Legal fluency is a valuable asset for professionals, particularly in government, defense, consulting and technology sectors. A solid grasp of legal principles allows leaders to navigate complex issues, manage risk and lead with confidence in conversations involving law and policy.
George Washington (GW) Law School’s Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program is tailored for non-lawyers seeking to engage more effectively with the legal frameworks in their fields. It is neither a traditional law degree nor a substitute for earning a Doctor of Law (JD); rather, it is a law-focused leadership program designed for professionals with three to five years of experience in their respective fields.
The GW Law MSL equips students to apply classroom learning directly to real-world roles, making the learning experience highly immersive and deeply impactful. This article outlines the key skills GW Law MSL students gain and shares testimonials from past students to explain how they’ve used them.
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From Contracts to Clarity: Procurement in Practice
The GW Law MSL offers two concentration options that cover Government Procurement Law. Students specializing in government procurement learn how to navigate the complexities of government procurement to ensure that agencies meet all legal requirements for each awarded contract. The program strengthens communication, legal interpretation, and risk assessment skills.
The program has proven effective in helping students strengthen workplace performance and expand their professional opportunities. Ayanna Wilson, a contracting officer at the Department of Defense, credits her MSL experience with transforming her writing, clarifying her understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and building her capacity to mentor colleagues. “As a professional who works with contracts daily, this program offered an eye-opening way to view my job,” she says, adding that “this degree undoubtedly puts me closer to my career goal [of becoming a Chief Acquisition Executive].”
John McKnight, senior project manager at The Aerospace Corporation, found the skills relating to legal research and analysis to be especially beneficial. “I have used the skills learned at GW almost immediately. I can’t believe how applicable this education has been to my day-to-day job supporting federal procurement,” he says.
Joseph Berling, management consulting manager at Accenture, believes the GW Law MSL has expanded his view of the government procurement system, allowing him to anticipate procurement needs and communicate more effectively with stakeholders, especially government contracting clients undergoing digital transformation. He explains: “This degree sharpens my ability to navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern federal procurement and cybersecurity, enabling me to lead more confidently at the intersection of law, technology, and public sector contracting.”
National Security and Cybersecurity Law in the Field
The GW Law MSL is designed to enhance students’ understanding of regulatory frameworks and legal policy in high-stakes environments like national security and cybersecurity. Two program concentrations (National Security & Cybersecurity Law and Government Procurement & Cybersecurity Law) speak directly to key skills required to succeed in national security and cybersecurity.
Jose Brandon, branch chief, National Security Services Division at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), applies national security law daily. He explains that part of his job is to examine and craft policies for the agency, noting that “having learned the National Security framework, i.e., 12333, and having a great understanding of the National Security Law framework has helped me tremendously.”
Roberto Macoto, who works at the Department of Defense, values his enhanced ability to understand how federal and state laws apply in various scenarios and how they impact immediate action and decision-making to protect national security, cybersecurity and AI interests. “This degree will absolutely cement my ability to work through the decision-making process that is fact-based and logical in ascertaining courses of action and decisions that are relevant, impactful, and meet the spirit of the law,” he says.
Lorna Macfarlane, a fraud and policy consultant, was seeking a program that bridged the gap between national security law and government procurement. That’s why she chose the dual concentration option in Government Procurement & Cybersecurity Law. The program helped her develop the vocabulary and precision to navigate fraud policy and collaborate across sectors. As she puts it: “The advice I provide on projects has morphed since I began the program. I write differently, I speak differently, I read differently, I interpret differently. I am able to cite laws and regulations at a rate I was not prepared to be able to do. Not only have my recommendations to colleagues evolved, but my conversations with those who work in my field have changed as well.”
Beyond Knowledge: Confidence and Credibility at Work
GW Law MSL students gain presence and credibility as they develop their legal knowledge and skill set. Many students report that increased legal fluency has contributed to higher confidence, more decisive leadership and the ability to engage authoritatively across teams and organizations. Lorna Macfarlane explains the MSL has empowered her to participate in high-stakes conversations with more authority and impact: “I [now] speak with more authority and confidence… Because GW Law teaches you a different type of language, I feel better equipped to actively participate in any conversation and in a variety of professional settings.”
MSL students often mention that the program has helped them grow and move forward professionally. Shawn Caton, who works in government contracting at Decisive Point, says, “The degree has already advanced my career. It allowed me to expand beyond federal capture and business development. The degree sets you apart from most in the field.”
John McKnight adds: “The knowledge [gained through the MSL] has really allowed me to stand out from all of my peers. I have seen increased professional responsibility directly attributable to my education at GW.”
Boost Your Career With an MSL from GW Law
The GW Law MSL cultivates the insight and skills necessary to confidently lead conversations and initiatives involving legal and regulatory matters. The program is designed for professionals ready to take what they learn and immediately apply it in the field. This practical approach leads to noticeable improvements in job performance and leadership capacity.
If you are looking for a program to help you gain legal fluency as a pathway to career growth and leadership positions, consider enrolling in the GW Law MSL. To learn more about the program and discuss how it could support your professional goals, connect with an advisor for a one-on-one discussion. If you’re ready, you can start your application online today.