Santa Clara University

What you'll study

This programme combines rigorous legal research training with applied professional modules to prepare students for advanced practice, consultancy and policy work. Core coursework typically covers legal research methods and theory, advanced legal writing and advocacy, comparative and international legal systems, and legal ethics. Applied modules frequently include compliance and regulatory practice, technology and the law (including data privacy and intellectual property), e-discovery and litigation support, alternative dispute resolution, and empirical methods for legal research.

Students normally complete a substantial independent research component such as a supervised thesis, capstone project or practicum that applies research methods to a real-world legal problem. The curriculum emphasises practical skills — drafting complex legal memoranda, designing and conducting empirical studies, using legal databases and analytics tools — alongside conceptual training in jurisprudence and policy analysis.

• Legal Research Methods and Design
• Advanced Legal Writing and Advocacy
• Compliance, Regulation and Corporate Governance
• Technology, Privacy and Intellectual Property Law
• Empirical Methods for Law and Policy
• E‑Discovery, Litigation Support and Project Management
• Comparative and International Law
• Capstone Project or Thesis supervised by faculty

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree; the programme is open to graduates with a law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent) and to those from related disciplines such as public policy, business, information studies or social sciences who can demonstrate relevant professional experience. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement outlining research and career objectives, and one or more academic or professional references.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements. Relevant professional experience in legal practice, compliance, policy, research or regulated industries is advantageous and may be required for certain pathways or practicum placements.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers where advanced legal research, regulatory knowledge and applied skills are valued. Common roles include legal researcher, compliance officer, regulatory analyst, policy adviser, litigation support specialist, e‑discovery consultant, and contract or legal operations manager. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic study (PhD) or professional qualifications in law, and for roles in-house at technology and financial firms, in government agencies, NGOs and consultancy practices.

Because the curriculum balances theory and practice, alumni are prepared to work in multidisciplinary teams on complex regulatory matters, data protection and technology policy, corporate governance projects, and in firms that require strong evidence-based legal analysis.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University offers this programme in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing direct proximity to leading technology companies, start-ups, and a network of professionals working on issues at the frontier of law and technology. The university’s law faculty and professional staff bring practical experience in litigation, compliance, privacy and IP, and the Jesuit educational tradition emphasises ethical reasoning, public service and leadership.

Students benefit from access to university career services, specialised legal libraries and research resources, opportunities for internships or practicum placements with local firms and organisations, and a small-cohort environment that supports close faculty supervision of research projects. The combination of a practice-oriented curriculum and regional industry links helps graduates move quickly into impactful professional roles.