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Jennifer Erickson finds connection in the online Master of Legal Studies program
Feb 13, 2025Jennifer Erickson, director of operational risk management for Zions Bancorporation, is enrolled in the online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program, gaining a better understanding of the law and how it applies to her work without having to become a practicing attorney. She is excited to earn a master’s degree in only one year.
‘It brings the good within you out’: Travis Goff discusses his MLS education
Feb 08, 2025As a senior in high school, Travis Goff attended a University of Utah football game and dreamed of attending the university. Now, more than 30 years later, that wish has finally come true: Goff recently graduated from the S.J. Quinney College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies program.
Practical knowledge: James Duffin shares value in MLS degree
Feb 04, 2025James Duffin earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Utah State University, initially intending to become a religious educator. However, his interests shifted toward a career in law.
MLS career coaching: Meet Dominic Militello
Dec 16, 2024Dominic Militello began working in career coaching more than 25 years ago. When he started working at the University of Utah in 2022, he was excited to be part of a larger university initiative to coach students.
More than just a degree: McKell OldBull talks about motivations for MLS program
Oct 22, 2024McKell OldBull knew she wanted to pursue a career in the justice system while attending high school. Originally from Peach City, Arizona, OldBull grew up on the Hualapai Indian reservation and recalls that there were limited resources when she was growing up.
MLS program: See what’s new and how alums have achieved success
Oct 03, 2024MLS alum Leigh Ann Bauman initially wanted to be an attorney but decided it wasn’t for her after working as a legal assistant. In fact, she left the law altogether. Bauman is now one of the program’s most recent graduates, joining 29 other students—10 fellow classmates in the in-person program and 19 in the online program—who completed their MLS degree.
John Seegrist finds new opportunities with MLS degree
Jul 24, 2024Seegrist began the Master of Legal Studies program (MLS) in fall 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, he was the operations director for Willis Towers Watson and thought the knowledge would be beneficial to his career, but he never had any intention of changing directions once he graduated.
3L Leah Bench seeks to aid military members with family law services
Jul 17, 2024Leah Bench first began her legal education at the S.J. Quinney College of Law as a student in the Master of Legal Studies program in fall 2019. From there, her desire to practice law only grew, and now she is a rising 3L in the JD program.
A worthwhile endeavor: MLS student Ryne Vogel pairs his HR career with legal studies education
May 30, 2024As an undergraduate majoring in philosophy, MLS student Ryne Vogel had every intention of pursuing a JD degree and a career as an attorney. Life, however, steered him in a different direction with his interest in the law firmly intact.
MLS student Evangelina Marquez feels confident at Utah Law
Mar 11, 2024Now that she is halfway through the one-year (three semesters) MLS program, Marquez confidently says that it’s the people at Utah Law who have made it an enjoyable experience.
A “toy story” for MLS student Chad Nelson
Feb 29, 2024MLS student Chad Nelson’s career began in the cycling industry, working with sponsored athletes and teams in events such as the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
MLS alumni spotlight: Glen Proctor
Jan 25, 2024Glen Proctor graduated with the in-person master of legal studies (MLS) class of 2022. Get to know him better in this alumni spotlight.
Achieving a mindset shift: Meet MLS student Raveena Ghag
Nov 02, 2023Raveena Ghag’s bachelor’s degree in communication gave her a foundation in writing and passion for creating social media content—and the Master’s in Legal Studies degree […]
Honoring a tradition of education: Anna-Cajsa Gipson looks forward to earning her MLS
Oct 11, 2023Anna-Cajsa Gipson was a stay-at-home mom for nearly 23 years before reentering the workforce and pursuing an advanced degree through the Master of Legal Studies […]
Meet students and alumni through our brand-new video spotlights
Sep 22, 2023We’ve been spotlighting Utah Law students and alumni throughout the years and sharing their stories and passions. Now we have a new way to help […]
Grow as you go: Bethany Hardwig expresses gratitude for MLS program
Sep 15, 2023Bethany Hardwig was working in the University of Utah’s University Advancement office and began looking into graduate programs. A webinar about the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program piqued her interest, and she later decided an MLS degree was exactly what she was looking for.
Jill-of-all-trades: Anastasia Boyko returns to her Utah roots
Aug 29, 2023Anastasia Boyko considers herself a jill-of-all-trades because she’s held many different roles, including law librarian, Supreme Court intern, tax lawyer, banker, yoga teacher, wellness entrepreneur, career coach, leadership dean, teacher, fundraiser, and consultant. Now, as director of non-JD programs at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, Anastasia is transforming herself again.
Understanding the why behind legal counsel: Brooke DeWyze
Jul 17, 2023Brooke DeWyze, chief operating officer of commercial insurance company Moreton, originally graduated from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business in 1998. After earning her certified public accountant (CPA) certification, Brooke never planned to return to school—but the one-year Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program proved essential due to her new role.
Alumnus Ethan Webster on the marvelous, multi-purpose MLS
Jun 01, 2023Like many professionals, Ethan Webster (MLS ’20) had a five-year plan. Webster had worked in various roles for the University of Utah, most recently as associate registrar. In 2019, when he began the Master of Legal Studies (“MLS”) program at S.J. Quinney College of Law, he hoped the five-year plan would end with a position as a university registrar.
The many roles of MLS alumna Raelene Blocker
Mar 15, 2023By Suzi Morales Raelene Blocker (MLS Class of 2019) has worn many hats. Among them: political candidate, lobbyist, advocate, and—most recently—mediator. Blocker says the College […]