Wheelock Creates Pathway to Law School with Suffolk University Law School

Wheelock College and Suffolk University Law School announce the creation of a collaborative partnership. The Wheelock-Suffolk undergraduate and juris doctor program allows capable, motivated students to complete their baccalaureate degree from Wheelock College as well as a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School. The program is designed for students who matriculate from Wheelock College in 4 years; however, there is the potential of an accelerated program for exceptionally talented students. If a Wheelock student is able to finish an undergraduate degree in 3 years, then he or she could complete both degrees in a total of 6 years.

This unique partnership is a natural fit for both schools given their mission-driven focus on improving the lives of children and families. Hallmarks of a Wheelock undergraduate education include a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, strong professional preparation, and a flexible, interdisciplinary approach. This new collaborative partnership aligns with Wheelock’s commitment to being a dynamic, rigorous, and transformational learning, living, and working community underpinned by theory, practice, research, and advocacy.

By providing guaranteed admission to Suffolk Law School, this program will ensure that academically qualified Wheelock students interested in the study of law will have access to high quality legal education. The program will begin to accept applications in Fall 2013 from first-year, transfer, or current students who decide during their junior or senior year that they are interested in attending law school.

The collaboration meets the demands of a growing number of prospective and current undergraduate students interested in using legal education to extend their passion and steward Wheelock’s mission in a variety of career pathways.

“This exciting new partnership will be a fantastic opportunity for our students, prospective students, faculty, staff and entire Wheelock community to partner with Suffolk University Law School to collaboratively effect positive social change,” said Wheelock President Jackie Jenkins-Scott. “This program underscores our mission of educating people to create a safe, caring, and just world for children and families.”

Suffolk Law Dean Camille A. Nelson noted the partnership’s foundation in the mission of both schools.  “Suffolk Law is committed to public service, providing thousands of hours of pro bono student work  each year on behalf of families and children,” she said.  “Wheelock is equally focused on juvenile justice and family social issues, so the joining of forces makes perfect sense.”

Suffolk Law is noted among the nation’s best law schools for experiential learning, with three legal skills programs ranked in the U.S. News Top 20. The Suffolk Law Clinical Program has been among the nation’s Top 25 for six years in a row, and helps address the legal needs of clients underserved by the legal system.  Students provide more than 8,000 hours of pro bono service each year in areas including housing discrimination, family law, and domestic violence.

For more information on this partnership, please visit http://www.wheelock.edu/suffolk-law-partnership