The Future of the Evening JD Program

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 affect 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 our current and incoming JD students, ensuring they 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.

Click here to view the proposed offering of bar-tested courses for JD evening students in the classes of 2026-2029. 

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: 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.

o   We also encourage you to reach out to the Part-Time Law Student Organization (“PTLSO”).

o   For your reference, below is a list of the current PTLSO officers:

·      President - Adriana Sanchez

·      Vice President - Taylor Falconer

·      Treasurer - Kristen Dant

·      Secretary - Tetyana Kasiyan           

·      Social Media Chair - Anne Saum

•   For incoming students: For admissions-related questions, incoming evening students can reach out to the Office of Law Admissions.