Master the Laws That Drive Modern Finance with the Online MLS in Finance Concentration
The legal landscape of finance is more complex and critical than ever before. William & Mary Law School’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a Concentration in Finance bridges the essential gap between legal expertise and financial acumen, preparing professionals to navigate today’s intricate regulatory environment with confidence and competence.
The finance law program is meticulously designed for working professionals who recognize that success in the modern financial sector requires more than just business knowledge—it demands a sophisticated understanding of the legal frameworks that govern every transaction, investment decision and regulatory compliance matter. Whether you’re a financial advisor seeking to deepen your regulatory knowledge, a corporate professional looking to advance into compliance roles or an entrepreneur preparing to navigate the complex world of business finance, this program provides the robust foundation in both law and finance that today’s market demands.
The online format allows you to maintain your current professional commitments while gaining the legal studies in finance education that will distinguish you in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Why Choose This Concentration?
Career Opportunities
The intersection of law and finance creates unprecedented career opportunities for professionals who understand both domains. William & Mary’s online Finance Concentration stands apart because it doesn’t simply teach finance law in isolation—it provides a comprehensive understanding of how legal principles shape financial markets, transactions and business decisions.
Market Demand
Our program addresses the growing demand for financial compliance careers by providing deep expertise in regulatory finance law. As financial markets become increasingly complex and regulatory oversight intensifies, organizations across all sectors need professionals who can interpret regulations, ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks while supporting business objectives. This unique combination of skills makes our graduates invaluable assets to their organizations.
Expert Faculty
Learn from William & Mary Law School’s distinguished faculty and industry experts who bring both academic excellence and real-world experience to the virtual classroom. Students benefit from small class sizes that foster meaningful interaction and personalized attention, despite the online format. The focus on practical application means you’ll work with actual case studies, current regulations and emerging issues that directly impact today’s financial sector.
Immediate Application
The flexibility of our online platform allows you to immediately apply what you’re learning in your current role, creating a dynamic feedback loop that enhances both your education and your professional performance. Many students find that their enhanced understanding of finance law makes them more effective in their current positions well before graduation.
Curriculum Details
The curriculum combines theoretical understanding with practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared to address real-world challenges in corporate finance, banking, investment management and regulatory compliance.
Explore the concentration courses, which make up 16 credits of the 32-credit MLS program.
Consumer Financial Law (4 credits)
Banking Law Fundamentals (4 credits)
Investment Management Regulation (4 credits)
Electives (4 credits)
- Cybersecurity and Privacy (2 credits)
This course provides an overview of cyber- and privacy-related risks, including the laws and regulations that apply to the rapidly changing landscape of cybersecurity and privacy. Students will explore the impacts of security breaches, data privacy vulnerabilities and considerations of the nature of cybercrime and common strategies used to manage privacy, cyber and information security risks. By the end of the course, students will be able to develop their own cybersecurity and privacy risk assessment and management approaches. - Dispute Resolution (2 credits)
This course introduces students to the concepts and practice of litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Students will develop an understanding of the differences between these different modes of dispute resolution and will assess them from the perspective of the parties, the lawyers and the adjudicators. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will engage in some form of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Students will also be exposed to innovative dispute resolution modalities, such as online dispute resolution (ODR). - Project Finance Basics (2 credits)
This course introduces legal, financial and policy considerations at play in domestic and international infrastructure projects. Particular focus will be placed on structuring and financing project investments, and the course will provide a general overview of the legal and regulatory environment for project financing, such as geopolitical risk management and the presence of treaties, conventions and other relevant law. Students will work through the structure, documentation and negotiation of a typical project finance transaction.
Course Spotlight: Investment Management Regulation
This course is designed to familiarize students with the legal and regulatory framework of the investment management industry, focusing primarily on the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the regulations under each. Topics of study include the reach of federal investment management regulation, the registration and regulation of investment advisers, and the regulation of the operation, management, and distribution of mutual funds, ETFs, and other pooled investment vehicles. The course will also examine how the SEC and its Division of Investment Management regulate the investment management industry as well as the role of compliance professionals and private counsel in ensuring regulated entities and investment professionals comply with their regulatory obligations.
Career Opportunities
Enter a job market with strong demand for professionals who understand both legal principles and financial operations. The corporate finance law expertise gained through this program opens doors to diverse career paths across multiple industries.
Financial Compliance and Risk Management
Many graduates pursue roles as compliance officers, risk managers or regulatory analysts within banks, investment firms, credit unions and fintech companies. These positions typically offer competitive salaries and strong job security due to increasing regulatory requirements.
Corporate Finance and Legal Departments
Companies across all sectors need professionals who can navigate the legal aspects of financing, mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. Our graduates often advance to senior roles in corporate development, legal affairs or executive management.
Regulatory and Government Positions
Federal and state agencies, including the SEC, CFTC, Federal Reserve and state banking departments, actively recruit professionals with combined legal and financial expertise. These roles offer the opportunity to shape policy and ensure market integrity.
Consulting and Advisory Services
The specialized knowledge gained through the program prepares graduates for consulting roles, helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments or implement compliance programs.
Entrepreneurship and Business Development
For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, understanding finance law is crucial for raising capital, structuring businesses and ensuring regulatory compliance from the ground up.