10.06.21 —Northeastern University School of Law—one of the most prestigious law schools to offer an innovative part-time hybrid JD program—welcomed our inaugural FlexJD class on September 1.

With an emphasis on access and social justice, Northeastern Law developed this blended legal experience to provide an opportunity for those who prefer or need a flexible program of study. The FlexJD program is accredited by the American Bar Association, provides the same academic rigor as the full-time JD program and allows graduates to sit for most US bar examinations. Students earn their law degree in four years, rather than three, without having to forsake their professional obligations. FlexJD students complete remote coursework on their own schedule in addition to scheduled, in-person instruction.

In many ways, the program is a natural next step for Northeastern, which is ranked No. 1 for practical training by The National Jurist, because of its emphasis on experiential education and its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. The inaugural cohort is a diverse mix of students with a variety of professional backgrounds and with two to more than 15 years of professional experiences.

“We are thrilled to welcome this inaugural FlexJD class to Northeastern Law. They are an impressive group with professional and personal experiences that will no doubt make them excellent law students and valued future members of the legal profession,” said Dean James Hackney.

FlexJD students have heralded the program for allowing them to pursue law degrees without the sacrifice of their other obligations. “At this point in life, it’s hard to imagine going back to school full time, giving up a salary and incurring the debt of a graduate program,” explained FlexJD student Kimberly Lawton. “I was excited to learn about the FlexJD program where I can do both — continue to work and get a JD.”

FlexJD students participate in the Co-op Program, with the opportunity to take part in co-ops (internships) under the supervision of lawyers in a wide range of settings.

"Our FlexJD Program reflects the value we place at Northeastern Law on making a JD accessible to a diverse population, including those not on a conventional path and those whose schedules may not allow them to attend classes during the traditional workday. These students include working professionals who want to be able to continue to advance their professional goals while also earning a JD on a timetable that works for them. The program allows this unique group of students to attend law school without sacrificing any of the rigor and quality of the full-time Northeastern JD experience,” said Liz Carroll, FlexJD program director.

Northeastern is currently accepting applications for fall 2022 entrance.

About Northeastern University School of Law

The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,000 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.