According to the American Bar Association (ABA), which is the accreditation agency for most U.S. accredited law schools and a condition for sitting many state bar examinations, coursework must be done "in residence." However, in recent years, the ABA has permitted law schools to create a hybrid curriculum that combines traditional residential education with a variety of distance and online learning possibilities. The American Bar Association (ABA) recently stated in an interview that while these programs are "experimental," they may also signal a new opportunity for law schools to offer legal distance education to prospective students who cannot access the traditional three-year residential program.
In general, the hybrid JD program combines live, interactive lessons with online learning modules that are complemented by brief periods of in-person instruction. All of the hybrid programs we will look at here follow the traditional programs' entry requirements for law school, but they provide students a lot of freedom in meeting them. However, each education system responds to the issue in a unique manner.
The ABA has compiled a list of the top 10 hybrid online law schools that have been accredited by the organization. The school's overall reputation and 2020 bar exam pass rate are taken into account when ranking these programs.
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1. University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law is one of the only hybrid JD programs in the country that offers a distinctive concentration on Intellectual Property, Technology, and Information Law. The program's narrow focus is targeted at academics in technology and IP disciplines who want to complete their Juris Doctor degree without affecting their professional prospects. The residential component of the UNH School of Law's program is minimal: three 3-5 day residencies per year. The law degree program takes three and a half years to complete. It includes 10 semesters of study spread out over three and a half years. Online modules include live and pre-recorded lectures, remote writing assignments, virtual assessments, and message board engagement. Hybrid students also participate in one-on-one sessions with instructors via internet office hours. The legal distance education program also provides round-the-clock online assistance for technical quandaries. Hybrid law students also have access to the school's bar preparation programs, which have resulted in an 87% pass rate for first-time test-takers. The program's focus on intellectual property is also important as the Franklin Pierce School of Law is one of the leading programs in the country.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 92%
2. Syracuse University College
The Juris Doctor Interactive (JDi) program at Syracuse Law School was the first hybrid program of any law school in the U.S. The JDi program is identical to the residential Juris Doctor curriculum in terms of application and graduation requirements. In 10 semesters (including summer semesters), the core curriculum takes roughly 9-10 credit hours each semester. The basis of Syracuse's JDi program is real-time, live online classes during which students may chat with their legal professors. The classes are designed to mimic in-person instruction and cover the fundamentals of the JDi program. All JDi students also go through six residential courses that include a variety of legal issues as well as practical abilities to help them transition into the law profession. Online coursework is also accessible in a self-paced, online format. JDi students also complete an externship to help prepare them for their professional careers and satisfy the ABA’s requirement for experiential education. All JDi students are welcome to join the law school's renowned Law Review and use all career and student services.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 91%
3. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall Law School's part-time JD program integrates self-directed learning and remote discussion with professors, as well as intensive, residential coursework on alternative weekends. The approach relies heavily on technology-based learning as well as nearly 15 hours of residential course every other weekend. Students are on campus for just 19 days each semester in their first two years (where nearly 50% of required credits are earned) and only five weeks during the summer. Hybrid students can combine weekend coursework with daytime, evening, or additional online coursework until they complete their degree requirements after completing their first four semesters. Students learn remotely through a combination of interactive discussions with their instructors, message board participation with other students, and self-directed study. Seton Hall Law, like all other top 10 law schools, provides hybrid students with the opportunity to participate in all clubs and publications. Seton Hall Law also tailors co-curricular activities for hybrid pupils.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 82%
4. Loyola University of Chicago
The Loyola University, Chicago School of Law, offers a part-time "Weekend JD" program that combines weekend, in-person lessons with hybrid and online programs through the Sakai Learning Management System. Loyola's residential program requires students to spend only 16 weekends each year on on-campus courses. During the first two years, these weekend sessions help kids build a solid foundation in their key courses. The final two years allow students to utilize both online courses and real-world experiences to help them reach their academic and professional goals. The Sakai Learning Management System is an award-winning online learning platform that encourages lively interaction between students and their legal professors. Hybrid students may take courses on the Sakai platform as well as various flexible schedules, such as intersession and independent study. Hybrid students take 86 hours of blended coursework before graduation.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 78%
5. University of Denver
