Looking to balance work and study? Evening law school programs may be the perfect fit for you.
These programs offer flexibility for working professionals by providing classes during evenings or weekends.
They allow you to pursue your legal studies while managing other commitments.
But which schools should you consider for evening programs? By exploring top-ranked institutions that offer part-time options, you can find the best match for your career goals and lifestyle.
This article will guide you through some of the top law schools with evening programs, helping you make an informed decision.
1) Georgetown University Law Center
Georgetown University Law Center offers a highly regarded Evening Program.
This program allows you to earn a J.D. while maintaining full-time employment.
It is designed for working professionals who need flexibility in their schedules.
One of the key features is its duration.
You can complete the J.D. in four years, but there are also options for finishing in three or three-and-a-half years.
This flexible timeline helps you manage your studies alongside other commitments.
Admission to Georgetown’s Evening Program is competitive.
Applicants go through the same thorough review as those applying to the full-time program.
Georgetown looks for diverse, non-traditional students who bring various professional and life experiences.
The program balances rigorous academics with practical experience.
You will join a cohort of students bringing a wide range of backgrounds and insights to class discussions.
This enriching environment enhances your learning experience.
Georgetown Law is well-ranked among part-time programs in the U.S. It consistently appears in rankings by sources like U.S. News & World Report, which highlights the program’s quality and reputation.
Completing your degree at Georgetown can therefore offer significant career advantages.
The evening classes primarily focus on core legal subjects but also include electives that let you explore specific areas of interest.
This mix means you can tailor your education to suit your career goals.
2) University of Houston Law Center
The University of Houston Law Center offers a Part-Time Evening Program, designed for those who need flexibility in their schedules.
Classes generally meet Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
In your first year, you’ll take required courses and also have a summer component.
This allows you to balance work, family, and studies effectively.
Ranked No. 68 in Best Law Schools by U.S. News, the University of Houston Law Center also ranks No. 8 for Part-Time Law Programs.
This demonstrates the school’s commitment to quality education and flexible learning options.
Located in Houston, the fourth largest and most diverse city in the U.S., the Law Center provides students and graduates access to a vast legal market.
You will find ample opportunities for practical experience and professional networking.
Houston is home to the world’s largest health care and medical complex, adding to the opportunities available for specialized legal education and practice.
This makes the University of Houston Law Center a strategic choice for legal studies.
The school prides itself on offering excellence and opportunity to students from all backgrounds.
Whether you are starting your legal career or looking to advance it, the Part-Time Evening Program offers a viable path.
For more information, you can visit the Part-Time Evening Program page.
You can also explore the top programs offered at the University of Houston Law Center to understand the specialized disciplines available.
3) Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law offers a notable evening program that caters to working professionals.
This flexibility allows you to balance your career and personal life while pursuing a law degree.
The evening program is designed with the same academic rigor as Santa Clara’s full-time program.
You’ll have access to the same resources, including distinguished faculty and diverse course offerings.
Santa Clara Law stands out for its focus on social justice.
The school emphasizes ethics and public interest law, preparing you to lead with compassion and integrity.
Specializations in areas like high tech law, international law, and privacy law are available.
These options allow you to tailor your education to your career goals.
The evening program includes opportunities for practical experience.
You can participate in legal clinics and externships, gaining hands-on experience that complements your classroom learning.
Diverse student body and faculty enhance the learning environment.
You’ll engage with peers from various backgrounds, enriching your legal education.
Location in Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities.
Proximity to leading tech companies and law firms offers networking and career advancement prospects.
Santa Clara Law is dedicated to helping you succeed.
The school offers robust academic support, career services, and alumni networks to assist you throughout your legal journey.
Learn more about Santa Clara University School of Law and their evening program, and see if it aligns with your career aspirations.
4) Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Loyola Law School in Los Angeles has a hybrid evening program that combines in-person and online classes.
This program is ranked as the No. 1 part-time law program in the West.
The faculty includes nationally renowned professors who are full-time teachers and adjunct professors who practice law by day and teach by night.
This setup offers you a practical understanding of the legal field.
The evening program at Loyola is highly flexible, allowing you to balance your education with work or other commitments.
Despite being part-time, the program maintains rigorous academic standards that match its full-time counterpart.
Loyola Law School’s downtown campus provides you with access to top-tier facilities and resources.
The Career Development Office offers extensive support to help you find job opportunities.
Additionally, Loyola Law School is situated in a prime location, offering access to numerous legal institutions and firms in Los Angeles.
The blend of experienced faculty and a comprehensive curriculum makes it a strong choice for your legal education.
For more information, you can visit the Loyola Law School’s Hybrid JD Evening Program page.
5) Brooklyn Law School
Brooklyn Law School offers a flexible 4-year J.D. program that allows you to balance work and studies.
Classes typically run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
You can complete the same 85 credits required for a standard J.D. program.
The evening schedule makes it possible for working professionals to pursue their degree without compromising their jobs.
