What's Happening?
Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center has received approval from the American Bar Association to open a new law school campus in Great Falls, Montana. This initiative aims to address the significant shortage of practicing attorneys in the region,
where many current lawyers are nearing retirement and fewer young professionals are entering the field. The new campus will offer a hybrid curriculum, combining in-person and online coursework, modeled after Touro's existing FlexTime J.D. program. This approach is designed to accommodate individuals who cannot leave their current jobs or family responsibilities, thereby broadening the pipeline of future attorneys in Montana and surrounding rural areas. The campus is set to begin recruiting students for its inaugural class in 2027.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of a new law school campus in Montana is crucial for addressing the growing gap in access to legal services in rural communities. With many attorneys in the region nearing retirement and a lack of new professionals entering the field, there is an urgent need for legal services in areas such as family law, estate planning, and land use law. By providing a locally accessible legal education, Touro Law Center aims to cultivate a new generation of legal professionals who can serve these underserved communities. This initiative not only supports the local legal landscape but also aligns with Touro University's mission to fill educational gaps in rural and underserved areas.
What's Next?
The Great Falls campus will start recruiting students for its first class in 2027. Touro Law Center has already engaged with local leaders, the Great Falls Development Alliance, and the Cascade County Bar Association to ensure the program meets the specific needs of the region. As the campus prepares to open, it will continue to work closely with these stakeholders to address the attorney shortage and enhance access to legal services in Montana.
