Spring Start Offers Increased Flexibility for Aspiring Lawyers

Students in Ben's Place

On Jan. 17, 13 students will begin their JD program under the university’s “Spring Start” option. This program allows students to begin their coursework in the spring semester and puts them on track to graduate three years later in December, or two-and-a-half years later in May with the students who started the preceding fall. 

Spring start students enroll in a dedicated small section of the School of Law’s research and writing course. Otherwise, the length, structure and content of the spring start program mirror the traditional fall start program, but students can accelerate their graduation by taking required courses remotely or in person during consecutive summers.  

“The spring start option began in 2021 with a goal of attracting students who graduate college in December, or individuals with jobs who are eager to begin law school midyear,” said Co-Dean Jessica Berg. “Interest in the spring start option has been higher than anticipated and results in classes with exceptional qualifications and varied occupational backgrounds.” 

This year’s spring start students hail from Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, New York, Egypt and China. They join the class of 2025, which now has 166 students (including the spring starts).