Part Time Law School

Are you considering a part-time law school program? Here are some pros and cons of earning your JD or LLB on a part-time basis.
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[@Learnlawbetter]

Thanks for watching! Is this part-time law school information making sense? If it is, write "Law" in the comments section below! :)

[@msab657]

Learn Law Better law

[@davidsoto4394]

Is it normal to have trouble understanding the information in a casebook the first time you read law school books?

[@davidsoto4394]

Excellent video.

[@Learnlawbetter]

@@davidsoto4394 Yes, because casebooks, without guidance by a professor, are basically worthless for learning the law. They only make sense in a classroom setting.

[@Learnlawbetter]

@@davidsoto4394 Thanks.

[@razorbackpiperguy2898]

This is spot on. I am a 4th year part time student. Only one semester to go. I entered law school at 37 years old with a wife and a teenage child. I work 40 hours a week, then leave work and go to class from 5:45 - 8:55, Monday through Friday. It was brutal the first two years. I worked hard and finished in the top 20% of the class, but it came at a great cost. Weekends were totally dedicated to study. I missed school events, parties, and even some monumental events to keep my nose to the grindstone. After 2 years, I decided it wasn't worth it. I still prepare for class, but I decided that neglecting my family was not going to continue for another 2 years. My grades are not as high, in fact I am in the middle of the pack now. I have come to terms with it. It's worth it to me to be a middle of the pack student if it means I can be a good husband and dad. This compromise was thought out and intentional. I have seen students smarter than me drop out because they couldn't handle the schedule. I can't count how many pots of coffee I have brewed at 10:00 or 11:00 at night so I could stay up and read. Thankfully the end is in sight.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on persevering.

[@Gardensandgrills412]

How did it go man?! It’s been a couple years let me know how everything went

[@razorbackpiperguy2898]

@@Gardensandgrills412 Finished middle of the pack. Passed the bar exam on the first try. This September will mark 2 years as a criminal defense attorney. Thanks for asking.

[@MishaElleSpeaks]

Congratulations!

[@redillasqueenniefaye2529]

Part-time advantages: 1. Earn money. 2. Flexibility. 3. Discussion. 4. Admissions. Part-time disadvantages: 1. Well-being. 2. Exams. 3. Graduation. 4. Opportunities. 5. Summer jobs. 6. Prestige. 7. Faculty. 8. Law school options.

[@lawstudentencourager1796]

I'm currently a Part-Time 1L. Extreme discipline and having a strategy/system to our weekly scheduling is key. We can all do it!

[@Learnlawbetter]

My part time students have been some of the most disciplined students I’ve ever had. I think it’s because part time students don’t have time to waste. Thanks for the encouraging words to other students.

[@naterussell5187]

I agree. I disagreed with most of his disadvantages. I received my double masters working and being involved on campus. We can do it all and have it all.

[@samanthamears2366]

I am a part-time student and I absolutely love it. I do work full-time, but I find it very rewarding. The only thing I don't agree with is that employers will think we are less competent. I find that we have a lot more respect from the workforce on the soul factor that we work 40 hours a week and still maintain homework, decent grades and a family. I find that full-time students lack a huge part of workforce experience and it visibly shows in their first year as an associate.

[@Learnlawbetter]

That’s great! Glad to hear that you are finding job opportunities.

[@whitneyg5623]

Hey can i ask what school you attend?

[@samanthamears2366]

Whitney G Widener Delaware Law Schoo!

[@whitneyg5623]

@@samanthamears2366 ooh wow! May i ask how old you were when u first started?

[@samanthamears2366]

@@whitneyg5623 26 years old! I have classmates ranging from 23-60 years old.

[@steelpanther88]

The famous judge Frank Caprio from Rhode Island (caught in providence) apparently also went to night school for law school. He attended Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, according to wikipedia.

[@michaelperez9039]

Hi Professor Baez. I was one of your students at the now defunct Charlotte School of Law. CSL was a complete fraud and sadly many of the faculty members were complicit in the fraud but I always held you in a much higher regard and found you to be fair and honest with the students. I used to enjoy our class discussion on torts, especially at 7:30am. Lol. It took me a while to recover from what CSL did to me and to many other students but I was able to return to NY, enrolled in a NY based school and graduate passing the bar last July. Sadly I had to retake torts again since my transfering school refused to accept my torts credits from CSL but having taken torts with you gave me all the help I needed to be able to ace the class. Thank you and good luck with the videos. I find them very informative and useful.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thanks for the kind words, and congratulations on passing the bar.

