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Introduction to the Online Master of Legal Studies in Finance

The online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with a Concentration in Finance at William & Mary Law School is designed to bridge the gap between legal expertise and financial acumen. This program prepares professionals to navigate the complex regulatory environment of modern finance with confidence and competence.

Program Overview

The finance law program is meticulously designed for working professionals who recognize that success in the modern financial sector requires more than just business knowledgeit demands a sophisticated understanding of the legal frameworks that govern every transaction, investment decision, and regulatory compliance matter.

Key Details

• 100% online, asynchronous courses
• 32 credits
• 4 concentrations
• 8-week courses, 2 courses per semester
• Total Estimated Tuition: $41,216
• Time to Completion: 16 months
• Application Deadlines: Summer 2026
  • Priority Deadline: March 13
  • Final Deadline: April 13
  • Summer Session A: May 4 - June 24
  • Summer Session B: June 29 - August 19

Career Opportunities

The intersection of law and finance creates unprecedented career opportunities for professionals who understand both domains. Graduates can pursue roles in financial compliance and risk management, corporate finance and legal departments, regulatory and government positions, consulting and advisory services, and entrepreneurship and business development.

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.

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.

Regulatory and Government Positions

Federal and state agencies actively recruit professionals with combined legal and financial expertise 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.

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.

Consumer Financial Law (4 credits)

This course presents an overview of the laws, rules, and regulations relevant to traditional consumer financial products and services.

Banking Law Fundamentals (4 credits)

This course provides students with an overview of the banking industry in the U.S., including the history of bank regulation, bank examination and supervision structures, and a survey of public policies influencing financial regulation.

Investment Management Regulation (4 credits)

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 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Electives (4 credits)

Students will choose two courses from the following options:

• Cybersecurity and Privacy (2 credits)
• Dispute Resolution (2 credits)
• Project Finance Basics (2 credits)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does finance law cover?

Finance law encompasses the comprehensive regulatory framework governing financial markets, institutions, and transactions.

What are the main areas of financial regulation?

Key areas include securities and exchange regulation, banking supervision, consumer financial protection, insurance regulation, commodities and derivatives oversight, and anti-money laundering compliance.

How is finance law different from business law?

While business law covers broad commercial relationships and transactions, finance law specifically focuses on the regulatory environment governing financial services, capital markets, and monetary transactions.

Who needs a background in finance law?

Professionals in banking, investment management, corporate finance, regulatory compliance, fintech, insurance, and related fields benefit significantly from finance law knowledge.