Is it common to try to finish law school early or take extra classes after 1L? Forum

[lillawyer2]

Is it possible?

Is it feasible?

Have you known people who've done it or are currently doing it?

[dudders]

I don't know of anyone that ever did it. I think most schools expressly forbid it. My school required either 6 full-time semesters, or the equivalent of 6 full-time semesters (if you were part-time at any point, my school had a large PT program ... ). Taking additional credits during the year once you were full-time didn't affect the requirement for six semesters in residence. You could gain credits for partial semesters in the summer term, but not enough to make it seriously worth your while (because you're supposed to be interning full time ... ).

[dudders]

I did know a person or two who switched to part-time for their final semester. They had either done credits for internships during both summers and/or taken a class during the summer. I looked into it myself but opted against it because the amount of money saved was small when compared to the collateral consequences of losing full-time student status.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I know a number of people who finished in December of their 3L year - I think that's relatively common. They usually took classes over the summer and/or loaded up their credits during the year. I don't think there's much incentive for biglaw folk to do so, since firms are set up for spring graduation -> July bar -> fall start. I think most of the ones I know who did this were going to small firms or PD.

[lillawyer2]

I did my research after posting this thread, sorry. So it seems that per this website, unless there are specific programs geared to graduate you in less than 3 years: Brooklyn Law's accelerated 2 year program and Northwestern's program, the shortest amount of law school time one can do is 2.5 years, which just graduates you too early for employment (assuming you don't have something under your belt), you still have to tkae the bar and the law school is still getting .5 year's worth of tuition out of you. All of that combined makes it seem a little less desirable. Now, if I got a full skolly from Brooklyn and had the credentials to qualify for their 2 year program, I'd do that, but as I stand now I need a T-14 and those for the most part ascribe to the 2.5-3 year constraint.

[lillawyer2]

I know a number of people who finished in December of their 3L year - I think that's relatively common. They usually took classes over the summer and/or loaded up their credits during the year. I don't think there's much incentive for biglaw folk to do so, since firms are set up for spring graduation -> July bar -> fall start. I think most of the ones I know who did this were going to small firms or PD.

Thank you.

[banjo]

I did my research after posting this thread, sorry. So it seems that per this website, unless there are specific programs geared to graduate you in less than 3 years: Brooklyn Law's accelerated 2 year program and Northwestern's program, the shortest amount of law school time one can do is 2.5 years, which just graduates you too early for employment (assuming you don't have something under your belt), you still have to tkae the bar and the law school is still getting .5 year's worth of tuition out of you. All of that combined makes it seem a little less desirable. Now, if I got a full skolly from Brooklyn and had the credentials to qualify for their 2 year program, I'd do that, but as I stand now I need a T-14 and those for the most part ascribe to the 2.5-3 year constraint.

New York allows law students in New York schools to take the bar exam in February of your 3L year if you agree to devote your final semester to full-time pro bono work (google Pro Bono Scholars Program). They also accelerate your admission into the bar--I think the goal is to admit you in June right after your 3L year (whereas July takers get admitted as late as the March following graduation). It doesn't save you money, since you still pay six semesters of tuition, but it's probably a good program for certain career goals/objectives.

[umichman]

Michigan has summer start which effectively makes it 2.5 years

[Zensack]

It's entirely possible, but I don't see much advantage to it. Hiring is mostly tailored to the normal Summer graduation period.