Centering legal education in underserved communities
Seattle University School of Law has developed an innovative initiative called “Hybrid Hubs” to broaden access to legal education for aspiring lawyers in underserved areas of the Pacific Northwest.
In partnership with regional institutions in the South Sound, Central Washington, and Alaska, each Hybrid Hub creates pathways for local students to study law, become licensed, and eventually practice law – all while staying in their home communities. In this way, the Hybrid Hubs are a catalyst for cultivating homegrown legal talent and expertise, helping to address the critical shortage of attorneys who serve these regions.
A hub of activity
The Hybrid Hubs complement Seattle U Law’s existing Flex JD program, delivered in an innovative, part-time, and hybrid-online format, by building on the educational experience and creating additional support structures for aspiring lawyers.
The Hybrid Hubs are regional focal points that create a more immersive experience for Flex JD students by offering additional services and programming:
- Study in an academic setting.
Our regional partner institutions open their campuses to Flex JD students to use study spaces and other select campus resources, such as internet access.
- Enjoy intellectual life and networking events
In-person events are periodically held on the campuses of our regional partner institutions, creating opportunities to build community among current Flex JD students, Seattle U Law alumni, the local legal community, and aspiring law students.
- Find your path
We supplement our regional partner institutions’ pre-law advising efforts with additional programming and support – such as admission workshops – for aspiring law students.
- Grow together
We actively work to develop lively local alumni chapters with professional development and networking programs of their own.
- Deepen community connections
We seek out experiential learning and externship opportunities in each hybrid hub region, connecting students to potential future employers and providing them with real experience in their own communities.
- Benefit from accelerated opportunities
With each regional partner, we are exploring accelerated admission and academic agreements to remove barriers to entering and completing law school.
