Special Part-Time Program

The Special Part-time Program at New England School of Law was established in the 1970s to respond to the needs of students with sole or primary childcare responsibilities that would prevent them from attending law school either full time or as part-time (evening or day) students. Attending school on a part-time, flexible basis allows such students to arrange schedules that are more compatible with their childcare needs.

Applicants to the program must have excellent qualifications and the maturity to handle an independent law school experience. The program is quite selective, admitting only a small number of students each year.

An applicant must complete the standard application form, including the required supporting information such as LSAT scores and recommendations, and attach a statement requesting consideration for Special Part-time status and stating the circumstances that justify it. Applications must be received by March 15.

Each Special Part-time student designs his or her own schedule with the direction of the program's faculty coordinator and may take up to six years to finish school. To graduate, he or she must complete the minimum of 86 credits and 120 weeks in residence required of all New England students. Special Part-time students may combine day and evening courses and may switch between divisions.

In an article on parents in law school, Student Lawyer, the magazine of the American Bar Association's Law Student Division, described New England School of Law as being "on the cutting edge in terms of meeting the needs of students who are parents."

For more information on the Special Part-time Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 617-422-7210 (email admit@admin.nesl.edu).