One feature of Brooklyn Law is the Summer Start Option.
Incoming students can take a first-year class, Criminal Law, during the summer semester.
This can help ease your transition into law school and give you more flexibility in later years.
Brooklyn Law’s program aims to create a supportive environment for part-time students.
The faculty includes experts in various fields, such as tax law and legal writing.
They bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom, enhancing your learning experience.
The program’s location in Brooklyn provides many opportunities for networking and gaining practical experience.
You’ll be in proximity to many legal firms, courts, and other institutions that can help you advance your career.
Students enrolled in the 4-year J.D. program are subject to the same admission process as those in the 3-year program.
Both options allow you to receive a comprehensive legal education tailored to your personal and professional needs.
6) Seton Hall Law School
Seton Hall Law School, located in New Jersey, offers an excellent part-time law program.
It’s designed for students who cannot commit to a full-time schedule but still aim to earn a law degree.
One of the key features of their program is its flexibility.
You can choose between evening classes and weekend sessions, making it easier to balance work and study.
The part-time program spans over four years and covers 88 credits.
Seton Hall also provides opportunities to accelerate your education with options like winter intersessions, summer classes, and externships.
After your second year, you can take advantage of entirely online electives to further customize your studies.
This flexibility helps you stay on track while managing other responsibilities.
Seton Hall’s dedication to part-time studies dates back to 1951.
The school has a long history of supporting students who need alternative schedules for their legal education.
For more information about this program, you can visit Seton Hall’s part-time JD program page.
7) Loyola University Chicago School of Law
The Loyola University Chicago School of Law offers a flexible Weekend JD program.
This program combines in-person classes with online learning.
The in-person classes meet every other weekend.
Saturday classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All online components are delivered through Sakai.
This platform enables a highly interactive learning environment.
You can engage with faculty and peers effectively online.
The tuition for the part-time program is $41,090.
There is no application fee for the part-time program.
The student-faculty ratio at the school is an impressive 6.4:1.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law is known for its Jesuit tradition.
This means you can expect a focus on academic excellence and service to others.
The school has a distinctive social justice mission.
You’ll be joining a large network of alumni.
The law school boasts over 12,000 alumni.
Loyola University Chicago has more than 150,000 alumni overall.
The School of Law was founded in 1908.
It prioritizes a diverse and welcoming environment.
You will receive a superior legal education from leading faculty here.
The campus hosts numerous events.
From symposia to guest speakers, there’s always something happening.
This makes it a vibrant place to study law.
If you’re interested in applying, the Office of Admission is available to help.
You can contact them through email or phone.
They are located at 25 East Pearson, Suite 1208, Chicago, IL 60611.
8) Fordham University School of Law
Fordham University School of Law offers an excellent part-time evening program.
This program is designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals.
The evening division is highly ranked, placed 3rd in the nation and 1st in New York for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.
You will find the program’s flexibility appealing, allowing you to attend classes after work.
The program spans eight semesters, with students typically attending classes four days a week.
The first three semesters require attendance from Monday to Thursday, making it manageable for those with full-time jobs and families.
Fordham Law’s evening program boasts a diverse student body.
You will study alongside peers from various backgrounds, including military veterans, pathologists, entrepreneurs, actors, and housing rights advocates.
The faculty at Fordham Law is recognized for its excellence.
They ensure that evening students receive the same quality education as full-time students.
You will benefit from the same rigorous academic standards and support services.
By joining Fordham’s evening program, you become part of a school with a long-standing tradition.
This program has a distinguished history, nearly a century long, which shows its commitment to part-time legal education.
To learn more details about the program, visit Fordham University’s page on the part-time evening program.
This might be the perfect opportunity to advance your legal education without sacrificing your career or personal commitments.
9) Stetson University College of Law
Stetson University College of Law offers a part-time evening program designed for working professionals.
The part-time program application fee is $55, and tuition is $33,680.
The part-time program provides the same resources and faculty as the full-time program.
As Florida’s first law school, Stetson has a strong reputation.
It has educated many lawyers, judges, and community leaders since its founding in 1900.
The student-faculty ratio is 9.3:1, allowing for personalized attention.
Stetson is known for its LL.M. programs, which are available to students who have already earned their first law degree.
These programs focus on skills needed for trial advocacy and legal writing.
Stetson ranks #1 in trial advocacy and #3 in legal writing according to U.S. News.
You will have access to campus offices, recreational facilities, and educational resources while enrolled in the part-time program.
The Gulfport library is open 24/7, which is convenient for your study needs.
Many departments also have evening hours, making it easier to balance work and study.
Stetson encourages you to visit their campus to get a feel for what they offer.
The university believes that a visit in person can help you understand the unique advantages of their program better.
Part-time law students at Stetson receive the same professional education as full-time students.
This includes access to dedicated faculty and academic support programs aimed at your success.
For more details on their part-time evening law program, visit their website.
Here you can find comprehensive information on what to expect and how to apply.
