Are Part-time law school students getting the short end of the stick?

    Part-time law students may often feel like they are missing out on the full experience and opportunities that full-time students enjoy. While part-time programs can offer flexibility for those balancing work and family responsibilities, they can also come with limitations. One of the main concerns for part-time law students is the lack of time to fully immerse themselves in the law school experience. They may have less time to participate in extracurricular activities, network with professors and peers, and take advantage of on-campus events and speakers. This could potentially hinder their professional development and limit their access to valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, part-time students may have difficulty securing internships or clerkships that are generally more accessible to full-time students. Many employers prefer to hire full-time students who can commit to a more demanding work schedule and are able to fully dedicate themselves to their legal education. 

    In my opinion, Stetson does a reasonably good job with respect to making part time students fell as if they are part of the campus community. However, I am certain that other schools may fall short in this area. To that end, some strategies those institutions can implement include:

·       More Flexible Scheduling: Law Schools can offer more evening and weekend classes to better accommodate the schedules of part-time students who may be working during the day. This added flexibility allows part-time students to balance their academic studies with their professional and personal responsibilities.

·       Online Learning Options: Providing online courses can give part-time students the flexibility to complete coursework remotely, reducing the need for frequent trips to campus. This can be especially beneficial for part-time students who have long commutes or other time constraints. Regardless of the school, there is a limit to the number of online credits all students may take to comply with ABA guidelines where the limit is 21 hours. Some law schools do offer online platforms, but states like New York, students do not qualify to sit for the bar if they completed their work solely online.  

·       Dedicated Support Services Specifically for Part Time Students: Law Schools can establish specific support services for part-time students, such as academic advising, career counseling, and networking opportunities tailored to their unique needs. These support services can help part-time students navigate the academic and professional challenges they may encounter. As a transfer student, there have been instances where I felt lost when I was unaware of certain services or even where classrooms were located.

    I believe that law schools can do a better job to support part-time law students and ensure that they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in their legal education and professional paths.