What Can You Do with A Degree in Legal Studies in 2026

By Dr. James Barney  |  09/14/2026

What can you do with a degree in legal studies?

Based on my experience over the years, many legal studies degree holders pursue law-related professions rather than attend law school. For example, careers as paralegals or legal assistants are among the most common paths that our students in the legal studies program commonly seek.

What Is a Legal Studies Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in legal studies commonly involves studying for four years to earn a degree. In such a program, students typically study a wide variety of topics related to the legal field.

For instance, students may learn about legal research and writing, civil practice and procedures, and legal ethics. Other courses might cover topics such as legal technology, statutory law, administrative law, common law, constitutional law, and family law.

Do You Need Law School to Use a Legal Studies Degree?

 Going to law school is not a requirement for using a legal studies degree because this type of degree can apply to various professions. However, some students find a legal studies degree to be helpful if they are on the path to law school and want to eventually become practicing attorneys.

15 Careers You Can Pursue with a Legal Studies Degree in 2026

Many career paths are available to legal studies majors, but requirements vary by employer, role, jurisdiction, and credentialing body. Therefore, it is important that students do independent research into their desired career path.

Graduates of our program commonly pursue different careers related to legal or paralegal paths, such as:

1. Compliance officer
2. Human resources professional
3. Legal researcher
4. Law clerk
5. Legal secretary
6. Contract administrator
7. Paralegal
8. Probation officer
9. Law librarian
10. Court clerk
11. Law enforcement officer
12. Government employee
13. Jury consultant
14. Legal assistant
15. Litigation support professional

 Note: Educational and experience requirements for all of these professions vary by employer, role, and state. Some positions may require relevant professional experience, specialized training, certification, or an additional credential.

1. Compliance Officer

A compliance officer ensures that nonprofits and other organizations properly follow laws, regulations, and policies to avoid fines and other penalties. Compliance officers typically have various responsibilities, such as developing compliance programs, setting policies based on government laws, and conducting risk assessments and audits. They may also investigate any violations concerning ethical conduct or policies, provide compliance training to employees, and communicate with both management and employees.

Depending upon the industry and state, becoming a compliance officer generally involves earning a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or criminal justice, and acquiring industry-specific knowledge through volunteering or on-the-job training. Some compliance officers also choose to seek professional certifications such as:

• Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional® (CCEP®) from the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics® (SCCE®)
• Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM®) from the American Bankers Association® (ABA®)
• Certified in Healthcare Compliance® (CHC) from the Health Care Compliance Association® (HCCA®)

2. Human Resources Professional

For a human resources (HR) professional, having a degree in legal studies can be useful since it provides greater familiarity with laws and regulations related to their organization’s field. An HR professional is typically tasked with employee hiring, training, onboarding, firing, and other activities of the employee lifecycle.

Human resources professionals may also mediate disputes, maintain personnel records, and create training materials. In addition, they can write job ads, perform initial screenings of job candidates, and check to see if workplace policies meet labor laws at the state and federal level.

To enter this field and become a human resources professional, a four-year bachelor’s degree in human resources, communication, psychology, or business administration is typically needed. Additional training in fields such as accounting and finance is also helpful. In addition, human resources professionals need to be familiar with the laws and regulations pertaining to their industry.

Some HR professionals seek professional certifications. Examples of these certifications include:

• SHRM-Certified Professional® (SHRM-CP®) from the Society for Human Resources Management®
• Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®) from the Human Resource Certification Institute® (HRCI®)

3. Legal Researcher

For a law firm, a legal researcher can be highly useful. For this type of profession, a legal researcher may comb through legal libraries and analyze previous court decisions to provide relevant information regarding a court case to attorneys.

Legal researchers can also aid attorneys with tasks such as drafting documents that summarize their findings and monitoring changes in state and federal laws. They may also help attorneys with trial preparations, such as writing witness and exhibit lists.

Becoming a legal researcher involves earning a four-year degree in legal studies, criminal justice, or political science, and becoming familiar with the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction. Some legal researchers might also find it beneficial to possess professional credentials such as:

• Certified e-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) from the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists® (ACEDS®)
• ® (CP®) from the National Association of Legal Assistants® (NALA®)
• Professional Paralegal® (PP) from the National Association for Legal Support Professionals® (NALS®)

4. Law Clerk

A law clerk working in a private practice works with practicing lawyers and assists them with administrative and legal tasks. For instance, law clerks put together and organize client files and prepare documents such as trial briefs and settlement contracts. Other responsibilities might include performing legal research, managing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and taking statements.

