College of Law > Academics > JD Program > evening-jd-program

The Future of the Evening JD Program

​​​​The incoming Fall 2025 class will be the final cohort to enroll in the evening JD program. Beginning in Fall 2026, we will no longer enroll new students into the evening JD program.  

We deeply value our evening students and recognize the dedication and commitment they bring to their legal education. This final cohort, along with our current evening JD students, carry forward the proud and historic legacy of DePaul Law’s evening JD program, and we remain fully committed to supporting their academic and professional success throughout their time at DePaul Law and beyond. ​

Shifts in the legal education market have led to a significant decline in enrollment in part-time JD programs nationwide. Many of our peer institutions in Chicago have experienced similar trends. This decision also reflects evolving student needs and preferences, allowing us to align our resources with broader market realities.

This decision does not impact current evening students. Those enrolled in the evening JD program will continue to receive the same rigorous academic training, faculty support and access to resources as all DePaul Law students. We remain fully committed to your success and will support you through the completion of your degree.

Yes. Evening JD students will continue to have access to all law school resources, including academic support, career development, faculty advising and student organizations. 

No. The distinguished faculty members who teach in the evening JD program will continue to be part of DePaul Law and remain dedicated to providing a high-quality legal education to all our students.

DePaul Law remains committed to providing flexibility for students balancing professional and personal commitments. We will continue to offer evening courses for all our law students, ensuring that current and incoming JD evening students have access to the courses they need, including all bar-tested courses, as they progress through their program. The AY2025-2026 course schedule for our current JD evening students will be released, as usual, in March, and the AY2025-2026 course schedule for our Fall 2025 incoming students will be provided in their orientation materials.

Yes. Evening students who wish to transition to the full-time JD program will continue to have the option to do so. We encourage students to consult with law school academic advisors to discuss course planning and feasibility based on their individual circumstances. 

  • For current students: We encourage you to send any questions you might have to the Part-Time Law Student Organization (“PTLSO”). Academic Affairs Associate Dean Max Helveston, Student Affairs Assistant Dean Maria Vertuno and I have set aside time on Friday, February 21, 2025, to meet with the student leaders of the PTLSO to address the transition in this program.  
 
For your reference, below is a list of the current PTLSO officers: 
 
  • President - Adriana Sanchez 
  • Vice President - Taylor Falconer 
  • Treasurer - Kristen Dant 
  • Secretary - Tetya Kasiyan            
  • Social Media Chair - Anne Saum 
 
As always, Assistant Dean Maria Vertuno and the Student Affairs team are available for you, and Associate Dean Max Helveston and Assistant Dean Allison Ortlieb are available for your academic affairs questions.  
 
  • For incoming students: For admissions-related questions, incoming evening students can reach out to the Office of Law Admissions. 

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