Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

This programme combines rigorous legal research training with applied professional modules. Core topics typically include advanced legal research methods, legal writing and drafting, statutory and regulatory interpretation, and the ethics of legal practice. You will also study elective subjects tailored to professional specialisms such as compliance and regulatory practice, intellectual property fundamentals, contract drafting and negotiation, e-discovery and litigation support, and technology for the legal profession.

Instruction usually mixes seminar-style discussion, skills workshops and project-based assessment. Students complete a substantial applied research project or capstone that demonstrates mastery of research techniques and the ability to produce practice-ready deliverables such as white papers, compliance frameworks, policy memos or client-ready briefs.

• Advanced Legal Research Methods
• Professional Legal Writing and Drafting
• Regulatory and Administrative Law Principles
• Contracts: Drafting and Negotiation
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Intellectual Property Foundations (elective)
• Legal Technology and e-Discovery (elective)
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• Capstone Project or Applied Research Thesis

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree. Suitable academic backgrounds include law, humanities, social sciences, business or related disciplines; applicants with significant relevant professional experience may also be considered. Typical application materials include a CV, a personal statement outlining professional objectives and research interests, and official academic transcripts.

Letters of recommendation are usually requested to support academic or professional readiness. Graduate admissions tests such as the GRE or LSAT are not always required but may be submitted if the applicant believes they strengthen the application—check the programme's specific guidance. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English language qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme move into a range of professional roles that require strong legal analysis and practical skills. Common career paths include paralegal or litigation support specialist roles, compliance and regulatory analyst positions in corporates or financial institutions, contract manager or commercial counsel support roles, and legal research positions for think tanks, NGOs or government agencies.

The degree is also used by professionals seeking to enhance their prospects before applying to professional law degrees or by lawyers wishing to develop specialised research skills without entering a JD programme. Other opportunities include policy advisory posts, intellectual property administration, and roles in legal technology and knowledge management.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers an interdisciplinary environment where law, business, technology and public policy intersect. Students benefit from access to strong research collections, specialised librarians, and faculty who combine academic expertise with practitioner experience. The university's location in Cleveland provides connections to local law firms, courts, corporate legal departments and regulatory bodies for networking and applied project opportunities.

The programme emphasises applied learning and personalised supervision for capstone projects, and students can draw on university career services and professional development resources to translate academic work into career outcomes. Small class sizes support focused feedback and collaborative learning with peers from diverse professional backgrounds.