[@Gary-jh3wd]

Congratulations is the Bar Exam as difficult and complex and most people say it is?

[@michaelperez9039]

@@Gary-jh3wd No I am not saying that. These videos are extremely informative and useful to law students. Professor Baez was one of the best if not the best law professor I ever had. He knows his torts to an expert level and his teaching techniques are some of the best I ever encountered. Any student that is willing to put in the work is for sure to get amazing results.

[@Gary-jh3wd]

@@michaelperez9039 ok, awesome, glad to hear that and is the bar exam as difficult as "advertised"?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The bar exam is difficult, but the vast majority of law students pass it-I believe that the national average for passing it by the second attempt is over 90%.

[@phyllisbelieves8148]

I was a part-time law student and it was very difficult to do during lL. When I go back, I will definitely do it full-time. It took its toll on me physically and mentally.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve heard that from others too. I don’t think I could have done law school and a job at the same time.

[@phyllisbelieves8148]

I couldn’t. The health issues that I’ve faced while working full-time and going to law school in the evening, played a major roll in my academic dismissal. When I am able to return to law school, I will be attending full-time.

[@wendybabendy]

I'm doing full-time while working - so far, so good. This is not my first go-around doing full-time school while working, though, so... *shrugs*

[@4679mari]

Current 1L part time student, although I recently quit my job (not because of school) and have been freelancing as a paralegal. I realized I needed to work smarter and find better resources for my actual writing which I wasn't really seeing, then I found your channel when trying to figure out if I actually understood "learned hand." Your videos have honestly been a gamechanger for me! Thank you! I'm putting flashcard 4 box system and nested IRAC's into play immediately. I tended to go from A to Z without explaining every single letter in between, but did hit most elements or thought I did then realized I am relying on inference by the reader. Lol, I am also realizing why those attorneys that explained everything were so good in practice and naturally taught as we worked on cases.

[@S-R-H]

I'm currently in my second semester of a 4-year hybrid. We can do it in three years if we take courses during the summer. Since I'm 45, that is probably what I'll do. Time is not on my side:)

[@Learnlawbetter]

Hope you do well, and thanks for watching.

[@Lakers661Socal]

@shelby hall Do you plan on opening your own firm?

[@luisa.m4145]

Is going to law school at the age of 30 part-time worth it? In terms of taking out student loans and being able to pay them back?

[@Learnlawbetter]

@@luisa.m4145, plenty of people go to law school in their 30's. You should try to limit the amount of debt you will take on, which is more important than how long it takes to repay. I was almost 30 when I began law school, and in my mid 50's am still repaying the loans--should be done in about 3 three years! How long it takes to repay depends on how much you borrow and the amount of money you make. Graduate at the top of the class at Harvard, not a problem. Bottom of the class at a lower tier law school, then the equation changes. Also depends on your career path. Wish you well on your journey.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Wish you well.

[@princeoftides4752]

Thanks for the run down.

[@1983erickjz]

Thank you for this video, great insights

[@kckc121]

Im a part-time student from South Africa. Im currently studying through an Open Distance Learning University in my final year. Its definitely not easy to study while working especially with a family to take care of. It requires a lot of hard work, discipline and consistency. A lot of support makes a big difference.

[@kimbie718]

ngwekazi makhiwane Is it University of London??

[@lesleypierson4808]

I just wanted to say "hi" because I am from South Africa, too. I currently live in the USA but I am from Cape Town. I am currently looking into part-time programs in the States. So, thank you for your insight.

[@juchebo100]

I’m taking the LSAT this year and I was considering a part time program while working full time so that I can get a steady paycheck but after watching the video, I don’t want to graduate in 4 years from law school. I already did that when I was an undergrad lol. The school I want to attend doesn’t have a part time program but the other schools do. Yeah I’ll have to quit my job before Orientation in August and be a full time law student. Thank you

[@Learnlawbetter]

I wish you well.

[@luisa.m4145]

I’m on the same boat possibly. I graduated a few years ago and now I’m looking to start the application process. Any LSAT prep courses anyone can recommend?

