Students at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor who are interested in pursuing a legal career will be able to start law school in their senior year through the school’s partnership with the University of Maine School of Law.
The partnership will create an accelerated six-year pathway to an undergraduate degree and juris doctor, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner — and with less debt.
College of the Atlantic is the latest institution to join Maine Law’s 3 + 3 expedited degree program, which already welcomes students at all public universities within the University of Maine system along with Husson University in Bangor; Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish; and the University of New England, with campuses in Biddeford and Portland.
“We are excited to welcome College of the Atlantic students into a program that is already helping talented future lawyers launch meaningful careers in Maine and well beyond,” said Leigh Saufley, Maine Law’s president and dean. She was honored as a Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year in 2023.
UMaine also recently entered into a similar agreement with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which is located in the only state without a traditional, in-person law school.
College of the Atlantic, founded in 1969, is the first and only college where every student designs a self-directed major in human ecology, according to the school’s website.
“Maine Law is an ideal partner — their strengths in environmental law, their oceans and coastal law clinic, and their refugee and human rights clinic offer excellent opportunities for our students,” said Kourtney Collum, provost at the College of the Atlantic.
“This partnership supports COA students in bringing a human‑ecological perspective into the legal field, where their insights and experiences can make a real difference,” Collum added.
Surge in applications
Applications at Maine Law have increased by more than 80% this admissions cycle — far outpacing the national average — and enrollment continues to be strong, according to the school. It is ranked 91st overall by U.S. News & World Report, with nationally recognized programs in environmental law and clinical training.
UMaine Law said its graduates post a first-time bar passage rate above the national average and strong employment results, including a high number of judicial clerkships.
