Christopher Ford almost became a lawyer. After years of negotiating union contracts between a hospital and labor organizations in Kentucky, surrounded by attorneys, it seemed like the logical next step. But something held him back.
“I never really had a desire to put out a shingle, so to speak, or represent anybody in court," Ford recalled. “That really wasn’t what I wanted to do.”
What he discovered instead was a path that would give him the legal expertise he needed without requiring him to change the fundamental nature of his work. That path led him to Tulane University’s online Master of Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law and ultimately to his current role as Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) at St. Tammany Health System.
Building a Career in Healthcare HR
Ford has spent his career in healthcare human resources since 2004, moving from Indianapolis to Kentucky and eventually to Louisiana. St. Tammany Health System, where he now serves as CHRO, is a hospital service district just north of New Orleans that operates an acute care hospital, 25 off-site clinics, an ambulatory surgery center, an off-site emergency department, several primary and specialty care clinics, and a retail pharmacy.
During his time in Kentucky, Ford found himself deeply immersed in labor relations work, spending years on contract negotiation cycles as his primary responsibility. Working alongside attorneys day after day, he began to wonder if a law degree might be in his future.
Finding the Right Fit
Ford’s search for the right educational path was driven by a specific need: he wanted to deepen his legal knowledge without becoming a practicing attorney. More practically, he needed something that could fit into his life as a full-time working professional.
“The MJ program really spoke to everything I wanted to do: learn more about employment law and get a credential without having to sit for the bar or go full-on JD, which is hard to do as a full-time worker,” he explained.
The program offered him exactly what he was looking for: rigorous legal training focused squarely on employment law, delivered in a format that worked with his demanding career.
Immediate Career Impact
Like many alumni of the program, Ford didn’t wait until graduation to see results. He added the degree to his resume while still in progress, and the impact was immediate.
“I do believe having the MJ, even though it was in progress, got me a foot in the door for this opportunity that I have now,” he said, referring to his current CHRO position.
The credential has fundamentally changed how Ford operates in his role. Conversations with outside counsel became easier and more productive. When discussing complex matters like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with legal teams, Ford found himself treated as a trusted advisor rather than just a client.
“It gave me more confidence in the decisions I was making because I had more of a foundation in law,” Ford explained. “It makes the conversation a lot easier because I understand where they’re coming from, I can prepare for those conversations a lot better, and we’re able to come to conclusions a lot faster."
The practical benefit to his organization has been tangible: fewer billable hours with outside counsel, faster decision-making, and more strategic use of legal resources.
Daily Applications
Ford uses his Tulane education nearly every day on the job. From ADA accommodations to FMLA administration to the evolving landscape of social media in the workplace, the program touches nearly every aspect of his work.
“I just ended a conversation on an ADA discussion,” he said, “FML-ADA crossover, workers’ comp, disabilities—all of that is a daily conversation at some point. And I do reference back to, or at least think back to, things that we learned in class, beyond the typical requirements that everybody knows—the case law and the things that we studied.”
The social media course stood out as particularly valuable given how rapidly that area of law continues to evolve. “All employees are dealing with this,” Ford noted. “People want to come in and they have their devices, and they want to record and make videos, and because that’s trending, that’s what people are doing today. But it’s very disruptive to the workplace. And how do you handle that without violating their rights and without violating the law?”
Perhaps even more valuable than specific substantive knowledge was learning how to research the law itself. “Our legal writing class allowed me to be able to go look and research the law,” Ford explained. “That’s something I never knew how to do before. As things are changing, as laws are changing, I know where to go to get the source, how to interpret it, and how to cite and respond.”
Looking Ahead: AI and the Future of HR
For his capstone project, Ford tackled one of the most pressing emerging issues in employment law: artificial intelligence in the workplace. His research examined frameworks being developed in other countries and by states like California and New York, giving him a foundation to help shape his organization’s approach.
“I do sit on the AI committee here at my job to help bring that in,” he said. “I think HR is really going to be at the forefront of AI in the workplace for many organizations going forward, so I think that was pretty beneficial.”
A Rigorous Program That Delivers
Ford is candid about the fact that Tulane’s MJ program isn’t easy. His first semester, taught by Joel Friedman, who was serving as dean of the program at the time, set a demanding tone.
“Joel was tough,” Ford recalled with a laugh. “But it just sets the tone for what’s expected, what’s required, and the rigor that is the program. This is not an easy program just because it’s online.”
That rigor, however, is precisely what makes the program so valuable. The flexibility of the online format doesn’t diminish the academic standards.
“As long as you’re getting it done on time—and I would stress getting it done on time and not waiting until the end of the semester to try to do things—you have the ability to set your schedule,” Ford said.
Advice for Prospective Students
For experienced HR professionals considering the program, Ford’s message is clear and enthusiastic.
“This is probably the place for you if you do not have a desire to practice law,” he said. “If you’ve been in HR and you have a desire to learn more, lean more into the legal aspects of it, this is definitely the program that you should be interested in.”
He’s also quick to note that the program will challenge even the most experienced practitioners. “It is a rigorous course. You will learn a lot. I don’t care how long you’ve been in HR, you will absolutely learn more than you know today. And it’s well worth the investment.”
In fact, the program was so satisfying that it left Ford with an unexpected question: "Maybe I do want to go get that JD," he found himself thinking. For someone who started the journey specifically to avoid law school, that’s perhaps the strongest endorsement of all.
Ready to Advance Your HR Career With Tulane Law Online?
Ready to take the next step?
To find out more about Tulane Law School’s online Master of Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law, including course information and admissions requirements, explore our online resources or schedule an appointment with our admissions team to discuss your options in detail.