Silicon Valley’s Flexible, Hybrid Law Degree. The Flex J.D. at Santa Clara Law is a hybrid, part-time program designed for working professionals and those with family commitments. It offers the flexibility you need to pursue a law degree without putting your career or personal life on hold.
Balance your work and family life with the study of law
Students attend classes in-person for one week at the beginning of the semester combined with three long weekends (Friday through Sunday) once per month. Between on-campus sessions, students complete asynchronous online classes at the times and locations that work best for their individual schedules. The program is designed for completion in four years.
Learn from our renowned faculty and industry experts
You will connect with your world-class instructors, legal experts in industry, and your peers.
Network with the Silicon Valley legal community
All students, including those who live outside the Bay Area, will benefit from our Silicon Valley location. Professional networking opportunities are built into your schedule, allowing you to connect in-person with the broader legal community.
Take advantage of the resources at Santa Clara University
Leveraging Santa Clara Law’s distinctive strengths: proximity to the technology industry, a commitment to social justice, and connections to our extensive alumni network.
Flex J.D. students are welcome to take courses offered on the full time schedule after their first year in Santa Clara Law. Students benefit from the same resources as full-time students—including elective courses and study abroad—but must complete them outside of the Flex J.D. program format.
Access our top-ranked intellectual property law program
You will have access to our top-ranked intellectual property and high tech curriculum, giving you a head start to a legal career in industry.
Degree Requirements
Students must successfully complete 86 units of study while maintaining academic good standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0) to earn the J.D. degree. A minimum of 6 credit hours of practical learning are required. The first four semesters provide a strong, structured foundation. Afterwards, students tailor their courses, hands-on learning, and course delivery to meet their goals and interests.
Admissions
Once you’ve decided to join us at Santa Clara Law, you’ve made a smart decision to invest in your future as a lawyer who leads; we will help you every step of the way. From applying to registering for classes to finding the right career opportunities when graduation approaches, we’re here to help. Please contact an admissions counselor for more information about attending Santa Clara Law.
Learning Experience
Our program is designed to provide you with a learning experience that blends the best of our traditional campus-based education with the unique opportunities presented by online learning.
| Fall 2026 Semester Residential Schedule | Spring 2027 Semester Residential Schedule | |||||
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August 16 |
Sunday |
Flex J.D First Year Orientation |
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January 10 - 15 |
Sunday - Saturday |
Residential Week |
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August 16 - 22 |
Sunday - Saturday |
Residential Week |
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February 19 - 21 |
Friday - Sunday |
Residential Weekend |
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September 18 - 20 |
Friday - Sunday |
Residential Weekend |
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March 19 - 21 |
Friday - Sunday |
Residential Weekend |
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October 16 - 18 |
Friday - Sunday |
Residential Weekend |
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April 23 - 25 |
Friday - Sunday |
Residential Weekend |
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November 13 - 15 |
Friday - Sunday |
Residential Weekend |
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You can review the entire 2026 - 2027 Academic Calendar here.