Law clerks working in administrative roles or in private practice are commonly current law students or graduates. Many of our students start with a four-year degree in legal studies to gain legal knowledge, then progress to law school. Judicial law clerks have a J.D. degree.

5. Legal Secretary

A legal secretary handles administrative and operational work for law offices or an organization’s legal departments. Legal secretaries may perform duties such as handling phone calls and emails, greeting visitors, typing up legal documents, and managing attorney calendars. Also, they may handle expense reports and clients’ bills, and set up meetings, depositions, and travel arrangements.

Other tasks can include preparing and filing legal documents and maintaining files. For legal secretaries, a knowledge of the law is valuable since they – along with other employees – are responsible for maintaining client confidentiality.

Becoming a legal secretary involves at least a high school diploma or a two-year associate degree. A legal secretary also needs to be familiar with legal terminology, usually gained through entry-level office jobs or in-person training.

There are various certifications that legal secretaries often pursue to demonstrate their advanced knowledge:

• Accredited Legal Professional® (ALP®) from the National Association for Legal Support Professionals
• Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) from the National Association for Legal Support Professionals
  

6. Contract Administrator

A contract administrator handles various aspects of business contracts, such as writing the contract, ensuring that the document clearly expresses what is needed, negotiating terms satisfactory to both parties, and ensuring that the terms of the contract are being properly followed. Businesses commonly use these contracts to clearly define work expectations, avoid legal disputes, ensure regular payments, and protect assets and proprietary information.

Contract administrators require a knowledge of relevant regulations and industry standards that apply to the contract. They also act as a liaison with other vendors and business partners, answering questions and informing executives about any desired changes in the contract’s terms.

To become a contract administrator, employers commonly prefer candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in finance, supply chain management, or business administration as well as a knowledge of contract law. Contract administrators also work to earn certifications.

With more experience, contract administrators may go on to seek National Contract Management Association® (NCMA®) certifications such as:

• Certified Federal Contract Manager® (CFCM®)
• Certified Commercial Contract Manager® (CCCM®)

7. Paralegal

A paralegal is a legal professional who works under the supervision of an attorney and assists an attorney with a wide range of tasks. Paralegals provide attorneys with invaluable help; they maintain files, conduct research, and draft documents.

Paralegals work at all different types of law offices and firms. While there is a common public perception that most paralegals work in civil litigation firms, paralegals also assist attorneys in family, criminal, real estate, and corporate law firms.

In a civil litigation law firm, a paralegal may help an attorney during the discovery process (the process by which attorneys and parties determine the merits of a claim or defense) or prepare for a trial. Also, paralegals help with legal research and writing. In recent years, there have been discussions in various states to create a new class of legal professionals who will provide legal advice in certain limited practice areas.

Depending upon the employer and state, paralegals may choose to earn a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Some paralegals also pursue a professional certification, such as:

• Certified Paralegal (CP)
• PACE-Registered Paralegal (RP) from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations® (NFPA®)
• Professional Paralegal (PP)

Note: While paralegals perform many of the same tasks as lawyers, they are prohibited from carrying out duties considered to be the practice of law, such as setting legal fees, giving legal advice, and presenting cases in court. The regulation of paralegals varies from state to state. It is necessary for people entering this profession to research the laws of each state.

8. Probation Officer

In the federal system, a probation officer is an employee of the federal court system. A probation officer supervises both individuals sentenced to probation and individuals serving terms of supervised release following imprisonment.

For example, judges provide a series of terms and conditions that an offender must comply with to remain free (such as taking regular drug tests or obtaining employment). A probation officer ensures that an offender complies with these terms.

Given the complexity of a probation officer’s responsibilities, probation officers in the federal system must have a firm understanding of criminal law and federal laws. Many, but not all, also have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or psychology and often a certification such as Certified Community Supervision Professional (CCSP) from the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).

9. Law Librarian

Some legal studies graduates may decide that they want to work as law librarians and find that studying legal studies is a helpful step toward this profession. Law libraries are in law schools, law firms, government agencies, courts, and other legal organizations, and they provide attorneys with specialized legal research assistance. Law librarians, who often have an advanced degree in library science, provide attorneys and other law-related professionals with invaluable help.

For example, if a paralegal is completing a research project, they may ask a law librarian for help locating a case, legal regulation, or other legal resource. Moreover, law librarians train attorneys and other law-related professionals to use the latest technologies, including research tools.

Law librarians are often invaluable resources for attorneys and other law-related professionals as they can help cite legal sources. Getting a job as a law librarian involves earning either a law degree or another advanced degree in library science; however, requirements vary by employer.

