The Northern Illinois University College of Law has received approval from the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar to launch a part-time Juris Doctor program at a new location in Naperville, Illinois, marking a significant expansion of the school’s academic offerings and geographic reach.
The approval, granted by the ABA Council through its substantive change process, enables the law school to establish both the part-time J.D. program and an additional instructional site in the Chicago suburb. This move reflects a broader trend among law schools to expand flexible program formats and increase accessibility for working professionals and nontraditional students.
The new part-time program is expected to provide greater access to legal education for students who require scheduling flexibility, including those balancing careers, family responsibilities, or other commitments. By situating the program in Naperville, the law school is also positioning itself to better serve the broader Chicago metropolitan area.
The ABA’s acquiescence confirms that the proposed changes meet accreditation standards, allowing the institution to proceed with implementation. The decision follows the school’s earlier submission outlining plans to expand its academic footprint and introduce a program structure designed to accommodate part-time enrollment.
With this approval, Northern Illinois University College of Law joins a growing number of institutions offering alternative pathways to a J.D. degree, reflecting evolving student needs and shifts in legal education delivery.
