A long time ago in a land far, far away, the typical law school student came straight from undergraduate school. Times have changed and this is no longer the norm. More and more “older” law students, known as non-traditional law students, are going to law school. (full story below)
A long time ago in a land far, far away, the typical law school student came straight from undergraduate school. Times have changed and this is no longer the norm. More and more “older” law students, known as non-traditional law students, are going to law school. Of Coastal Law’s applicant pool in 2015, 24% were above the age of 30 and 27% of our 2015 matriculates were from ages 30-67! Our diverse community makes for an easy transition to law school, regardless of age.
Non-traditional law students attending law school seems to be a growing trend. People are leaving undergrad to start their careers and later learn that a law degree will enhance their opportunities in the field they have chosen. These non-traditional students go back to law school knowing exactly what they want to do once they obtain their law degree.
Additionally, some “seasoned” law students are coming back for a second career. They were successful professionals that were ready for a change and saw a need for legal education in that new chosen path. They tend to be more focused and know the direction they want to go.
Some were busy raising a family and now their children are out pursuing their dreams. Now it is time for the parent to pursue their long awaited dream of attending law school.
Many law schools, including Coastal Law, encourage students with work experience to apply. Even though the typical criteria like LSAT and GPA are important, work and life experience are also very valuable. Some are already coming from fields in the justice system, such as police officers, Parole officers, paralegals, and many others. They can bring that knowledge to the classroom not only to help themselves but their fellow classmates. To help accommodate the busy schedules of our non-traditional law students who may already have a career or family responsibilities, Coastal Law does offer part-time day and evening classes.
According to ACElsat.com there are several reasons why non-traditional law students may opt for a delayed start to law school, as well as several benefits:
They have had a chance to explore other fields and have a better idea of what they want to do.
They often begin law school in order to do what they love; not because they think they’ll make a lot of money.
They have reasonable expectations of the career and its requirements.
They have contacts outside of school, which allows them to find job placements quickly.
They may have more stable personal lives, which allows them more time to study.
So if you are a “seasoned” student and considering going to law school and have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions office. We have a very diverse student body of all ages and ethnicity’. We encourage anyone desiring to pursue their dream of law school to make it a reality with Coastal Law!
Arizona Summit Receives WRBLSA Award Arizona Summit was recently awarded the 2016 Black Student Law Association Chapter Award at the
Western Region Black Law Students Association (WRBLSA)'s 48th annual convention held during the
first week of January in San Diego.
Charlotte School of Law AAMPLE®
If a lower LSAT score is hurting your chances of getting into law school, Charlotte School of
Law (CSL) offers the Alternative Admissions Model Program for Legal Education (AAMPLE), a
seven-week online class that helps prospective students prove they are able to handle a
demanding law school curriculum.
Florida Coastal Law's Practitioner Clinics Florida Coastal Law's Practitioner Clinic is an innovative course offering students a chance
to work closely on pro bono cases with a practicing lawyer. Students are often invited to
work on these cases in the practitioner's office off campus, and the Clinics are offered as
two credits with an evening classroom component.
Center for Professional Development Arizona Summit's Center for Professional Development (CPD) is a full-service career counseling
and resource center that supports and assists students in all stages of the career planning
process, while helping employers fill their semester, summer, and permanent hiring needs.
Charlotte Law Compliance Certificate Program
Students with or without a legal background can pursue a career in the rapidly growing
field of compliance and ethics. Charlotte Law is one of the few law schools in the U.S.
offering a Corporate Compliance Certificate Programentirely online. It's an 18-week
platform that prepares students for the Compliance Certification Board exam.
Florida Coastal Law Offers LLM & Certificate in Logistics & Transportation Florida Coastal Law is the first law school in the U.S. to offer an onlineLL.M. Degree or
Certificate in Logistics & Transportation. Students in the 24-credit LL.M. or 12-credit
Certificate program gain expertise in global logistics and transportation law through
cutting-edge courses taught by attorneys and industry professionals online.
