tech legal jobs, gaining legal literacy can put you in a favorable position to become a leader who possesses knowledge of technically complex subjects and regulatory guidelines.

What You’ll Learn in the MLS in Law and Emerging Technologies

Students in the MLS in Law and Emerging Technologies program build a foundation of practical skills rooted in the realities of tech law careers. Graduates enter the job market with the unique ability to bridge communication gaps between technical specialists and legal departments.

As part of your studies, you will gain a thorough understanding of legal frameworks for AI, blockchain and data privacy. This includes studying current and developing laws governing emerging tech, from algorithmic accountability and AI governance law to smart contract enforceability and data protection statutes. Having insight into these frameworks will help you prepare for regulatory changes that could affect your company’s products, services or strategic decision-making. You’ll also learn about emerging areas of law to stay ahead of industry shifts.

Another critical component is policy development and regulatory interpretation. You will learn how to read, analyze and interpret complex legislation, and then translate those insights into policies that keep your organization compliant.

Through the program, you will be exposed to the real-world applications in tech workplaces. Through coursework, you will have case studies, simulations and projects that allow you to use legal reasoning to aid in product development, compliance strategy and risk assessment. This practical approach to learning ensures you graduate ready to make an immediate impact, whether you are entering emerging tech legal jobs or advancing into leadership roles within your current organization.

Explore the MLS curriculum to see how this program prepares you for high-impact tech law careers. This combination of practical legal knowledge and technology sector relevance is what makes MLS graduates so competitive. Legal knowledge remains one of the last great untapped sources of competitive advantage in business.⁷

Career Paths After the MLS

With an MLS in Law and Emerging Technologies, your career options broaden into fast-growing fields like AI ethics, cybersecurity and product compliance.

You could become an AI ethics and compliance advisor, guiding responsible AI development and ensuring regulatory alignment. Professionals entering cybersecurity law careers may craft data protection policies that meet evolving legal standards. Product-focused professionals will head the way as tech product compliance leads, ensuring legal requirements are met from brainstorming to launch.⁸

There is also a demand for legal liaisons in startups. These positions require both tech expertise and legal fluency, creating opportunities that neither traditional lawyers nor tech specialists alone can fill. Careers in AI ethics and compliance, in particular, are expected to grow rapidly this decade.⁸

Advance Your Tech Career with Legal Fluency

Technology will continue to redefine the world. This continuous change and growth presents opportunities for effective leaders to help shape the future of not only the tech industry but the business world at large. The most effective and confident leaders are those who understand how to build systems and how to ensure they align with evolving laws and ethical standards.

The William & Mary online MLS in Law and Emerging Technologies is designed for working professionals hoping to bridge this gap. You’ll study a comprehensive curriculum covering AI law, cybersecurity frameworks, blockchain regulation and more. Each course is taught by expert faculty with real-world industry experience. The flexible online format allows you to balance your education with your career, applying what you learn to your current role.

If you’re ready to stand out in a competitive tech market, reach out to an admissions outreach advisor today or visit the program overview and admissions page to learn more.