The Denver Sturm College of Law is located in the bustling city of Denver, Colorado, and offers a hybrid curriculum that allows students to complete one-third of their degree via self-paced, online study and the remaining third in eight-weekend classes every semester. Weekend residential course work consists of 12 hours on alternating weekends until the first forty hours of required courses have been completed. The second half of the curriculum provides additional options for students, with two specialized professional tracks available to hybrid students: corporate and intellectual property law or public interest and criminal justice. Students also have the opportunity to take weekday classes in person as well engage with the college of law’s externship, law clinics, and entire online course catalog. The majority of the lesson content is adapted from the in-person aba approved program. The online component, which consists of self-directed modules, helps to solidify what was learned in in-person sessions. Students may also use Zoom to connect with professors in person via "virtual" office hours. To earn their hybrid J.D. from the Sturm College of Law, students must complete 90 credit hours of blended study.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 77%
6. Gonzaga University
The only hybrid legal program offered by Gonzaga University School of Law is the Executive two-year J.D. bachelor's degree, which is designed to be completed in two years. Executive JD school requirements include 90 hours of coursework and 30 hours of public service, even within the restricted time frame. As the name implies, the executive program is designed and tailored for highly motivated, diligent, and industrious students. Students finish all criteria in an accelerated six-term schedule, in which they earn 15 distance education credits each term. Each term, students complete their coursework through a combination of in-person and online interactive classes. Courses are taught by a variety of professionals including legal and business experts. Executive students, like all Gonzaga Law students, must complete eight hours of experiential learning opportunities.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 72%
7. University of Dayton
The online hybrid program at the University of Dayton School of Law allows students to attend classes virtually alongside their in-person classmates. To master key legal concepts through the Socratic method, hybrid law students utilize interactive videos and one-on-one conversations. Hybrid law students complete the entire program in less than four years. Ten residential stints are held on the law school's campus in Dayton University, Ohio, during this time. Students have also been provided with unique online materials to help them master the law. In addition, hybrid students participate in a semester-long legal externship where they work alongside practicing attorneys to gain real-world experience. Graduates of Dayton's hybrid program will be eligible to sit for the bar exam in almost all jurisdictions.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 67%
8. Mitchell Hamline
Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers two unique hybrid law programs, both of which combine residential coursework with online learning, weekend work, and independent study. A graduate of either approach may sit for any bar exam in the United States. During the four-year program in Mitchell Hamline, the "hybrid" J.D. program combines 11-12 weeks of online coursework with 10 residential sessions. The "executive" program minimizes residential requirements to only two visits per semester as well as intensive weekend workshops. Online coursework is also required in the executive program. During the first two years, the coursework is roughly ? in person with the remainder being online. With online coursework, students can move at their own pace, unlike with other programs. Externship, clinical, and career support services are available to both hybrid and executive students at the School of Law.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 66%
9. Touro College
The Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center (Touro Law) offers a “Flex Time” Juris Doctor program that enables traditional part-time law students to manage professional or family responsibilities. The Touro Law Flex program can be completed in four years using a combination of residential and online coursework. On Sundays, Flex students attend in-person classes for ten Sundays per year as well as three or four remote, live sessions. In addition to meeting all the typical requirements for admission to Touro Law, Flex Time students must also demonstrate their ability to work independently and must have completed their undergraduate degree prior to applying. The law center also offers scholarships to Flex Time JD students who are admitted to the program. Flex Time students complete their core legal education during the first two years (six semesters) before shifting their focus to electives and experiential courses for the next year and a half. Touro Law offers extensive career placement and support services to students as they prepare for graduation.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 61%
10. Southwestern Law School
The Southwestern School of Law solved the commuter problems of its Los Angeles home by creating a part-time evening Juris Doctor program that combines residential coursework two nights a week with innovative distance learning. The program at Southwestern Law takes four years to complete. Both the residential and remote coursework is taught by the same faculty members as the day program. For students in the hybrid program, all student services and resources are available in the evening. In addition, students have access to a dedicated career counselor to assist with job placement and experiential learning opportunities that follow an evening schedule. Each semester, students take around 10 hours of evening classes and online modules during the four-year program. In the first two years of the program, students take core legal classes followed by two years of electives, specializations, and experiential learning.Bar Exam Pass Rate: 52%
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Conclusion
Some law schools offer evening or hybrid programs for those who need to work and go to school full-time. However, these types of programs have a lower bar passage rate than traditional daytime programs with similar student demographics. For this reason, it is important that you do your research before deciding which program will be the best fit for YOU! There are many pros and cons associated with each type of program so make sure you understand what they entail before enrolling in one.About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