[@Learnlawbetter]

There is the free LSAT course at Khan Academy. I’ve also worked with Steve Schwartz at LSAT Blog-he’s got a course you might consider.

[@gadielcastillo6192]

Thank you professor!

[@margaritaserranos9703]

I enjoy your videos, Professor Baez. Thank you! I'm 31 and taking the LSAT in November. Currently, I work 60 hour weeks between 2 jobs and the more I learn the more I am inclined to take time off for 1L and focus 100% on it. I enjoy working and paying down debt from undergrad but I'm passionate about the law and law school. Many sacrifices have been made and there are a myriad to come! Thanks again for all of your detailed information.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Great plan. I’ve seen many students fail out because they underestimated the time commitment law school requires. Or they don’t earn high grades, keeping them from better job opportunities after graduation.

[@Boatsidebbq]

I was a full time student that took some night classes. I loved my night classmates so much more than the day group.

[@Learnlawbetter]

The classes also tend to be more laid back than day classes.

[@1974AJen]

Thank you for the insight.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Glad I can help, and thanks for watching.

[@MsBdoll87]

This was awesome! Can you do a video on the executive part-time programs? (Part hybrid/ part class )

[@fabianlawstudies9497]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Learnlawbetter]

You bet!

[@chrisreardon2154]

I entered law school in the fall of 2021 and I'm scheduled to graduate in 2024 having gone semi-part time. I'll finish after 3 1/2 years of law school.

[@davidsoto4394]

Excellent video.

[@brannonsoriano8233]

Thats reason why that you go to professor office hours for the help on the material.

[@kinqmav226]

Great video and very helpful. Im actually on the fence of becoming a part time law student. My current job is willing to pay me to go law school part time.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Free law school is great. Especially with an employer willing to support you, not only financially, but with some time off when things get busy.

[@hansbrownstein6242]

Where did you go to law school?

[@Breakable7]

I'm starting law school this fall and am registered to be a full-time student, but I am extremely worried not being able to handle to course load. Do you think employers will look at the student negatively if they're going to class part-time and not working? Thank you.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Employers will look at your class rank and extracurricular activities like law review. Whether you take three or five years doesn’t matter much. Just stay focused on your studies, and work on learning the right skills. Reading by itself isn’t enough.

[@williamhawkins9156]

I'm finishing up my undergraduate degree with an emphasis in Dispute Resolution and Anthropology. I'll be done in May this year and I am considering going to Concordia Law here in Boise. I will be working full time as a heavy Diesel mechanic but I work Saturday through Tuesday nights. What do you recommend for my intentions of going part time?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Part time law school is difficult. I would not recommend attending part time if they are placing you in classes with full time students. If it is a program for only part time students, then you might consider it. You would be at a significant disadvantage with a group of full time students.

[@williamhawkins9156]

@@Learnlawbetter I'm sorry, can you explain a little bit more about what you mean specifically please!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Sorry, I answered from my phone earlier--I can type more on my keyboard. When you are in a program where everyone is part time, everyone has the same time constraints. For example, everyone is working full time, family, kids, etc.... This means that when exam time comes, all the exam scores are weaker. This means that the grades are higher for the part time students because law schools usually grade on a forced curve. But if you put a couple of part time students in a class with full time students, then the part time students end up with low grades--they might even flunk out. So I would not recommend going to law school part time unless it is a part time program where everyone is part time.

[@williamhawkins9156]

@@Learnlawbetter do you have any opinions on Concordia Law here in Boise?

[@Learnlawbetter]

I don’t know anything about their program.

[@rodneygratz3239]

Where did your eyepatch come from?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Found it on Etsy from a vendor in Eastern Europe.

[@johnwise1538]

Professor Baez, can you name any examples of part-time students you have taught that went on to have successful careers in law? Thanks!

[@Learnlawbetter]

One of my part-time students became a state court judge recently.

[@delightedbyu1]

I will definitely be a part-time evening student when I enter law school and I am anticipating that the first year will be tough. However, will it get easier as I progress through the program as is noted to happen for day students who find that 2nd and 3rd year is somewhat easier?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The law will become easier, but the routine will be gruelling.

[@phyllisbelieves8148]

Would it be possible for you to create a video on how to get back into law school, after being academically dismissed?

[@Learnlawbetter]

It generally comes down to LSAT and GPA. Also, you likely have to go to a different law school.

