Resolve, To Establish A Hybrid Juris Doctor Program At The University Of Maine School Of Law To Address Access To Justice In Rural Maine

LD 1162 establishes a hybrid Juris Doctor (JD) program at the University of Maine School of Law, requiring the university to create a program allowing students to complete their JD primarily through online coursework with periodic in-person instruction by the 2027-2028 academic year. The program must prioritize rural Maine students committed to practicing law in underserved communities, maintain equivalent academic standards to the traditional in-person program, and partner with local organizations for mentorship and internships. It mandates a self-sustaining funding model combining student tuition, local partnerships, and grants, with a report due to the Education Committee by January 1, 2026, detailing implementation plans. This resolve directly affects rural Maine residents seeking legal careers and aims to improve access to justice in underserved areas.