Presenter(s)

Averee Richardson

Comments

3:00-4:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

Download

Download Project (1.9 MB)

Description

Hybrid legal education is reshaping the accessibility and effectiveness of law school, making it possible for students who might otherwise be unable to pursue a J.D. to enter the profession. The University of Dayton School of Law (UDSL) is at the forefront of this transformation with its ABA-accredited Hybrid J.D. program, which provides flexibility while maintaining academic rigor and strong student outcomes. This presentation explores how UDSL’s hybrid model benefits students—particularly rural, first-generation law students, and students who need to work full-time while attending law school. The program’s structure combines synchronous, asynchronous, and in-person intensives, allowing for meaningful engagement and experiential learning without requiring students to relocate or leave their careers. The result is a diverse and dynamic cohort of students who enrich the legal profession with unique perspectives and experiences. The program’s success is reflected in its high Bar passage rates and strong post-graduate employment outcomes, demonstrating that hybrid legal education can produce highly qualified and well-prepared attorneys. Despite being remote for much of their education, Hybrid J.D. students at UDSL actively participate in extracurricular opportunities, including Moot Court, Law Review, and student leadership roles. They also build strong cohort connections through virtual collaboration, social media, and in-person opportunities. UDSL’s model serves as a case study for the future of hybrid legal education, proving that flexibility and excellence can coexist. By widening access to legal education, hybrid programs are not only benefiting students but also strengthening the legal profession as a whole.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Stephanie L. Cohn

Keywords

Stander Symposium, School of Law

Bridging the Gap: The Role of Hybrid Learning in Modern Legal Education

Share

COinS