[@cumshot07055]

Learn Law Better But why a different law school?

[@Learnlawbetter]

You can try to go back to the same law school, but you will almost certainly have the same faculty and support system where you failed once before. Law schools are different, so one might succeed at a different law school. Also, you might be able to start sooner. Some law schools have a two year waiting period before you can apply again.

[@chuck1136]

Are very many law schools flexible? Such as doing part time 2 years, then full time to finish it out?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Most law schools are flexible when students have extraordinary challenges. Few let you start part time, but most will let you finish part time.

[@jessyepperson5612]

I have a friend of mine that's a lawyer who constantly tells me that I should have been a litigation lawyer. Feeling stuck in life and and beginning to seriously think about it. My only worry is that if I go through the journey I'll be in my 40's. Then I think what firm will want a 40yr old lawyer over younger blood. Any thoughts?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Older graduates have a harder time finding a job. So many enter solo practice.

[@quintonporter270]

Not about part time, but just curious- how would the job market be for somebody graduating, interested in criminal defense, with a 3.5 or above from university of washington law. (the 3.5 is just a random given GPA- would having a perfect 4.0 from the same school significantly increase your employability?) I guess what I'm really asking is if UW Law is any good of an option for law school overall employment wise.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Graduates from every law school get jobs. Not every graduate, but many. GPA gets you the interview, but if someone doesn’t have good people skills they don’t get the job.

[@quintonporter270]

@@Learnlawbetter fair enough- I guess I mean a little more specifically, will somebody looking for a position with a 4.0 from UW have more trouble finding a job at a firm compared to the same student but at other law schools? Is graduating from that particular school competitive in any way?

[@bensimmons6149]

Quinton Porter as much as it sucks yes law school matters to some degree. In Australia where I am you’ve gotta go to a top law school to land the good jobs

[@Learnlawbetter]

Top students will get interviews. But not at every firm. For example, if someone wants to work at a Wall Street firm then where you went to law school matters. A law school’s reputation matters, with graduates from elite law schools having more job opportunities.

[@bensimmons6149]

Learn Law Better that’s what I was meaning haha. I started at a poor uni got high marks and then changed to one of the best in Australia

[@ropl3083]

Are part time law students less likely to find JD required jobs? Are there any statistics about part time employment outcomes?

[@Learnlawbetter]

I've not heard about fewer opportunities for part-time JD students.

[@NobodyNN659]

Law always attracted me. But I'm 35 and just finishing my bachelor's degree in accounting this year. How old is too late to start law school? I also have a doubt I'll do well because English is not my first language.

[@Learnlawbetter]

You are not too old. And this semester, three of my students are non-native speakers. They all did great. But before you jump in, go talk to some lawyers and ask them what a typical day looks like. Also, consider going to an inexpensive law school or work hard to get a high LSAT, which can get you free tuition at many law schools. This is because you will have less time to pay off student loans.

[@MiracleMichelle1922]

I know a guy who was in his 60s. It's never too late. If it's your dream pursue it!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Occasionally you will see the news report on someone in their 80’s graduating from law school.

[@pwilk4811]

We brought in 15% of our 1L class whose ages ranged 32 -58 years..

[@msab657]

Tam Tam I’m 53 and I’m an L1. Ask yourself how old will you be in 3 years if you go to law school? You’ll be 38 right? Now ask yourself how old will you be in three years if you don’t go to law school? You’ll still be 38, but what you won’t be is a lawyer. Age should have no bearing on what you choose to do bc none of us are assured any particular length of time on earth at any age. Just do what you want and live until you die, bc when you die you won’t care either way.

[@earlthomas7464]

What do you think about Hybrid JD programs.

[@Learnlawbetter]

This can be a great option for some students. But it really requires someone to stay motivated, putting in the same number of hours in traditional JD programs. In other words, it's not a shortcut, where someone can work less. In fact, you might have to work harder.

[@luisa.m4145]

@learnlawbetter do you think it’s better to take out student loans and have your living expenses covered so you can attend full time? And if so why?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The answer is it depends. Depends on the law school, your class ranks, and job prospects. And if you do that, then save money. I remember one student who mentioned her rent to me-it was more than the mortgage on my nice home. So be thrifty if you borrow living expenses.

[@earlthomas7464]

@@Learnlawbetter I was considering Mitchell Hamline. I'm only interested in Health law.