10) New York Law School
New York Law School offers a dynamic part-time evening program tailored for working professionals.
The Evening Division welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, public servants, and parents.
This provides a unique blend of experiences and perspectives in the classroom.
If you are balancing a career and family, this program might suit your needs.
The Evening Division allows you to build on your current job while pursuing a law degree part-time.
The program is reimagined as NYLS Pro to meet modern needs.
This redesign aims to make the pursuit of a law degree more flexible and accessible for 21st-century professionals.
Classes in the evening allow you to maintain your day job.
The program usually takes around four years to complete, giving you the flexibility to manage work and study simultaneously.
If you have questions about scholarships, the Office of Financial Aid can help you explore financial aid opportunities for evening students.
This support makes the program more affordable and manageable for many students.
NYLS’s part-time evening program is a good choice for those who require the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that you get a comprehensive legal education while maintaining your professional and personal life.
Benefits of Evening Law Programs
Evening law programs offer significant advantages for those who have commitments during the day.
These programs provide flexibility and accessibility to a broader range of students.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
Evening law programs allow you to maintain a full-time job while pursuing a legal education.
This setup means you can attend classes after work, usually in the evening, without disrupting your daytime responsibilities.
These programs often feature coursework that aligns with your busy schedule.
Many schools, such as the Chicago-Kent College of Law, offer small class sizes in the evenings, fostering an intimate learning environment.
This flexible arrangement helps you balance your career and studies, allowing you to gain practical experience while earning your degree.
You can continue advancing in your current job and apply what you learn in your law classes directly to your work.
Working while studying can also support you financially, minimizing student loans and reducing the overall cost of your legal education.
Accessibility for Non-Traditional Students
Evening law programs are particularly accessible for non-traditional students who may have family obligations or other responsibilities that make attending daytime classes difficult.
These programs are designed to accommodate diverse schedules, making higher education achievable for those with unique time constraints.
For example, part-time law programs typically offer evening or weekend classes, and some even provide online options.
Schools like Case Western Reserve University and Southwestern Law School allow students to craft a schedule that fits their needs, ensuring that they can pursue a law degree alongside their other commitments.
By providing more flexibility, evening law programs make a legal education feasible for those who might otherwise be unable to attend.
This inclusivity helps create a more diverse legal profession, reflecting a broader range of experiences and backgrounds.
Overview of Curriculum and Coursework
Evening law programs offer a blend of core legal subjects and elective courses.
This balance ensures a comprehensive legal education while providing flexibility for specialization.
Core Legal Subjects
In your first year, you will focus on foundational legal subjects.
These include contracts, torts, and civil procedure.
These courses are crucial for building your understanding of fundamental legal principles.
Contracts cover the laws governing agreements between parties.
You learn about offer, acceptance, and contractual obligations. Torts deal with civil wrongs, from negligence to intentional harm, teaching you how to handle personal injury cases. Civil Procedure involves the rules courts follow in civil lawsuits, giving you an overview of legal processes.
These subjects typically meet in the evening, often starting at 5:45 p.m..
Classes are designed to accommodate working professionals, spreading the workload over multiple evenings.
Elective Courses and Specializations
After completing core subjects, you will choose electives that align with your interests.
Electives allow you to focus on areas like corporate law, environmental law, or criminal justice.
These courses are usually more flexible, with some offered on weekends or even online.
Electives such as corporate law delve into business regulations, while environmental law focuses on protecting natural resources. Criminal justice electives cover the procedures and laws related to crime and punishment.
Some programs, like those at Georgetown Law, offer weekend classes to add flexibility.
Choosing electives helps tailor your education to your career goals, giving you the specialized knowledge needed for your desired legal field.
Career Opportunities for Evening Law Graduates
Graduating from an evening law program opens numerous career opportunities in fields like corporate law and public interest law.
You can balance work and study to enhance your credentials while gaining practical experience.
Corporate Law
In corporate law, you can work with businesses on a wide range of legal issues.
These may include mergers, acquisitions, compliance, and intellectual property.
As a corporate lawyer, you will often deal with contracts and negotiations, ensuring that business activities comply with the law.
Evening law graduates bring practical work experience, making them appealing to employers.
Your ability to juggle work and study shows strong time management and dedication.
Networking events and internships during your studies can further boost your career prospects.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are key in this field.
Many evening graduates find roles in major law firms and corporations where they handle complex transactions and provide strategic legal advice.
Public Interest Law
Public interest law focuses on serving the broader community, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups.
As a public interest lawyer, you may work on issues like human rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
Evening programs attract diverse professionals, such as veterans, public servants, and parents, who bring unique perspectives to this field.
Your prior work experience can help you connect with the communities you serve and understand their legal needs better.
Financial assistance options, like scholarships and grants, are often available for those pursuing public interest law.
Moreover, your ability to manage multiple responsibilities demonstrates a commitment to public service, making you a strong candidate for these roles.
Some evening graduates even pursue roles in the private sector to support their public interest work.