Evening and Part-Time Law School Students

By Bryan Howard

As a part-time law student working full-time and attending school in the evenings, I have experienced the lack of awareness and understanding that so many people and organizations have about the process. Working all day and then attending classes in the evenings does not leave much time for networking, attending extracurricular events, or getting creative in terms of finding future jobs. Some evening law students use their law degree to climb the hierarchy in their current job. In this situation, the law student likely has already developed a relationship with the employer and may not have a need to network outside of that setting; however, some evening law students go to law school for the purpose of leaving their current careers. These scenarios have different outcomes but the things that remain the same are that evening law students are non-traditional students, generally with life experiences and a work history, who have decided to dedicate nearly all their free time to obtain a law degree.

I entered North Carolina Central University School of Law’s evening program with nearly a decade of experience in Human Resources with the thought that I would use my law degree to practice employment law in a government setting. However, once I began to realize how many options were available to traditional day students, I began asking questions, advocating for evening students to be included in all opportunities and applying to summer positions that I never would have guessed were options for me. I also relied on a network of other evening students who could relate to my law school journey and began asking questions about how they found success through the evening program.

I interviewed two NCCU School of Law evening student alums who are now licensed attorneys about their experiences in the evening program. You can read more about their journeys below.

Cherell Harris, Associate Attorney, Smith Anderson

Prior to law school, Cherell was in the biotech field in a portfolio management role. She chose to go to law school in search of a different path which led her to her current practice in Technology Transactions. She admits that she did not understand the value and importance of networking while in law school and was not able to find internships due to full-time employment. However, she understood that she had transferable skills and used professional resources to perfect her resume. Cherell said that evening law students who are transitioning into practice should use their network.

“Use them early and often. People are truly invested in your success, so if they offer, take them up on the coffee or lunch meeting. Reach out occasionally just to say ‘Hi.’ You never know when a truly deep and mutually beneficial relationship will develop.”

Dana Chavis, In-House Attorney, State Employees’ Credit Union

Prior to law school, Dana was a Paralegal Manager for SECU. She used her law degree to progress in her existing career. Like Cherell, she found it difficult to network while working full-time and attending school, but she took advantage of social media and events that took place at the law school in the evenings.

Dana said, “Knowing that you were able to successfully complete law school while holding down a full-time job is no easy feat, and many employers find that impressive.”

Dana added that evening students who are transitioning into practice should “understand the market and the area of law you would like to enter. Join alumni groups and other attorney groups online. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling.”

Cherell and Dana demonstrate both sides of the coin for evening law students. Both of them are successful practicing attorneys, and they emphasized the importance of participating in the North Carolina Bar Association and other voluntary organizations to create and expand your legal network.