UCLA Law Master of Legal Studies

Meet Glenda Dyson '26, a dynamic and dedicated student in the UCLA Law M.L.S. program. Here, she participates in a mini Q&A. ⬇️ Q: What drew you to the M.L.S. program at UCLA Law? A: Flexibility without sacrificing quality is what attracted me the most. I always wanted to go to law school, but couldn't make the time commitment of a J.D. work with my professional and family responsibilities. When I learned about the M.L.S program, it felt perfect for me. I can take 1-2 classes each semester, focusing on topics I can apply directly to my work and personal goals, while still feeling part of the UCLA Law community. Q: What is your current role at WBD like, and what are your daily responsibilities? A: My title is currently Director, Contracts & Operations for HBO, Max and Magnolia Original Productions. I love my job because of the variety – drafting and negotiating talent agreements, supporting our team of lawyers, paralegals, and assistants, and working to ensure our legal team has the best tools to support our creative teams. My favorite part is the people and seeing a project to fruition. I work with the best in the business. I also love seeing the impact of my work, whether it's a new tool or a show premiering on HBO or Max and seeing the audience's reaction. Q: How does your academic work in the M.L.S. program intersect and impact your current role with WBD?  A: I'm able to better understand how lawyers think. Before the M.L.S. program, I chuckled at the phrase "think like a lawyer." Now, I see that lawyers have a unique way of processing and presenting information, and I’m gaining the training to think and analyze similarly, enhancing my communication with colleagues and clients. I've taken courses directly related to my work, like the Hollywood Guilds class with Professor Wetanson on the new WGA and SAG agreements from the 2023 strikes. Every semester, I find something valuable to apply to my daily tasks. Q: What is your favorite part of the M.L.S. program so far? A: Hands down, it's the community. I get to learn from leading legal minds and some of the most amazing people I've ever met. My classmates include CEOs, industry leaders, creatives, scientists, healthcare pioneers, community leaders, activists, and promising emerging professionals. This experience has truly broadened my horizons and changed my perspective. We’re a close-knit community that celebrates each other's wins, inspiring me to keep pursuing a better version of myself every day. Q: Is there anything else you would like to share? A: My husband and I run 'We Are The Yellow Bricks', a non-profit organizing volunteer events. After my mom's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2016, I wanted to honor her legacy of helping others. We host ice cream socials at family shelters in Los Angeles, spreading love and cheer to families overcoming homelessness. These events remind everyone of the importance of community and the impact of small acts of kindness.

If you're a #HumanResources Professional and you're attending the SHRM Annual Conference and Expo in Chicago, swing by our booth and say hi! Learn about UCLA Law Executive Education's Pathway to HR Director Program and chat with Assistant Director, Emily N. and Program Officer, Justin Cheng. Visit us at Booth 552. #SHRM24 #HR #uclalawexeced #uclalaw