| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Law & Legal Studies | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location: Andover, Massachusetts, USA
Founded: 1988
Type: Private, Independent Law School
Focus Areas: Practical Legal Education, Advocacy, Business Law, Public Interest Law
Accreditation: Approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, but not accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)
The Massachusetts School of Law (MSL) is a non-ABA-accredited law school that focuses on practical legal education and affordable tuition. It offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program designed for students who want to practice law, particularly in Massachusetts.
Since it is not accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), MSL graduates can only sit for the Massachusetts Bar Exam and, in some cases, the bar exams of a few other states under specific conditions.
A. Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program
A three-year, full-time program or a four-year, part-time program.
Focuses on trial advocacy, litigation, legal research, and practical lawyering skills.
No LSAT required for admission (MSL evaluates applicants based on other academic and professional factors).
B. Dual Degree & Specialized Programs
J.D./MBA (Master of Business Administration) – Offered in partnership with other institutions.
Concentrations available in:
Criminal Law
Business Law
Family Law
Litigation
Intellectual Property Law
C. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) & Paralegal Studies
Offers legal training courses for professionals in law-related fields.
MSL follows a flexible admissions process that does not require the LSAT. Instead, applicants are evaluated based on:
Undergraduate GPA (Bachelor’s degree required).
Personal statement explaining their motivation for studying law.
Interview with faculty (to assess legal reasoning skills).
Letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged).
Rolling Admissions: MSL accepts applications throughout the year.
Annual Tuition (J.D. Program): ~$23,850 (significantly lower than most law schools).
Books & Supplies: ~$1,500 – $2,000 per year.
Living Expenses (Off-Campus): ~$12,000 – $18,000 per year.
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
MSL offers merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Federal student loans are not available due to lack of ABA accreditation.
Graduates can sit for the Massachusetts Bar Exam and, under certain conditions, in a few other states.
MSL has a strong emphasis on practical skills, preparing students for careers in:
Small law firms
Corporate legal departments
Public interest law
Criminal defense and prosecution
Challenges: Due to its non-ABA accreditation, graduates may have limited job opportunities compared to ABA-accredited law school graduates.
Small class sizes allow for personalized legal education.
Moot court & mock trial programs to develop advocacy skills.
Externships & internship opportunities in Massachusetts legal settings.
Located in Andover, Massachusetts, providing access to Boston’s legal market.
Duration: 3 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time).
Format: On-campus (no online J.D. program).
Focus: Trial advocacy, litigation, legal writing, and real-world legal skills.
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree required; LSAT not required.
Core Courses (Required):
Constitutional Law
Criminal Law
Civil Procedure
Contracts
Torts
Evidence
Legal Writing & Research
Professional Responsibility
Property Law
Electives & Concentrations:
Students can specialize in areas such as:
Criminal Law
Business Law
Family Law
Litigation & Trial Advocacy
Intellectual Property Law
Real Estate Law
Experiential Learning:
Externships & Internships in courts, law firms, or government agencies.
Moot Court & Mock Trial Competitions for litigation practice.
MSL offers additional professional and dual-degree options:
A. J.D./MBA (Master of Business Administration) Dual Degree
In partnership with other institutions (students must apply separately).
Prepares students for careers in corporate law, business transactions, and legal consulting.
B. Legal Education for Professionals (Continuing Legal Education - CLE)
Short-term programs for paralegals, business professionals, and legal assistants.
Covers topics such as contract law, employment law, and business litigation.
For students interested in legal careers without becoming a licensed attorney, MSL offers:
Paralegal Studies Certificate – Training in legal research, case preparation, and litigation support.
Pre-Law Preparation Program – Designed for students planning to pursue law school.
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
3 Years (Full-Time) / 4 Years (Part-Time) |
~$23,850 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
J.D./MBA (Master of Business Administration) Dual Degree |
3-4 Years |
~$23,850 (J.D.) + MBA tuition (varies by partner institution) |
International students can apply to:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) – 3 years (full-time) / 4 years (part-time).
J.D./MBA Dual Degree – In partnership with external institutions.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) & Paralegal Studies – Short-term programs for professionals.
No Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program – MSL does not offer an LL.M., which is a common program for international law graduates.
A. Academic Qualifications
For J.D. Program: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
For J.D./MBA: Must meet additional business school admission requirements.
If you have a law degree from another country, you may need a credential evaluation (WES or LSAC).
B. English Language Proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of proficiency:
TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (iBT)
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
English proficiency may be waived if the applicant has studied in an English-speaking institution.
C. Additional Documents Required
Completed Online Application
Official Transcripts (Translated, if necessary)
Personal Statement explaining legal career goals
Letters of Recommendation (1–2, optional but encouraged)
Résumé (CV) outlining academic and professional experience
Interview with Faculty Member (may be required)
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
No LSAT Required – Admission is based on academic records, experience, and an interview.
Personal Statement explaining why the applicant wants to study law.
