How do I Get a Law Degree at Night School in Texas?

The law offers interesting careers with many specializations. Before you think about getting a Juris Doctorate degree at night law school in Texas, consider what you need to do to get into any law school. Texas has nine law school that range from small to large in various urban and suburban localities. Some Texas law schools have day, night, evening and weekend classes to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults.

Legal planning, analysis, and advocacy require a student who is well-rounded and analytical. An applicant should start planning several years in advance for an application to a Texas law school. Look for opportunities to develop skills in communication, critical thinking and persuasion.

Complete an Undergraduate Degree

There is no such thing as a pre-law degree. Choose an undergraduate major in which you can get excellent grades, because your undergraduate GPA is very important when applying to law school. A well-rounded liberal arts curriculum with courses in psychology, political science, language, economics, sociology, and history is sometimes recommended. If your ability to write and speak standard English needs work, take remedial courses in writing and speech.

Excel on the LSAT

Plan on taking the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) at the end of your junior year. Studying for this exam is not needed because it is an aptitude test. Peruse old LSAT exams to get a sense of what the exam will cover. Take a practice exam if you need help in taking tests, but do not take the LSAT more than once. Law schools generally average the scores of multiple tests, and do not take the highest score.

Apply to Selected Schools

While the applicant's LSAT score and GPA are important, letters of references are required. These letters from your college professors and former employers should attest to your ability to handle the law school curriculum. Getting into law school is a lot of work. Plan ahead and visit several law schools. Part-time JD programs are an option for students who can juggle the demands of a job while studying law at night.

South Texas College of Law

South Texas College of Law is a private, nonprofit institution in Houston. It offers a part-time program for students who want to take classes at night. In 2018, 215 students were enrolled part-time and 727 attended full-time. Students attending part-time must take a 8 to 11 credits per semester. The first 30 hours of classes are only offered in the evening. A part-time student can complete the program in four years. Entering students in the fall of 2018 typically had a GPA of 2.8 to 3.3.

The University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center offers a top notch part-time program that can be completed in four years by taking evening classes. This law school for working professionals requires students to have a bachelor's degree, as do all other law schools. The incoming class of 2018 had a median GPA of 3.6. Houston Law Center not only requires a strong GPA and LSAT score, but gives consideration to many other facets of a student's background, including education, experience, ethnicity, advanced degrees, and other facets of your life.

St. Mary's University University School of Law

St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, founded in 1852, is a private liberal arts institution with deep Roman Catholic roots. St. Mary’s law school calendar includes time for optional masses, liturgies and holy day observances. St. Mary's School of Law has a part-time evening J.D. program. Students accepted in 2018 had an average GPA of 3.12. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications. Students who share the school’s commitment to diversity and public service may find St. Mary's University to be an especially good fit.

Texas A&M University School of Law

The Texas A&M University School of Law in the Dallas-Fort Worth, formerly owned by Texas Wesleyan, offers a full-time and a part-time J.D. program. Part-time students take eight to 12 credits per semester. Students have a chance to intern with prestigious law firms in the large metropolitan area. The school offers flexible scheduling, making it possible for students to take day, evening and weekend classes. The median GPA of students who enrolled in 2018 was 3.5.