Truth be told, it’s not easy to discipline yourself to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree while managing work, family, and other important commitments, but it’s worth the sacrifice after graduation. Just like California and Texas, Florida offers a handful of part-time law school programs that are carefully designed to fit busy individuals.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a working professional, a stay-at-home mom seeking more career advancement, or a recent undergrad whose busy schedule can’t allow you to return to school as a full-time student.
In this blog post, I didn’t only list these part-time law schools in the state of Florida but also go deeper to explore key factors to consider when choosing a part-time law school.
Let’s get started.
Part-time Law Schools in Florida
Before you dive into these schools, you should know that joining a part-time law school requires a lot of discipline, and commitment to your goal till the end. And you now know there are other obligations to take care of in your life.
So, you’ve to be very sure you’re ready to indulge in this journey.
That said, here are the schools.
1. Florida International University
FIU provides an evening part-time JD program, which in your first year you’ll start with Contracts, Torts, and Legal Skills & Values, Civil Procedure, Property courses, etc. Then in the fall semester of the second year, you’ll focus on Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Introduction to International and Comparative Law.
- Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
11200 SW 8 Street, RDB 1050 Miami, FL 33199
2. NSU – Shepard Broad College of Law
Shepard Broad College of Law has a reputation for providing an exceptional legal education to working professional students. They are also known to provide the best health law program in Florida.
Their part-time J.D. Program allows you to balance your personal and professional commitments with evening courses.
- Tuition: $35,900 (Yearly Tuition covers Fall and Winter semesters)
- Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004
3. Stetson Law
Stetson University recently changed its part-time evening program to the Flex J.D. program, which is structured to even be more flexible and convenient for working professionals or others with daytime commitments. Now, you can take in-person evening classes at the Tampa Law Center and the Gulfport campus, and online classes.
- Tuition: $52,748 (Fall to Spring)
- Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
1401 61st St S, Gulfport, FL 33707
4. Barry University – JD Law
Barry University is among the law schools that provide evening part-time programs within 4 years. And if you want to partake in this program you must be admitted in the fall semester.
Also, you’re allowed to switch full-time after completing your first-year courses, but you must first discuss it with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
- Tuition: $15,863 per semester
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Location:
11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
5. Cooley Law School
Cooley Law School’s part-time program is scheduled to be held in evening hours at their Tampa location, while hybrid format during weekends at their Lansing location.
Tuition: $1,520 per credit hour
Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
9445 Camden Field Pkwy, Riverview, FL 33578
6. FSU – College of Law
It’s worth noting that FSU’s Online Juris Master Program is the nation’s #2 ranked Online Master’s in Legal Studies. Their part-time Juris Master online program is intended for graduates and professionals working in highly regulated industries whose careers intersect with the law but do not intend to become attorneys.
Tuition:
- $4,098.30 per semester for Florida residents.
- $6,499.98 per semester, after scholarships, for non-Florida residents
- Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
425 W. Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601
7. Florida A&M University College of Law
FAMU College of Law provides a part-time evening program. Applicants to the law school have the option of applying to either a full-time 3-year or part-time 4-year program or both programs at the time of application.
Tuition:
- $10,207 per academic year (Residents)
- $24,332 per academic year (Non-Residents)
- Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307
8. University of Miami
Miami Law provides an online part-time Master of Legal Studies program, and part-time L.L.M programs to help working professionals acquire their desired law degree.
- Accreditation: ABA Accredited
Location:
1311 Miller Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Part-Time Law School in California
1. Course Format
You can see that some schools’ part-time JD program is done in the evening, some are weekend programs, and there is also a hybrid format (combining in-person and online classes). You should know which one works best for you before applying.
2. Accreditation
Florida allows graduates from accredited law schools to take the bar exam and practice law in any state. Accreditation ensures your program meets rigorous quality standards. Florida law schools are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or The Florida Bar. ABA accreditation allows you to practice anywhere, while Florida Bar accreditation limits your practice to Florida.
3. Length of Part-time JD program
You also need to know that it takes an average of 3 to 4.5 years (mostly 4) to complete while a full-time program usually takes only 3 years to complete.
4. Work Experience
One of the admission requirements that most of these part-time schools demand is work experience. You should look out for the minimum work experience from each school.
5. Cost and Financial Aid
You shouldn’t also ignore the cost of studying from each school, also check out available financial aid and scholarships from each school.
6. Location
Since you’ll likely commute to and from school or work, consider the school’s distance from your location. Traffic congestion is a reality in Florida, particularly in major metro areas like Miami or Orlando. Factor in commute times when choosing a program, especially for evening classes. Plan your departure strategically to avoid peak traffic hours.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a part-time law school in Florida that aligns with your needs and goals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right part-time law school in Florida is a crucial first step toward achieving your dream of becoming a lawyer. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, from program format and accreditation to location and Financial aid, you can select a program that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the legal field.
With dedication and perseverance, a part-time JD program can open doors to a rewarding legal career in Florida and beyond. Remember, this is just the beginning of your legal journey. So, embark on this exciting path with confidence.