Tech and Law Meet with the Online MLS in Law and Emerging Technologies
The digital revolution is reshaping every aspect of our society, from how we work and communicate to how we make decisions and conduct business. As artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity and biotechnology continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the legal frameworks governing these innovations are struggling to keep up. This creates both challenges and extraordinary opportunities for professionals who understand the intersection of law and technology.
William & Mary Law School’s online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a Concentration in Law and Emerging Technologies is designed for non-lawyers who want to build expertise in this critical and rapidly growing field. The comprehensive 16-credit concentration provides you with a strong foundation in the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern cutting-edge technologies, while developing your skills in cyber risk assessment, legal analysis and compliance strategy.
Whether you’re a technology professional, business executive, healthcare administrator or policymaker, this concentration will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex legal landscape of emerging technologies.
Why Choose This Concentration?
Industry-Leading Curriculum
The Law and Emerging Technologies concentration addresses the most pressing legal challenges facing technology professionals today. From AI governance and blockchain regulation to cybersecurity compliance and biotech ethics, the curriculum covers the full spectrum of emerging technology law. The program is specifically designed for non-lawyers, making complex legal concepts accessible and practical for professionals across industries.
Real-World Application
Every course in this concentration emphasizes practical application through real-world case studies, comparative legal perspectives and hands-on activities. You’ll gain actionable insights that you can immediately apply in your professional context, whether you’re developing AI systems, managing cybersecurity risks or navigating biotech regulations.
Flexible Online Format
The fully online program allows you to advance your expertise while maintaining your professional commitments. The flexible format enables working professionals to engage with cutting-edge legal concepts and frameworks without disrupting their careers.
Expert Faculty and Global Perspective
Learn from William & Mary Law School’s distinguished faculty and industry experts who bring both academic rigor and practical experience to the classroom. The curriculum incorporates global perspectives, examining how different legal systems approach technology regulation to provide you with comprehensive insights into international best practices.
Career Advancement Opportunities
As organizations across all sectors grapple with technology-related legal challenges, professionals with expertise in emerging technology law are in high demand. This concentration positions you as a valuable asset to employers seeking to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the digital age.
Curriculum Details
Learn to identify and evaluate risks related to data breaches, privacy concerns and intellectual property challenges in an increasingly digital world, while exploring comparative approaches from different legal systems to inform best practices and compliance strategies.
Explore the concentration courses, which make up 16 credits of the 32-credit MLS program.
AI and the Law (4 credits)
Students will also explore how AI systems (from machine learning to large language models and more) are transforming decision-making, business practices and self-expression, prompting policymakers worldwide to overhaul legal frameworks in response. The course examines these developments, focusing on topics such as algorithmic accountability, evolving employment models and the regulation of digital and decentralized systems.
Through real-world case studies and comparative legal perspectives, students will gain practical knowledge of how these technologies affect their personal and professional lives, empowering them to navigate and address the legal, ethical and policy dimensions of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Cybersecurity and the Law: Compliance, Ethics and Global Governance (4 credits)
The role of corporate boards and governance in overseeing cybersecurity programs and compliance efforts is a key focus, alongside the responsibilities of government agencies (e.g., DOJ, NSA, SEC and CISA) and international counterparts. The course will explore industrial cyber espionage and its broader implications for businesses and national security. Students will also examine topics such as regulatory compliance and cyber investigations and the balance between public and private sector responsibilities.
By the end of the course, students will understand how to assess and manage cybersecurity risks within an organization, comply with relevant regulations and contribute to a culture of accountability and resilience in the face of cyber threats.
Ethics and Regulation of Biotech and Health Technologies (4 credits)
Key topics include the regulation of drug and biologic development, genetic testing and reproductive technologies; the ethics of genomic data use, equity in biotechnology access and intellectual property in biotech innovations; and the social implications of emerging health technologies, from pandemic surveillance to neuroengineering. Students will also consider ethical frameworks for addressing issues like diversity, inclusion and global access.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped with practical tools for evaluating and managing the legal, ethical and regulatory dimensions of biotech and health technologies, ensuring responsible innovation in their professional contexts.
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 cyber-crime 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 resolutions 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: AI and the Law
This course offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things, data analytics, blockchain and cryptoassets are reshaping society, business and human interactions. Designed for non-lawyers, the course examines key legal and regulatory issues, including privacy, data security, liability, intellectual property and national security. Explore how AI systems (from machine learning to large language models and more) are transforming decision-making, business practices and self-expression, prompting policymakers worldwide to overhaul legal frameworks in response.

Career Opportunities
Changing regulations and advancing legal technologies are driving a need for dynamic legal professionals who are also well-versed in technology and project management. Check out some of the career opportunities you may be well-positioned for if you choose to pursue this concentration.

Technology Compliance and Risk Management
Graduates are well-positioned for roles in technology compliance, where they can help organizations navigate complex regulatory requirements for AI systems, data privacy and cybersecurity. These positions are increasingly critical as companies face growing regulatory scrutiny and the need for sophisticated risk management strategies.

Legal Technology and Innovation
The legal industry itself is undergoing digital transformation, creating opportunities for professionals who understand both legal principles and technology. Graduates can work with law firms, legal technology companies or corporate legal departments to implement and manage technology solutions while ensuring compliance with professional and regulatory standards.

Government and Policy Roles
Federal and state agencies, as well as international organizations, need professionals who can analyze the legal implications of emerging technologies and help develop appropriate regulatory frameworks. Graduates may find opportunities with agencies like CISA, the FTC, FDA or state regulatory bodies.

Corporate Strategy and Consulting
Technology companies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions and consulting firms increasingly need professionals who can assess legal risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies. These roles often involve strategic planning, merger and acquisition support and technology implementation guidance.

Entrepreneurship and Startups
The knowledge gained in this program is invaluable for entrepreneurs developing technology-based businesses or for professionals joining innovative startups that need to navigate complex legal landscapes while bringing new products and services to market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is emerging technology law?
How do emerging technologies challenge existing laws?
Which legal fields are impacted by new technologies?
What careers exist in technology law?
What are the legal concerns with AI?
How is AI regulated in the U.S.?
What is AI governance in legal contexts?
William & Mary MLS Application Deadlines for Fall 2025
- Retrieved on June 25, 2025, from americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2024-april/big-data-big-problems/
- Retrieved on June 25, 2025, from whitecase.com/insight-our-thinking/ai-watch-global-regulatory-tracker-united-states
- Retrieved on June 25, 2025, from ibm.com/think/topics/ai-governance