Getting into this field commonly requires a bachelor’s degree in areas such as history or political science, followed by a graduate degree in library and information science. Some employers may also accept a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.

10. Court Clerk

In a court system, court clerks perform administrative duties and help to ensure that trials and hearings are properly conducted. For instance, a court clerk will receive and store legal documents related to court proceedings, keep records, and prepare court documents.

A court clerk also has different duties within a courtroom. For instance, the court clerk may aid witnesses and defendants with the swearing-in process and assist judges as needed.

Depending upon the court system and employer, a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is usually needed for this position. Other employers prefer court clerks to have an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or political science as well as familiarity with the court system.

In addition, some court clerks pursue professional certifications. For instance, they may seek certifications such as:

• Certified Municipal Court Clerk (CMCC) from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC)
• Certified Court Clerk (CCC) through state court clerk associations
• Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC)
• Master Municipal Clerk (MMC)

11. Law Enforcement Officer

Some students with a legal studies degree might choose to become a law enforcement officer or work in another criminal justice capacity. Law enforcement officers who investigate crimes must have a firm understanding of the legal issues involved in that profession.

Law enforcement officers must ensure that they do not violate the rights of citizens, and this work requires an understanding of not only criminal and constitutional law but also the interplay between these laws and how legal issues impact their work. So while some law enforcement officers complete a criminal justice degree, a legal studies major is also a viable option for police officers who want to gain a more profound understanding of the interplay between law and policy.

Becoming a police officer requires at least a high school diploma, some college coursework, or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; the requirements vary by employer. It is also necessary to meet the minimum age, citizenship, mental health, and physical fitness requirements. Aspiring law enforcement officers must also pass different exams, attend a police academy for career-relevant training, and undergo a background check and on-the-job training.

Note: APU’s Legal Studies degree is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any country, state, province or other jurisdiction. The program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license as a law enforcement officer. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.

12. Government Employee

Other students use their legal studies degree to pursue work with the government. These students can follow many different professional paths because working for the government can include a wide range of federal, state, and local government positions. Government positions range from working in an agency as a legal researcher to working as a law clerk in the state, local, or federal courts.

For example, law clerks conduct research and help judges write judicial opinions. Other government employees, while not attorneys, must understand the complex regulatory and administrative law system to do their jobs.

The education to become a government employee varies by job and employer. Some government employers require a high school diploma, a GED, or an associate degree for low-level jobs. Other employers require a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree for more advanced roles.

Professional certifications can also be useful for government employees. For instance, a cybersecurity certification such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium® (ISC2®) can be helpful for seeking a government cybersecurity job. Similarly, a Project Management Professional® (PMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute® (PMI®) could be beneficial for career paths involving leadership and project management.

13. Jury Consultant

A jury consultant helps lawyers pick a jury that will benefit their client the most. While a jury consultant does not have to be a lawyer, jury consultants must have a firm understanding of criminal law, including how decisions to exclude certain jurors must comply with case law that prohibits discrimination in the jury selection process.

However, it is important to note that requirements and hiring pathways vary widely for jury consultants. Aspiring jury consultants commonly start with a bachelor’s degree in an area such as criminal justice or psychology, then progress to a master’s degree, a Ph.D., or a J.D.

14. Legal Assistant

A legal assistant – a term often confused with a paralegal – performs administrative duties in a law firm. A legal assistant serves as a contact person for clients, schedules meetings, maintains calendars, and files documents. Other duties include drafting and proofreading legal documents, sending out correspondence, and collecting evidence and legal documents.

Legal assistants typically start with at least a high school diploma or a GED. Some legal assistants choose to pursue an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in political science or English in order to gain additional legal knowledge and seek more advanced roles. In addition, some legal assistants seek a professional certification to demonstrate their knowledge to employers, such as Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) from the National Association of Legal Assistants.

15. Litigation Support Professional

A litigation support professional aids attorneys by managing and organizing information for a law firm, a government agency, or an organization’s legal department. Litigation support professionals also manage databases, set up the technology equipment used during a trial, aid with e-discovery processes, and act as support personnel in a courtroom.

To gain the knowledge to enter this field, litigation support professionals typically have a bachelor’s degree in legal studies or paralegal studies. To aid their work, they may also choose certifications such as:

• Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS)
• Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) 

Skills You’ll Gain from a Legal Studies Program

In a legal studies program, students are given the chance to learn a wide range of skills and many different types of law. For instance, students have the opportunity to acquire useful job skills such as:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Oral and written communication
• Legal research
• Critical thinking
• Analytical abilities

The legal studies program focuses on experiential learning, also known as learning by doing. Students not only explore various issues relating to the legal field but also learn how legal proceedings work and the roles of various professionals in the legal process.

