lawyer

An increasing number of law schools are offering two-year programs.

Traditionally, law school degrees require three years of full time study. However, in recent years students have expressed increasing concerns about the time and cost required to become lawyers. In response, several law schools have developed accelerated programs, allowing students to earn their degrees after two intensive years. According to U.S. News and World Report, these programs should only increase in popularity and number over the coming years.

Southwestern Law School, located in Los Angeles, California, has the country's oldest two-year J.D. program. Southwestern requires student commitment over both summers, although in the second summer that commitment may be fulfilled by enrolling in classes, participating in an externship or studying abroad. Students who struggle during their first year in this program may take a modified curriculum in the second year that requires fewer units at a time in exchange for finishing in two and a half years instead of two.