Loyola Law School Academic Calendar 2026 consists of start dates, registration dates, add/drop dates, holidays, spring break dates, other important dates, and deadlines.
Loyola Law School operates three distinct ABA-accredited institutions across the United States: Loyola Law School, Los Angeles (Loyola Marymount University), Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
Each institution maintains separate academic calendars with different term dates, registration deadlines, and program structures for the 2026 academic year.
This comprehensive guide provides verified calendar information for all three Loyola law schools, including semester start dates, registration periods, withdrawal deadlines, examination schedules, and program-specific timelines for Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Jurisprudence (MJ), Weekend JD, and online programs.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Three Loyola Law Schools
Three separate law schools share the Loyola name but operate independently with distinct academic calendars, geographic locations, and institutional affiliations.
| Institution | Location | Domain | Calendar System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Law School, Los Angeles | 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 | lls.edu | Semester (Fall/Spring/Summer) |
| Loyola University Chicago School of Law | 25 East Pearson Street, Chicago, IL 60611 | luc.edu/law | Semester with Weekend JD hybrid |
| Loyola University New Orleans College of Law | 526 Pine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 | law.loyno.edu | Multiple session formats |
Geographic verification prevents enrollment errors when prospective students search for Loyola law school academic calendar information. The Los Angeles campus operates under Loyola Marymount University administration, while Chicago and New Orleans campuses function as separate Loyola University entities.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law Academic Calendar Spring 2026
Full-Time JD Program Spring 2026
Spring semester 2026 begins Saturday, January 10, 2026 for Juris Doctor students at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Classes start after completion of intensive trial practice courses scheduled from Saturday, January 3 through Friday, January 9, 2026.
| Event | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Trial Practice Intensive begins | January 3, 2026 | Saturday |
| Trial Practice I Intensive ends | January 9, 2026 | Friday |
| Spring semester classes begin | January 10, 2026 | Saturday |
| Late registration deadline | January 16, 2026 | Friday |
| Martin Luther King Holiday (no classes) | January 19, 2026 | Monday |
| Last day to withdraw with EC (Erase Course) | January 23, 2026 | Friday |
Registration closes Friday, January 16, 2026 for semester-long JD courses. Students must complete add/drop transactions through the LOCUS system by this deadline. Course withdrawals with EC (Erase Course) status must occur before Friday, January 23, 2026 to avoid grade notation on academic transcripts.
Spring Break and Mid-Semester Deadlines
Spring break occurs Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 7, 2026 with no scheduled classes. The university offices remain closed during this period.
| Deadline Type | Date | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Bar Exam July application (first filing) | February 15, 2026 | 3L/4L only |
| Summer 2026 registration begins | February 17, 2026 | All programs |
| Last day to withdraw from JD course with W grade | March 20, 2026 | Full-time JD |
| Fall 2026 registration begins | March 23, 2026 | All programs |
Course withdrawal with W (Withdrawal) grade closes Friday, March 20, 2026 for semester-long JD courses. This deadline occurs 13 days after spring break concludes, providing students time to assess academic performance before committing to course completion.
Spring 2026 Final Examinations
Final examinations run Wednesday, April 29 through Thursday, May 7, 2026 for Juris Doctor programs. The spring semester officially ends Tuesday, April 28, 2026, with examinations beginning the following day.
Law commencement ceremony occurs Saturday, May 9, 2026 for graduating students. Memorial Day holiday falls on Monday, May 25, 2026 with university offices closed.
Loyola University Chicago Weekend JD Program Calendar Spring 2026
Weekend JD Class Schedule
Weekend JD sessions meet approximately every other weekend throughout the spring 2026 semester, combining in-person classes with online course components. The program serves working professionals pursuing legal education while maintaining full-time employment.
| Session Number | Dates | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | January 17-18, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
| Session 2 | January 31 – February 1, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
| Session 3 | February 14-15, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
| Session 4 | February 28 – March 1, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
| Session 5 | March 14-15, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
| Session 6 | March 28-29, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
| Session 7 | April 11-12, 2026 | Saturday-Sunday |
First session begins Saturday, January 17, 2026 with late registration closing Friday, January 23, 2026. Weekend JD students face different add/drop deadlines than full-time day students due to the compressed meeting schedule.
Weekend JD Registration Deadlines
Late registration ends Friday, January 23, 2026 for semester-long Weekend JD courses. This deadline occurs six days before the full-time JD late registration cutoff.
| Deadline Type | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Late registration closes | January 23, 2026 | Semester-long courses only |
| Last day to withdraw with EC | January 30, 2026 | Seven days after late registration |
| Last day to withdraw with W grade | March 27, 2026 | One day before Session 6 |
Course withdrawal with EC status must occur before Friday, January 30, 2026. The W grade withdrawal deadline falls Friday, March 27, 2026, allowing students to drop courses before the final three weekend sessions.
Weekend JD Final Examinations Spring 2026
Final examinations occur Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2026 after a makeup/study date on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The Weekend JD program compresses the examination period into one weekend compared to the extended multi-week schedule for full-time students.
