Piedmont and Mercer Law School form accelerated JD program P
iedmont College and Mercer Law School have launched a partnership that will give students the opportunity to earn their bachelor's of arts (BA) and juris doctor (JD) degrees in six years. The traditional path to earning a JD degree requires four years of undergraduate education and three years of law school. The 3 + 3 accelerated JD program helps qualified students reduce education costs and launch their legal careers sooner. Select Piedmont students who are majoring in Political Science or English, have completed at least 90 credit hours of coursework, earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better, and have a median or above Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score of Mercer Law’s prior entering class are eligible for the program. Accepted students become first-year law students at Mercer after completing their junior year at Piedmont.
Credits earned during the first year of law school are applied to both JD and BA degrees. After successfully completing their first year at Mercer Law, participating Piedmont students earn a BA and graduate with their class. The Honorable William S. Duffey, Jr., who retired in July as a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia and gave the keynote address during Piedmont’s Summer Commencement, will serve as a mentor to students enrolled in or considering the program. “Mentoring before law school will give students a clear picture of expectations of them in law school and how to meet them. We also want to encourage them to begin thinking about where they may be called to serve in the profession,” said Duffey. “My role is to present material about law school studies and the market for legal services. This is an exciting opportunity for me professionally, and I consider it a privilege to partner with
Piedmont in its academic mission and service to students.” Although similar initiatives are in place in some states, the MercerPiedmont agreement is the first 3 + 3 program in Georgia between two separate institutions. “I was thrilled when my longtime friend Dr. Mellichamp wanted to discuss this unique opportunity for Piedmont students,” said Mercer Law Dean Cathy Cox. “This is a great benefit for students that plan to attend law school and choose to move quickly to finish their advanced degree a year earlier. Piedmont students will be a great fit for the supportive, collegial environment they will find at Mercer Law School.” —John Roberts
The Honorable William S. Duffy, Jr. will serve as a mentor to 3+3 students.
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