The University of Colorado Law School is now accepting applications for the newly established, one-year, 28-credit Master of Studies in Law degree. This program will enable students who hold at least an undergraduate degree to obtain legal training short of a full Juris Doctor.
"There are a range of opportunities for professionals interested in legal-related fields who are not practicing lawyers," said Dean Phil Weiser. "The MSL degree is a targeted program that will prepare students to obtain and excel in such positions."
MSL students will be admitted into a specific specialty track, with a menu of courses tailored to prepare them for a specific range of employment opportunities.Ìý These courses include an overview of the American legal system, legal research, writing and analysis, and multiple substantive courses relating to the student’s chosen specialty track.Ìý The first specialty track debuts in August 2015 and focuses on giving holders of technical degrees the legal training they require to succeed as patent agents.Ìý Additional specialty tracks in other areas will be offered in subsequent years.
"The ever more technologically advanced nature of our economy has created a growing demand for employees who can help companies secure the patents necessary to protect valuable ideas and products," said Bill Mooz, Scholar in Residence at Colorado Law, a former senior in-house counsel, and a leader in developing the MSL degree.Ìý To meet this demand, law firms and companies are increasingly turning to patent agents, who combine their engineering and science backgrounds with relevant legal expertise to help companies with all aspects of the patent process, running from invention disclosure through patent prosecution and defense.Ìý Upon completion of the MSL - Patent Law degree, individuals will be prepared to sit for the Patent Bar Exam and be positioned for thriving and successful careers.
"I am extremely excited about this program," said Michael Drapkin, who leads the electrical engineering patent practice at Holland & Hart, LLP. "Program graduates should be able to hit the ground running, placing them in high demand.Ìý We are in need of the unique skills the students will gain in the program, and look forward to partnering with Colorado Law on the hiring front."
For more information visit or contact Alan Schieve, assistant director of admissions, at 303-492-2552 or alan.schieve@colorado.edu.
Contact:
Joanna Schmitz, CU Law School communications, 303-492-3084
law-communications@colorado.edu
