"Everyone at Maurer is excited about the MLS!"
As an undergraduate majoring in anthropology and classics with a focus on art and archaeology, Claire Chaille never expected to find herself drawn so strongly to the legal system. Today, as a student in Indiana University Maurer School of Law’s Master of Legal Studies program, she’s discovering how legal training can support her long-term interests in cultural heritage protection and art crime investigation.
Claire is particularly interested in careers connected to cultural heritage law and law enforcement, including work related to art crime. “The FBI has an art crime unit,” she explained, “and having a legal basis for that would be a really strong background”
Through the MLS program, Claire has gained early exposure to law school–level coursework and a deeper understanding of how the legal system operates. This semester, she is taking Fundamentals of the U.S. Legal System, a course she describes as both challenging and engaging. “You’re expected to be more prepared and more involved,” she said. “It really pushes you as a student”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program has been the opportunity to learn alongside law students and connect with Maurer faculty. “Meeting the faculty has been a great opportunity,” Claire said. “They’ve had really interesting careers, and they’re incredibly supportive”
Claire also appreciates how the MLS program has helped her explore new academic interests she hadn’t previously considered. “I never thought I’d be interested in the legal system,” she said, “but I’ve been loving my classes so far”
As a member of the MLS program’s first cohort, Claire describes her experience as overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone has been so accommodating and kind,” she said. “It’s been amazing”
Her advice to prospective students? Take the initiative. “Reach out to faculty,” she said. “Everyone at Maurer is excited about this program and wants students to understand what it can do for them.”