Online J.D. Program Community

Collage of student group photos

Real Relationships, Wherever You Are

Southwestern’s Online J.D. Program students form a close-knit, nationwide community of future lawyers. They connect across time zones, schedules, and stages of life—all while balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, and the pursuit of a legal education. In discussion boards, study groups, and virtual meetups, they bring their diverse experiences to every conversation, proving that distance learning can still feel deeply personal. They’ve built lasting connections that prove you don’t have to be on campus to feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger.

“Despite living on the East Coast, I have also met so many wonderful people in the residential, part-time evening, and SCALE programs. I believe community is what sets Southwestern apart from other online programs and other law schools. I have seen firsthand how the Southwestern community steps up when a Bison needs support." - Jodi Schoenbrun Carter, 2L Dean's Fellow, Peer Mentor, and TA

Student Organizations and Honors Programs

Southwestern offers a diverse range of student organizations and extracurricular activities that foster community and engagement among students. Each organization reflects the unique backgrounds, interests, and affiliations of our student body.

Honors programs, such as Law Review, Law Journal, the Moot Court Honors Program, and the Negotiations Honors Program, provide exceptional opportunities for Online J.D. Program students to connect with peers while cultivating essential skills for their future careers in law. Our Online J.D. Program students participate as members and leaders in many student organizations.

 

Group photo of Latino Law Students Association students at Orientation

 

“I have found the community to be extremely supportive. I never expected to find the community I have with a remote program, but both the faculty and student body have created an atmosphere and experience I’m grateful for.”  — Alexandra Hoecker

Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors assist in building community and foster student development through mentorship and guidance. First-year students are matched with their upper-division Peer Mentors at the beginning of the school year. 

 

Online J.D. student peer mentors in the library in a row.

 

“I really felt that being an online student would force me to sacrifice the social and communal aspects of law school. I could not have been more wrong. From cold calls in remote lectures, to having a study group spread across all time zones and back to actual doctrinal content, I’ve never once felt like an “online” student. I am so thankful for all that Southwestern has done to create this program with those aspects and so many other critical and finite details in mind.” — Kasey Klopfenstein

 

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