First Day of Class for Hybrid J.D.

William Mitchell College of Law's hybrid J.D. program -- the first of its kind to be approved by the American Bar Association -- launched on Monday with 85 students. The four-year program blends online courses with nine scheduled campus visits and externships in the students' communities. The college also offers a traditional J.D. program. "The aspiring lawyers are medical doctors, college professors, bankers, baggage handlers, mothers and fathers, from 31 states and two countries," the college said in a press release. "They range in age from 22 to 67. At least 35 have advanced degrees -- including 14 M.B.A. degrees, five medical doctors and five Ph.D. degrees. Forty-five percent of the students are women and 19 percent are people of color."