#United States #St. Paul #legal education #Mitchell Hamline #3+3 Partnership

Expanding Access to Legal Education: Mitchell Hamline's 3+3 Partnerships

Mitchell Hamline School of Law has embarked on an ambitious initiative to make legal education more accessible to students, particularly within underserved regions. By forming strategic 3+3 partnerships with various undergraduate institutions, the law school aims to save students time and financial burden while cultivating the next generation of legal professionals.

Recently, President and Dean Camille Davidson signed a 3+3 partnership agreement with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), marking a significant milestone for students in Alaska, the only state in the country without its own law school. This innovative program allows UAF students to complete both their bachelor's and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees in six years instead of the traditional seven. This expedited timeline not only enhances the educational journey but also addresses the growing demand for lawyers in Alaska.

Assistant Professor of Public Law, Carol Gray, who serves as a pre-law advisor at UAF, noted the profound impact of this partnership. She states, "This partnership with Mitchell Hamline is extremely supportive of our students in countless ways. It will promote more awareness among UAF students, support them in their expedited timeline to achieve their law degree, and facilitate greater communication between our two schools as we are all committed to helping train the next generation of Alaska's lawyers."

One of the attractive aspects of the Mitchell Hamline program is the blended-learning enrollment option. This flexibility allows students to earn their J.D. degree both on campus and online, ensuring they can remain rooted in their home communities, only needing to travel to Minnesota a couple of times a year. "This is our access mission at work and the key reason our blended-learning option was created over ten years ago," stated Annie Gemmell, Mitchell Hamline's Vice President of Enrollment.

However, the partnership with UAF is just one of many. Mitchell Hamline also has existing 3+3 agreements with several universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Hamline University, Bemidji State University, College of St. Scholastica, Saint Cloud State University, Winona State University, and University of Wisconsin Stout. The law school is actively discussing further collaborations, with plans to develop partnerships with the University of Alaska Southeast and expand ties with the University of Alaska Anchorage.

As the largest independent law school in the region, Mitchell Hamline boasts over 1,000 students, more than 50 full-time faculty, and a vast alumni network exceeding 23,000 members. Its programs cater to a diverse student body who can pursue full-time, part-time, or blended learning options. The school is highly regarded for its nationally ranked specialties in legal writing, dispute resolution, health law, and clinical training.

In conclusion, Mitchell Hamline School of Law's 3+3 partnerships represent a beacon of hope for aspiring law students. By creating accessible pathways and fostering partnerships, the institution demonstrates its commitment to increasing diversity within the legal profession and addressing geographical disparities in legal education. As these initiatives expand, the aim remains clear: to equip future lawyers with the necessary tools and experiences to thrive in their careers.