Résumé (CV) listing academic and professional experience.
Letters of Recommendation (Optional but encouraged).
Interview with Faculty (Required for all applicants).
Must meet both MSL’s J.D. requirements and the partner university’s MBA requirements.
GMAT/GRE may be required for the MBA program (depends on the partner institution).
Step |
Process |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose a Program |
Select J.D. or J.D./MBA program. |
|
2. Submit Online Application |
Apply via the. |
|
3. Upload Required Documents |
Transcripts, personal statement, résumé, and recommendation letters. |
|
4. Schedule Interview |
Faculty members assess the applicant’s legal reasoning skills. |
|
5. Receive Admission Decision |
Typically within 2–4 weeks after the interview. |
|
6. Confirm Enrollment |
Pay tuition deposit and complete enrollment requirements. |
Rolling Admissions: MSL accepts applications throughout the year.
MSL follows a rolling admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received.
Intake Term |
Recommended Deadline |
Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (August Start) |
May – July |
August |
|
Spring Semester (January Start) |
October – December |
January |
International students should apply at least 3-6 months before the start date to allow time for visa processing.
Expense |
Estimated Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|
|
J.D. Tuition |
~$23,850 |
|
Books & Materials |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
Scholarships Available:
Merit-based scholarships based on academic performance.
Need-based financial aid (but no federal loans due to non-ABA accreditation).
International students applying for on-campus programs must:
Receive an I-20 Form from MSL.
Pay the SEVIS Fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
Apply for an F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
Attend a Visa Interview and provide proof of financial support.
Travel to the U.S. before the semester begins.
No Visa Required for Online Study – International students can enroll in online courses without needing a U.S. visa.
Intake Term |
Application Deadline (Recommended) |
Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (Main Intake) |
May – July |
August |
|
Spring Semester |
October – December |
January |
Rolling Admissions: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, but early application is recommended for scholarship consideration.
International Students: Should apply 3-6 months in advance to allow time for visa processing.
Basic Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
No LSAT required (MSL evaluates applicants based on holistic criteria).
Personal Statement outlining legal career goals.
Résumé (CV) with academic and professional history.
Faculty Interview (Required for all applicants).
Additional Considerations:
GPA Requirement: No strict cutoff, but a minimum 2.5+ GPA is recommended.
Letters of Recommendation: Optional but encouraged.
Requirements:
Must meet MSL’s J.D. admission criteria.
Must meet the partner institution’s MBA requirements (GMAT may be required).
Academic Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. undergraduate degree.
Credential evaluation may be required through WES or LSAC.
English Language Proficiency:
TOEFL: Minimum 80 (iBT)
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo English Test: May be accepted as an alternative.
Visa Requirements:
Must obtain an F-1 Student Visa for on-campus study.
Online students do not need a visa.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Renewability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit-Based Scholarship |
High GPA (3.0+ recommended), strong academic performance |
$2,000 – $10,000 per year |
Renewable if GPA is maintained |
|
Need-Based Scholarship |
Demonstrated financial need (requires application & essay) |
N/A |
Reviewed annually |
|
Public Service Scholarship |
Students interested in government, nonprofit, or legal aid careers |
N/A |
Renewable based on commitment to public service |
|
Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship |
Underrepresented minority students in law |
N/A |
Renewable |
|
Veterans & Military Scholarship |
U.S. military veterans or active duty members |
N/A |
Renewable |
|
Alumni Referral Scholarship |
Recommended by an MSL alumnus |
N/A |
One-time award |
Facility |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Classrooms & Lecture Halls |
Modern facilities with small class sizes for interactive learning |
|
Moot Courtroom |
Simulated courtroom for trial advocacy training |
|
Library & Legal Research Center |
Extensive law books, case databases, and study spaces |
|
Computer Labs & Online Legal Resources |
Access to legal research tools like Westlaw & LexisNexis |
|
Student Lounge & Common Areas |
Spaces for networking and group study |
|
Career Services Office |
Job placement assistance, internships, and career counseling |
|
Parking & Transportation |
Free parking available; close to public transit for easy access to Boston |
Since MSL does not provide dormitories, students must arrange off-campus housing in Andover or nearby towns.
Accommodation Type |
Features |
Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2-3 roommates) |
Furnished, utilities split |
$700 – $1,200 |
$8,400 – $14,400 |
|
Single Apartment (1-Bedroom) |
Private, unfurnished |
$1,200 – $1,800 |
$14,400 – $21,600 |
|
Studio Apartment |
Small private space |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
|
Homestay with Local Families |
Meals included |
$900 – $1,300 |
$10,800 – $15,600 |
|
Nearby Student Housing (Boston area) |
Dorm-style, shared facilities |
$1,200 – $2,000 |
$14,400 – $24,000 |
Most students live in nearby towns such as:
Andover, Lawrence, North Andover, or Lowell (affordable options).
Boston (higher rent, but better job opportunities and networking).
