What are the best legal courses on Coursera?

Popular options include An Introduction to American Law from the University of Pennsylvania , Corporate & Commercial Law from the University of Illinois , and American Contract Law from Yale University . These courses cover topics such as constitutional law, business contracts, legal systems, and international regulation.

Can I take free legal courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning legal topics on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many legal courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in legal topics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a legal course on Coursera?

You’ll learn about legal reasoning, the structure of legal systems, contracts , corporate law, intellectual property , and rights under various legal frameworks. Some courses also explore legal writing, negotiation , and compliance in business or public policy settings.

Do I need a background in law or government to take a legal course?

Not at all. Many introductory courses are designed for general learners and professionals from other fields. If you’re looking for more advanced or specialized legal content, there are also options for learners with prior experience.

Can legal courses on Coursera support my career or further education?

Yes. Whether you're preparing for law school, working in a regulatory or compliance role, or simply interested in understanding legal systems, Coursera courses can help you build foundational knowledge and earn credentials that demonstrate your skills and interests.

Best Legal Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Legal Course for Your Goals

Status: Preview
Yale University
A Law Student's Toolkit
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Case Law, Civil Procedures, Policy Analysis, Learning Strategies, Economics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Lund University
AI & Law
Skills you'll gain: Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property, Legal Proceedings, Labor Law, Legal Research, Innovation, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Public Administration, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Predictive Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
710 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
AI in Law: Research, Risk, and Legal Drafting
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Risk, Data Ethics, Legal Research, Compliance Management, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Document Management, Generative AI, Litigation Support, Mediation, Case Law, Contract Review, ChatGPT, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Contract Management, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Contract Compliance, Legal Writing, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
An Introduction to American Law
Skills you'll gain: Civil Procedures, Civil Law, Personal Injury Law, Commercial Laws, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Plaintiff, Legal Research, Case Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Legal Pleadings, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
Introduction to Generative AI in Legal
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Generative AI, Legal Risk, Case Law, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Legal Proceedings, Artificial Intelligence, Legal Writing, ChatGPT, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Forecasting, Automation, Client Services
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Legal Research
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Legal Risk, Litigation Support, Legal Writing, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Predictive Modeling, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Corporate & Commercial Law I: Contracts & Employment Law
Skills you'll gain: Certified Public Accountant, Labor Law, Commercial Laws, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Bankruptcies, Organizational Structure, Business, Legal Writing, Contract Management, Sales
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
IE Business School
Legal Tech & Startups
Skills you'll gain: Growth Strategies, Technology Strategies, Market Trend, Entrepreneurship, New Business Development, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation, Interviewing Skills
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
242 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of London
Introduction to English Common Law
Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Case Law, Legal Research, Legal Proceedings, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Civil Law, Social Studies, Political Sciences, European History, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Paralegals: Streamlining Legal Drafting
Skills you'll gain: Legal Research, Generative AI, Workflow Management, Business Process Automation, Operational Efficiency, Artificial Intelligence, Productivity Software, Automation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Security, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Privacy Law and Data Protection
Skills you'll gain: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Information Privacy, Personally Identifiable Information, Regulatory Compliance, Data Security, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Data Management, Incident Response, Governance, Risk Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
811 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
HRCI
HRCI Human Resource Associate
Skills you'll gain: Talent Acquisition, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Training Programs, Recruitment, Employee Training, Full Cycle Recruitment, Job Analysis, Employee Performance Management, Compensation Management, Performance Appraisal, Job Evaluation, Developing Training Materials, Compensation Strategy, Performance Management, Human Resource Policies, Employee Relations, Occupational Safety And Health, Business Continuity Planning, Risk Management
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months