First, students get to work with multiple legal documents from contracts to cases in their classes. In a course on contracts, a student would discuss the various legal issues raised by contract law and learn how to draft legal contracts and certain legal documents.

Second, our students work with both primary and secondary sources to complete the types of tasks that people in the legal profession would normally do. For example, professors assign students to write legal memos and conduct research. These assignments help students to build their subject matter knowledge of the law but also develop critical and analytical thinking skills.

Is A Legal Studies Degree Worth It for Your Career Goals?

Many career paths are available to legal studies majors who complete a legal studies degree at APU. Graduates of our legal studies program commonly pursue different career paths in various industries, even criminal justice.

Let me give you an example. Imagine that you’re a graduate and you want to pursue a career in real estate, which involves some degree of understanding of contract, property, and discrimination law. You may pursue a bachelor’s degree in legal studies before seeking employment in the real estate industry, which includes the need to obtain state licensure.

Ideally, a graduate with a legal studies degree seeking to pursue a career in the legal field should also have some practical experience. In addition, a formal or informal internship at a law firm or a law-related company may provide that individual with useful business skills and the chance to build a professional network.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Studies Degrees

What can you do with a legal studies degree without going to law school?

There are various career options for graduates with a legal studies degree, depending upon your interests. For instance, you may choose to become a compliance officer, a human resources professional, a law clerk, a legal researcher, or a legal secretary. Other potential career paths include becoming a contract administrator, a paralegal, a probation officer, a law librarian, a court clerk, a law enforcement officer, a government employee, a jury consultant, a legal assistant, or a litigation support professional.

Is a legal studies degree worth it in 2026?

A legal studies degree is particularly helpful if you want to seek job opportunities in law-related fields. It also provides useful knowledge about the U.S. legal system, legal writing, different types of law, and other areas that could be applied to different industries such as healthcare and business.

As a rule of thumb, part-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree should take only a few classes at once, as each class requires a lot of time to complete each week. While many students are eager to finish their courses quickly, it is advisable to work with an advisor who understands the rigors of a degree in legal studies to determine a reasonable, manageable course load.

What is the difference between a legal studies degree and a law degree?

A bachelor’s in legal studies provides a foundational knowledge of legal basics and legal doctrine. It takes about four years to complete the coursework.

By contrast, earning a law degree takes a longer amount of time. First, you must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and satisfy each law school’s admissions requirements, which may include the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or another accepted examination. Earning a Juris Doctor requires an additional three years of study.

What degree do you need to become a lawyer?

Many practicing attorneys have a Juris Doctor degree. Some lawyers may choose to continue their education and pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) degree.

Lawyers often choose to specialize in a certain area of law. Some attorneys might specialize in contract law while others choose family law. Still others could be in-house counsel for large corporations

Can you go to law school with a legal studies degree?

Yes, it is possible to use a legal studies degree as a stepping-stone to law school. However, you will need to take the LSAT or another exam and meet other requirements to get into law school.

Admission requirements vary depending upon where you study. Some schools accept alternative examinations rather than the LSAT.

What jobs can you get with a legal studies degree in compliance or business?

There are various job opportunities available to graduates of a legal studies program. Many students become interested in employment and labor issues after taking a course in that subject and then opt for a degree path in human resources because they develop familiarity with legal regulations.

Still, other students take courses in our Legal Studies department and realize they would rather enter the world of business. They know that their passions are more focused on non-law-related aspects of the corporate world and choose to become contract administrators or compliance officers.

Explore Legal Studies Programs at APU

Undergraduate students in the legal studies program at American Public University part of American Public University System (“APU”) can complete an online Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, an online Associate of Science in Legal Studies, an online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, or an online Master of Arts in Legal Studies.

Students taking courses for the bachelor’s degree in legal studies must select a concentration. Current concentrations for the B.S. in legal studies include:

• General
• Criminal law support
• Legal communications
• Legal data analytics
• Legal data security
• Legal entrepreneurism
• Legal ethics
• Legal office administration

Note: Completion of the A.S. in legal studies or the B.S. in Legal Studies does not award professional paralegal certification but may be helpful in preparing to seek certification. Although some states do not require a Juris Doctor for bar entry, the master’s program does not prepare you for the practice of law or admission to the bar of any state based solely on completion of this program. Completion of American Public University’s Master of Legal Studies online program does not qualify an individual to sit for the bar exam in any state.

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