Expense Type |
Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) |
$150 – $250 |
$1,800 – $3,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
$300 – $500 |
$3,600 – $6,000 |
|
Public Transportation |
$80 – $150 |
$960 – $1,800 |
|
Health Insurance |
$125 – $250 |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
MSL has smaller class sizes, allowing students to build strong relationships with professors and classmates. Faculty members take an active role in mentoring students, ensuring that each student receives individualized guidance.
MSL emphasizes real-world legal training through:
Mock trials and moot court competitions, where students gain trial experience.
Externships and internships with law firms, courts, and businesses in Massachusetts.
Legal clinics, offering students the opportunity to work on actual cases under faculty supervision.
MSL offers a variety of student-led organizations that allow students to engage with different areas of law and professional development. Popular organizations include:
Student Bar Association (SBA) – Represents student interests and organizes events.
Criminal Law Society – Focuses on discussions and career opportunities in criminal law.
Business & Corporate Law Association – For students interested in business law and entrepreneurship.
Public Interest Law Group – Advocates for pro bono work and legal aid services.
MSL provides career support services to help students transition into the legal profession:
Guest speaker events featuring judges, attorneys, and legal professionals.
Networking opportunities with alumni and practicing attorneys.
Career counseling and job placement assistance, helping students find employment after graduation.
MSL offers both full-time and part-time J.D. programs, making it a great option for working professionals or those with family obligations. Many classes are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate students with busy schedules.
Located in Andover, Massachusetts, the campus provides:
A moot courtroom for advocacy training.
A law library with extensive legal research tools.
Student lounges and study spaces for collaboration.
Nearby access to Boston, allowing students to engage in Massachusetts’ legal community.
Since MSL does not offer on-campus housing, students typically live in Andover, Lowell, or nearby Boston. Many students balance law school with part-time jobs or internships, while others take advantage of Boston’s legal networking events and cultural attractions.
MSL’s Career Services Office (CSO) helps students with:
Résumé & Cover Letter Workshops – Professional document preparation.
Mock Interviews & Career Counseling – Interview practice with faculty and attorneys.
Job Listings & Employer Networking – Access to job openings in law firms, government agencies, and businesses.
Externships & Internships – Hands-on experience through law firms, courts, and corporate legal departments.
The employment rate for MSL graduates varies, with most securing legal and law-related jobs in Massachusetts.
Common Career Paths:
Small & Mid-Sized Law Firms – Criminal law, family law, real estate law, and litigation.
Government Agencies – District Attorney’s Offices, Public Defender’s Offices, and regulatory agencies.
Corporate Legal Departments – In-house counsel roles in businesses.
Public Interest & Legal Aid Organizations – Nonprofits and advocacy groups.
Solo Practice & Entrepreneurship – Some graduates start their own law firms.
Key Challenge: Since MSL is not ABA-accredited, some employers may prefer graduates from ABA-approved law schools, which can limit job opportunities.
Job Type |
Estimated Starting Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Small Law Firm Associate |
$50,000 – $80,000 |
|
Government Attorney |
$55,000 – $85,000 |
|
Public Defender / Prosecutor |
$50,000 – $75,000 |
|
Corporate Legal Counsel |
$65,000 – $100,000 |
|
Solo Practitioner |
based on clients & experience |
Factors Affecting Salary:
Experience level & practice area.
Geographic location (Boston vs. smaller towns).
Business development skills (for solo practitioners).
MSL students are required to complete externships to gain hands-on experience before graduation.
Common placements include:
Local law firms – Real estate, family law, personal injury.
Massachusetts courts – Judicial clerkships and legal research roles.
Public defender & prosecutor offices – Litigation and trial preparation.
Corporate legal departments – Business and contract law experience.
Many students secure full-time jobs from their externship placements.
Graduates can take the Massachusetts Bar Exam and practice law in the state.
Some states allow MSL graduates to sit for their bar exam after practicing law for a few years in Massachusetts.
Many graduates remain in Massachusetts, as transferring to another state may require additional steps.
Important Note: Because MSL is not ABA-accredited, some states may not allow its graduates to take their bar exam.
MSL has an active alumni network, and many graduates work in Massachusetts law firms, government offices, and corporate settings. The school has strong connections with local employers, helping students find job opportunities within the state.
The Massachusetts School of Law (MSL) has a high acceptance rate, typically around 65% – 85%, making it an accessible law school for students who want to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree without taking the LSAT.
No LSAT Requirement – MSL evaluates applicants based on academic background, personal statements, and interviews rather than standardized test scores.
Holistic Admissions Process – Focuses on undergraduate GPA, work experience, and motivation for studying law.
Smaller Institution – MSL is a non-ABA-accredited school that prioritizes practical legal education over high academic competition.
Address:
Massachusetts School of Law (MSL)
500 Federal Street
Andover, Massachusetts 01810
United States
City: Andover, Massachusetts
MSL is located in Andover, a suburban town 25 miles north of Boston.
The campus is easily accessible from Boston and surrounding areas.
