JD Access FAQ

Yes, the JD Access program includes three required residencies:

1. First Semester Residency: A four-day residency at the beginning of the first semester, where students will complete a 1-credit Introduction to Law course.
2. Second Semester Residency: Another four-day residency at the start of the second semester, focused on a 1-credit Introduction to the Legal Profession course.
3. Final Semester Residency: A weekend-long residency during the last semester, tied to the bar preparation course, Advanced Legal Analysis.

In addition, optional experiential learning residencies are available for upper-level students. These week-long sessions (offered in January and, pending demand, in August) feature hands-on courses such as Trial Methods, Negotiations, live-client mini-clinics, and pro bono opportunities through the Center for Social Justice. Students who prefer not to attend on-ground residencies can fulfill their experiential learning requirements through online or local options.

Yes, housing will be available as space permits for an additional fee on the Western New England University campus during residency periods and prorated meal plans are available through Dining Services. Alternatively, students can find accommodation in the Springfield area through hotels or private rentals. Our Springfield campus is easily accessible via car, train/bus, and plane (Bradley International Airport–Windsor Locks, CT).

The JD Access program requires 88 credits, just like the full-time and part-time residential programs. Students will take 8-12 credits per semester, with the option to take up to 6 credits in the summer. Students can complete the program in:

• 3.5 years: With heavier summer courseloads (7 regular semesters plus summers)
• 4 years: With a lighter semester schedule

All courses in the online program will be delivered in a distance learning format, except for the courses that are part of the required and optional residencies.

Courses will primarily be delivered in a synchronous online format in a Zoom classroom, with up to one-third of the coursework delivered asynchronously using course management software (Kodiak) that allows for discussion boards and other manners of engagement among students and with the instructor.

Classes are scheduled between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time to permit the continued WNE Law tradition of accommodating part-time students who work full-time jobs.

1L Fall 

Orientation and Introduction to Law

• August 24–27 (on campus at Western New England University) – required 
• August 27–December 4 (remote) 

*Common hour refers to a time available for meetings and programming that individual students or groups of students may wish to conduct

*Civil Procedure and Torts will each have on average 75 minutes of asynchronous content per week. Lawyering Skills will have 35 minutes.

December 9–18 (remote)

Final exams in Torts and Civil Procedure will be scheduled during this period. Total credit load for 1L fall = 12 credits.

1L Spring

Introduction to Legal Profession

• January 11–14 (on campus at Western New England University) – required
• January 19–April 26 (remote)

*Common hour refers to a time available for meetings and programming that individual students or groups of students may wish to conduct

*Contracts and Criminal Law will each have on average 75 minutes of asynchronous content per week. Lawyering Skills II will have 35 minutes.

May 1–12 (remote)

Final exams in Contracts and Criminal Law will be scheduled during this period. Total credit load for 1L fall = 11 credits.

May 25–July 19 (remote)

Option to take up to 6 credits in elective courses during the summer semester.

Yes. Students can engage in clinics, externships, and simulation classes. Opportunities include pro bono work through the Center for Social Justice, hands-on courses during optional residencies, and remote opportunities.

JD Access students have access to:

• Law review
• Moot court
• The Student Bar Association and other student-led organizations

Students may also create their own organizations to foster community within the program. JD Access students will have both a distinct community of their own and the ability to participate in the JD in-person/residential community.

Yes. JD Access students in good standing can transfer to the full-time or part-time day residential programs, provided there is capacity. If the target program has capacity, transfer requests will be accommodated with no restrictions on the number of credits that can be transferred.

Yes. Every student is assigned a faculty advisor who will provide academic guidance and professional development opportunities.

Students can access:

• Supplemental study materials–Students have access to outlines, study materials, bar exam materials/questions to help supplement the materials they are using in class
• A required 1L Academic Success course–All first-year students are required to take a one (1) credit first-semester course that focuses on acclimation to law school and on developing the specific skills needed for academic and bar success. This course also assigns each 1L student to an upper-level student mentor to provide additional support during the first semester. A supplemental academic success course will be provided to students who need additional support.
• Personalized academic counseling with the Academic and Bar Success Team–The Dean of Student Success is available and works with students individually to help build/reinforce study skills. As students in a remote program may be located in different time zones, in addition to requesting a specific online meeting time, available online office hours will be available to accommodate different time zones.

Yes, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the student intends to take the bar exam, bar preparation is a core component of the JD Access program, ensuring that all students, including those participating in distance learning, are well-prepared to sit for the bar exam. From the outset, distance learning students are surveyed to identify the jurisdiction in which they plan to take the bar exam. This allows the program to provide tailored guidance on the specific type of bar exam they will take, as well as highlight any unique state requirements or anomalies they should be aware of. In fact, we have a designated director who works with JD Access students to assist with academic success and bar exam preparations.

Students in the JD Access program receive extensive bar preparation throughout their studies, including the following key features:

1. Required Bar Exam Preparatory Courses
   In their final year, all students are required to complete two bar exam preparatory courses. These courses focus on mastering the content, structure, strategy, and analysis required for bar exam success, including how to draft effective written responses, as well as a strategy to succeed on multiple choice questions. These courses are designed to build the foundational skills and confidence students need to succeed on the bar exam.
2. Mentorship Program with Recent Graduates
   Students benefit from a mentorship program that pairs them with recent Western New England University graduates who have successfully passed the bar exam. This mentorship begins in January of the student’s final year and extends through the July bar exam. The mentors provide invaluable advice, support, and guidance on study strategies, time management, and navigating the challenges of bar preparation.
3. Final-Semester Residency Focused on Bar Exam Preparation
   As part of the Advanced Legal Analysis course, all JD Access students are required to attend a third and final in-person residency during their last semester. This residency is dedicated to intensive bar exam preparation and spans a long weekend. It includes multiple seminars focused on strategies for tackling the various exam components. The residency culminates in a simulated bar exam, which is graded to provide students with a clear understanding of their performance and areas for improvement.

This comprehensive approach ensures that JD Access students receive the tools, resources, and support they need to successfully prepare for the bar exam and transition into their legal careers.

Important Note: Due to the online format of the JD Access program, graduates are not eligible to take the New York bar exam. Students are encouraged to confirm their eligibility for the bar exam in their desired jurisdiction before enrolling in the program.

Yes. The Career Services Office (CSO) at Western New England University School of Law is dedicated to supporting the career development of both current students and alumni. Below is an overview of the comprehensive services provided:

• Workshops during residencies
• Individual meetings and support
• Online resources, including handouts, job search guides, and video library
• Remote on-campus interviews
• Remote access to professional development programs and events
• Continued support after graduation

Yes. Visit the Financial Aid page for more details.

Explore financial aid options for the JD Access program on the program Cost & Aid page.