Stetson Law Admissions Blog

Part-time law students are some of the most determined law students around. For many, the right window of opportunity has allowed them to reconsider a professional goal that has eluded them in the past. Regardless of the circumstances, part-time law students are determined to earn their law degree and often come from all professional backgrounds with a renewed determination to achieve what has long been not possible.

By Javier Centonzio

I had often daydreamed about what it would be like to be an attorney. At the age of 25, I had my GED and served four years as an enlisted infantryman in the United State Marine Corps. I was working for Union Pacific Railroad as a Locomotive Engineer, and I had joined the Kansas Army National Guard to get back into uniform, seeking the comradery that I was missing ever since leaving the Marines. In 2005, our National Guard unit got the news that we’d be deploying to Iraq.

The LSAT is required for any student considering studying at one of the over 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the United States, but other standardized tests are now under consideration, too. The LSAT, an acronym for the Law School Admission Test, is currently offered four times per year, but starting June 2018 the schedule will increase to six times per year. The change will allow students to prepare and take the LSAT at a time most convenient for their schedule.

In 2008, the GI Bill was updated with enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This update gave veterans with active duty service on or after September 11, 2001, enhanced educational benefits that cover more educational expenses, provide a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.

For some, the process of researching options for law school can be overwhelming, especially with the array of information available online and in your inbox.

Do you already have professional experience, but lack the degree that would propel your career forward? Do you dream of starting a new career, but think you can’t afford the time or money to go back to school? At Stetson Law, our Part-Time J.D. Program was designed with you in mind. From conveniently scheduled courses to our inclusive student community, consider the following reasons why you should apply to part-time law school.

One of our most significant roles as lawyers is to serve our communities in meaningful ways, often by providing “pro bono” services to those in need. Pro bono is short for pro bono publico, and generally means “for the public good.” The goal is to help meet the continued need for a more accessible legal system by providing free legal services to those who could not otherwise afford it.

We don’t have to tell you that choosing a law school is a big decision. The school you choose drives your future success, so it’s important to attend a school that you not only enjoy, but one that will give you opportunities to flourish.

Transferring to another school may be an option, but that is not always a good option. For this reason, make sure the school you choose to attend is a school you would want to graduate from.

Fall 2018 JD applications will open up very soon. Are you ready to apply?

Some law schools begin to accept applications as early as September 1 for the following fall semester. Stetson University College of Law opens its application each year on October 1.

Summer vacation means warm breezes, relaxing poolside, and winding down before law school kicks off. Don’t let the lull of summer dull the effort and knowledge you’ve stored up during the academic year. This summer keep your mind sharp.