Choosing a law school program that fits your life is a big decision and, naturally, it comes with questions. Seattle University School of Law's Flex JD is designed for working professionals who need a structured, part-time path without sacrificing rigor or opportunity. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about time commitment, format, student support and more, so you can better understand how the program works and what to expect as you balance your legal education with your personal and professional responsibilities.
Flex JD is not about customizing the learning experience. It is a part-time, hybrid-online JD program designed for professionals and those balancing work or personal commitments, structured to allow them to complete a law degree while continuing to manage those responsibilities.
30 hours minimum. That includes live Zoom classes, readings, asynchronous components, and class preparation. It is just as rigorous as full-time.
Typically 4 hours per week. Classes usually take place three nights per week at or after 6:00 p.m. Pacific time.
Flex students are eligible to participate in externships starting in spring of their second year. Our Externship Office can help you locate opportunities.
There are courses in the Flex curriculum that allow students to meet the experiential learning requirement.
The Flex curriculum is thoroughly structured, and students typically take between 10-11 credits each semester with their cohort. To get the additional credits needed to graduate early, you must attend in-person classes.
Although we strongly recommend following the prescribed curriculum, Flex JD students can reduce the number of credits they are taking in a semester. However, they must work with the Assistant Director of the Flex JD program to create an academic plan that ensures graduation in a timely manner.
Flex students must come to campus five weekends each academic year for a full day of class on Saturdays and a half day on Sundays. Find the in-person weekend dates on our learning experience page.
The curriculum is thoroughly structured and focused on bar-tested materials. As students enter their upperclassmen years, they are invited to share their elective interests through a poll, helping inform which courses could potentially be offered.
All Flex students have access to academic support through the Assistant Director of Flex JD for planning and advising. Additionally, students may connect with the Academic Excellence Team and schedule virtual meetings with professors for further assistance.
Participation in the 40+ student organizations often varies based on the availability of individual students. Students are encouraged to become involved in the Student Bar Association which includes a Flex-specific leadership role.
Students may write onto journals remotely, and moot court or dispute resolution competition participation may be available remotely.
For in-person weekends, Flex JD students can take advantage of discounted lodging through partnerships with the Silver Cloud Hotel and Seattle Gaslight Inn. There are also other hotels in the area that offer discounted rates to Seattle University students.
Yes. Orientation sessions include both virtual and in-person components. Attendance is required for both the virtual and in-person orientation sessions. For students starting in the summer, there is also a condensed online orientation in June; however, attendance at the August orientation sessions is still required.