SCALE Two-Year J.D. Program
Welcome to SCALE – A Groundbreaking Path to Your J.D. in Just Two Years
SCALE, officially known as Southwestern’s Conceptual Approach to Legal Education, is the nation’s first ABA-accredited, two-year accelerated J.D. program. From its inception, SCALE was designed to ensure students not only understand the underlying concepts of the law but also how those concepts operate in practice. That vision continues today: SCALE students don’t just memorize black-letter rules—they learn how legal concepts connect and how to apply them in real-world contexts. The program combines substantive instruction with hands-on learning, allowing students to develop the judgment, confidence, and skills needed to step into the profession ready to practice law.
In SCALE, you’ll join a small, tight-knit cohort of approximately 50-60 students where personalized support and close mentorship from faculty are standard. The collaborative environment fosters deep connections among students, professors, and staff, creating a community where you are supported at every step of your journey.
Since its inception in 1975, the SCALE curriculum has been carefully designed to deliver the same 87 units of legal education in two years, without sacrificing any part of the traditional law school experience. SCALE students do not take fewer units or receive less instruction. They complete the same minimum requirements as students in the three-year program, and each course covers the same substantive content.
The difference lies in structure. SCALE operates on a quarter system, with classes held year-round. The carefully designed schedule allows students to take advantage of the same opportunities available in the three-year program, including electives, honors programs, externships, clinics, and study-abroad experiences.
SCALE is a registered trademark owned by Southwestern Law School.
Making Law School Accessible: A Wealth of Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
We understand that investing in a legal education is a significant commitment, and we are here to help make that commitment more manageable. Our school offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid packages designed to make your dream of becoming a legal professional attainable.
Whether you're a working professional looking to diversify your skills or a first-generation learner breaking new ground, Southwestern is committed to making law school accessible and affordable for you.