JD Program Summer Start

Ease into Law School

All entering students have the option to ease into law school by taking Criminal Law over seven weeks in the summer. This is an unparalleled opportunity to get a head start on your studies and set yourself up for success.

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this option, which provides the following benefits:

Adjust to the rigors of law school by focusing on just one class.
Develop academic skills and study habits that will carry into your first year and beyond.
Become oriented to Seattle U Law in a less hectic environment.
Build community with your peers and faculty.
Full-time students reduce their first spring course load by one class, and Flex students reduce their second summer course load by one class.
Those relocating to Seattle can enjoy the city at its most active time of the year.

Life in Seattle

Summer in Seattle is famous for the many hours of sunlight, mild weather, and plentiful activities. Coffee shops, breweries, mountains, and beaches are waiting!

Course Details

Summer Criminal Law begins in late June and concludes with a final exam in early August. Two sections are available, offered at convenient times that allow you to work:

Daytime (in-person): Typically meets Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 12:10 PM.
Evening (fully online): Typically meets synchronously two nights per week from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Asynchronous components are also included.

A condensed orientation, offered both online and in-person, takes place prior to the start of class.

From Our Students

"To me, the most valuable part of taking Criminal Law over the summer was developing a solid foundation on how to learn the law, while also enjoying a smaller class size to allow for dedicated attention from the professor."

David Silverstein, '27

From Our Faculty

"While I concede some bias from my prior career as a criminal defense attorney, I think Criminal Law is as interesting as the law can get."

Deborah Ahrens, Professor of Law

From Our Students

“As a first-generation law student, taking Criminal Law over the summer allowed me to ease into the world of law school and discover the study techniques that work best for me through hands-on experience."

Isabel Dorn, '28

From Our Faculty

"Year after year I have seen students form relationships with their peers during the summer that endure throughout law school and into practice."

Jeffrey Minneti, Assistant Dean for Academic Excellence and Bar Success and Associate Professor of Law

See more perspectives from students and faculty. >

Enrollment Process

Students indicate on their JD application whether they would like to start in the fall or summer. Those who indicate summer will receive further details, including financing and next steps, after acceptance.

Those who indicate fall can switch to summer start by contacting the Office of Admission. Please note that paying your seat deposit for the summer start does not automatically change your enrollment; you still must contact the Office of Admission.

2026 Admit Packet

The Admit Packet will answer many questions about starting your legal education.

Pay your deposit online

Contact Admission

Seattle University School of Law
901 12th Avenue, Sullivan Hall
Seattle, WA 98122-1090
Phone: 206-398-4200
Toll-free: 800-471-1767
Email: lawadmis@seattleu.edu

Important dates

Spring Visit Day
April 11, 2026

Summer term begins
June 22, 2026

1L Orientation
Week of August 17, 2026

Fall classes begin
August 24, 2026