Professional by Day, Student by Night
Western New England University has been offering part-time legal instruction for over 100 years. In that time, we’ve guided thousands of working professionals from their previous jobs to a fascinating and meaningful career in the law. Our part-time evening program has also helped countless others advance their existing careers by providing an opportunity to earn an advanced degree in a manageable program without sacrificing quality.
The Evening Program’s curriculum is identical to the full-time program, but spread over four years. Professors are understanding of the professional, family, and personal commitments you have outside of the classroom and will work with you to help you meet all of your academic goals.
Visit Campus
We welcome you to schedule an individual visit to our campus. During your visit, you will be able to tour the Blake Law Center with a current student. The tour typically lasts 45 minutes. You will also have the option to meet with a member of our Admissions team and sit in on a class. To schedule your visit, please click the link below or call us at 413-782-1406.
Note: 5:00 p.m. tours are available by appointment only. Please call 413-782-1406 to schedule.
Hybrid Schedule
The part-time evening JD program offers a convenient hybrid schedule. All evening classes are scheduled at 6:00 pm or later, allowing you to time to transition from your day job to law school. Classes are on campus on Monday and Wednesday, and online via live, virtual classrooms on Tuesday and Thursday.*
During the first and second year of law school, students will take required courses and follow a cohort model of learning. Please see below for a sample first year schedule.
Fall (Monday & Wednesday on campus; Tuesday & Thursday online)
- Lawyering Skills I Tuesday & Thursday 6:00–6:55 p.m.
- Torts Monday 6:00–7:25 p.m., Wednesday 8:20–9:25 p.m., Thursday 7:10–8:10 p.m.
- Civil Procedure Monday 7:35–9:00 p.m., Tuesday 7:10–8:20 p.m., Wednesday 6:00–7:05 p.m.
- Academic Success Wednesday 7:15–8:10 p.m.
Spring (Monday & Wednesday on campus; Tuesday & Thursday online)
- Lawyering Skills II Monday & Wednesday 8:00–8:55 p.m.
- Contracts Tuesday & Thursday 6:00–7:50 p.m.
- Criminal Law Monday & Wednesday 6:00–7:50 p.m.
- Academic Enrichment Workshop Tuesday 8:00–8:55 p.m.
During the third and fourth year of law school, students will take mostly elective courses. Students will have more control and flexibility in their schedules with options for day or evening classes and on campus or online formats. Most part-time students also take courses during summer terms.
Extras
Part-time evening students are afforded all of the same opportunities as full-time students. They are able to participate in clinics, law review, moot court teams, and student organizations. Many events and meetings are scheduled in the evenings to allow all students the chance to participate.
The Law Library is open until 10:00 p.m. on weeknights and offers extended hours during exam periods. Reference librarians make themselves available to part-time students by holding evening and weekend hours and communicating with students via phone, chat, or email.
Faculty and administrators make an extra effort to be accessible to part-time evening students. For example, offices, including the Career Services Office and the Registrar, are open until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Location
Our Springfield, MA location is an easy drive from Hartford, Albany, Worcester, Providence, or anywhere in between. Our beautiful campus provides plenty of well-lit parking adjacent to the Blake Law Center. It is also conveniently located near public transportation.
Student Demographics
The fall 2023 entering class profile is as follows:
| 1L Cohort Size | 30 |
| Age Range | 21–53 |
| Gender | 62% female/38% male |
| Median LSAT | 150 |
| Median GPA | 3.32 |
| States Represented | CT, GA, MA, NY, RI |
Cost and Aid
The cost of a part-time evening Juris Doctor program varies by institution, but financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loans are typically available to help offset tuition and fees.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from various sources, including the School of Law, outside organizations, and professional associations, to support students in managing tuition costs.
Admissions Information
The admissions process for part-time evening applicants is the same as for full-time applicants.
The Office of Admissions is happy to accommodate part-time evening applicants. Please call us at 413-782-1406 or email us at admissions@law.wne.edu to make an appointment.
*Because of the hybrid format, this program does not qualify students to take the bar exam in New York.