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Is it the norm for all part-time students to take a min of 10 credits a semester the first year?

This seems like quite a lot if you're holding a legit full-time position. This would have to place one at a disadvantage with their peers.

Yes... working a full time job while attending law school does put you at a disadvantage to your peers who do not work a full time job.

You are surprised by this?

Part time programs are typically one class less per semester. So it's really not that much less work, the benefit is in shifting your classes towards the evening.