[@Learnlawbetter]

The classes a law school offer may be less important than the law school you attend. For example, going to UM might open more doors for you in health law. But if you are looking at two equally ranked schools then maybe one with a certain specialty might be better.

[@DougWarner25]

Will the degree of a part time law student be the same as a full time student? In other words, Will anyone outside of the university know that you took a part time program instead of a full time program?

[@Learnlawbetter]

No one will know whether you attended the full time or part time program-the degrees are the same. But it will likely come up during the interview.

[@leeb.7188]

gshock knick : Yes, it will show on your transcript that your classes spanned four years, not the usual three.

[@sdnmkhn]

Will employers know whether you're part-time or full time?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The degree will not say that, nor your transcript. But when an employer sees the transcript they will notice that you graduated in four or five years, rather than the normal three. Ultimately, it shouldn't be an important issue later in your career as transcripts are usually not that important at that stage of your career.

[@louellalanan8386]

Hi, sir which is expensive to take law within T14?, part time or full time, and why?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The tuition should be about the same, just spread out over four years. But housing costs will be more because of the additional year.

[@louellalanan8386]

Theyn I'll gonna work hard to take llm in the USA.

[@STONESGAM]

I don't recommend this for most people. Law school is too expensive to not give it 100 percent focus especially year 1 and 2. And it's just too difficult to do that for most people when they already work a 40 hour per week job.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I taught in my law school’s evening program sometimes. Students were exhausted and generally less prepared than the day students. But today, they are practicing law. For some, it’s this option or they don’t get to practice law.

[@varshalaw3593]

Hello sir, I want to know about the masters of law in Canada for international students.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I'm not familiar with how Canadian legal education operates for international students. But I suspect that the law school websites will provide information. If not, email the admissions department--they should be glad to send you information.

[@davidsoto4394]

How can a part time law student who is not a doctor afford to pay for law school in the United States Of America without taking out loans?

[@Learnlawbetter]

There are some affordable law schools out there. For example, state law schools like the University of North Dakota or Northern Illinois. Also, with a high enough LSAT score, you can go to law school for free.

[@anastasiamitchell3855]

Law

[@federal6616]

LSU law just probably went up double now.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Federal 6 Why?

[@federal6616]

Learn Law Better Because they just won the National Championship

[@Learnlawbetter]

You are correct. Some people look at sports championships as a means for imputing law school rank.

[@federal6616]

Learn Law Better I'm just teasing. But the school president mentioned how the Whole School is better now....even the Moot Court. He announced this at the white house during the team visit. I said Geez. Tulane and Loyola are very expensive. LSU is a better option. But Southern Law HBCU is always an inexpensive option + the classes are diverse. I'm going to take the LSAT this year.

[@favourworlu6166]

All my dream is to be a lawyer. Am 34, And i want to go to law school were should i beings?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Start with a nearby law school and find out what they require for going to law school. Talk to their admissions department too.

[@favourworlu6166]

Ok. Thanks

[@bensimmons6149]

Favour Worlu only go to a T14 school

[@Learnlawbetter]

What questions do you have concerning part time law school programs?

[@louellalanan8386]

Does it have full scholarship for international students in Georgetown, sir? TY.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I don’t know, but suspect that if the GPA and LSAT are high enough then probably yes.

[@jonahmelgosa3566]

Learn Law Better is UCI, USC, or UCLA considered good law schools?

[@bensimmons6149]

Jonah Melgosa UCLA is excellent

[@luizromerog.m.a2687]

How to answer the exams when they are an open book? How is the curve grading system works?

[@victorcasco23]

Dont go part time. Go full time. Its only 3 years. Graduate with your cl3.

[@stankakol5195]

Part-time law school equals working as a waitress at IHOP upon graduation, or maybe as a stock clerk at Walmart. You better have a job lined up BEFORE you enroll because you won't get one upon graduation.

[@Learnlawbetter]

That’s not true. I’ve taught hundreds of part-time evening students and they’ve ended up with good legal jobs. I will add that there is a perception by many lawyers that part-time study is sub-par. But like anything else, you can change perception with good interviewing skills and hard work. Also, there is no rule that you have to work for someone else. Many of my students started solo and have done well. It’s hard, but a viable option.

[@bensimmons6149]

Only go to top law schools. Like me

[@nat13314]

Law