Makeup/study day provides flexibility for students who miss regular weekend sessions due to work or personal obligations. This buffer date occurs three weekends before final examinations.
Graduate Legal Studies Online Programs Spring 2026
Online Term Dates
Graduate Legal Studies online classes begin Monday, January 12, 2026 for spring term enrollment. The online program operates independently from campus-based JD schedules with distinct start and end dates.
| Program Component | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Online classes begin | January 12, 2026 | April 20, 2026 |
| Late registration deadline | January 18, 2026 | — |
| Last day to withdraw with EC | January 25, 2026 | — |
| Last day to withdraw with W grade | March 20, 2026 | — |
Online programs include Children and Family Law LLM, Children’s Law and Policy MJ, Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management LLM and MJ, Health Law LLM and MJ, Privacy Law Certificate, Conflict Management Certificate, and Cultural Competence, Inclusion and the Law Certificate.
Late registration closes Sunday, January 18, 2026 for semester-long Graduate Legal Studies courses. Students must complete enrollment six days after classes begin to maintain full semester access through the Sakai learning management system.
Online Program Academic Structure
Three terms operate annually with start dates in September (fall), January (spring), and May (summer). Each term maintains independent enrollment periods and withdrawal deadlines.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | May 5, 2025 | August 6, 2025 | 94 days |
| Fall 2025 | August 18, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 92 days |
| Spring 2026 | January 12, 2026 | April 20, 2026 | 99 days |
| Summer 2026 | May 4, 2026 | August 3, 2026 | 91 days |
| Fall 2026 | August 17, 2026 | November 30, 2026 | 105 days |
| Spring 2027 | January 11, 2027 | April 26, 2027 | 105 days |
Sakai platform remains open from term start through end date, allowing students flexibility in completing coursework according to instructor-specified deadlines posted within each course shell.
Education Immersion Weekend
Annual Education Immersion Weekend occurs each fall at Loyola University Chicago School of Law campus. The in-person event provides networking opportunities and reinforces program learning objectives for online Master of Jurisprudence and Master of Laws students.
Attendance remains optional but recommended for professional development. Students may enroll in LAW 682 to receive one credit hour by completing a 10-12 page paper related to Education Immersion Weekend programming. Contact Assistant Director of Advising and Academic Success Elizabeth Tripp at etripp@luc.edu for registration information.
PROLAW Program Calendar Spring 2026
PROLAW Term Structure
PROLAW classes begin Monday, January 19, 2026 concurrent with Martin Luther King Holiday. Late registration extends through Sunday, January 25, 2026 for semester-long PROLAW courses.
| Event | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| PROLAW classes begin | January 19, 2026 | Monday |
| Martin Luther King Holiday | January 19, 2026 | Monday (offices closed) |
| Late registration deadline | January 25, 2026 | Sunday |
| Last day to withdraw with EC | February 1, 2026 | Sunday |
| Last day to withdraw with W grade | March 27, 2026 | Friday |
| PROLAW classes end | May 2, 2026 | Saturday |
Course withdrawal with EC designation closes Sunday, February 1, 2026, providing students 13 days from course start to drop without academic record notation. The W grade withdrawal deadline extends through Friday, March 27, 2026.
PROLAW Rome Center Program
In-person courses occur January 19 through May 2, 2026 at Loyola’s Rome Center in Italy. This immersive component provides international legal education experience for PROLAW students.
Summer 2026 registration opens Tuesday, February 17, 2026 for continuing PROLAW students planning enrollment in online capstone courses.
PROLAW Academic Year 2026-2027
Fall 2026 PROLAW term operates online from August 31 through December 12, 2026. Spring 2027 term returns to in-person instruction at Rome Center from January 18 through May 1, 2027.
| Term | Format | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Online | August 31 – December 12, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | Rome Center (in-person) | January 18 – May 1, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | Online capstone | May 3 – July 15, 2027 |
Capstone course runs May 3 through July 15, 2027 with project submission deadline July 15, 2027. Official program completion and degree conferral occur by end of August 2027.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law Academic Calendar Fall 2026
Fall 2026 Semester Start Dates
Fall semester begins Saturday, August 15, 2026 for Juris Doctor classes. First-year full-time orientation occurs Wednesday, August 12 through Friday, August 14, 2026 before classes commence.
| Event | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| First-year orientation begins | August 12, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Fall semester classes begin | August 15, 2026 | Saturday |
| Graduate Legal Studies online classes begin | August 17, 2026 | Monday |
| JD late registration deadline | To be determined | Friday |
| Weekend JD orientation | August 21, 2026 | Friday |
Graduate Legal Studies online classes start Monday, August 17, 2026, two days after campus-based JD programs begin. This staggered start accommodates different registration processing timelines for online versus residential students.
Fall 2026 Registration Deadlines
Fall registration begins Monday, March 24, 2026 for continuing students. Priority registration occurs several months before semester start to facilitate course planning and schedule construction.
Late registration and add/drop deadlines remain to be determined pending final schedule publication on LOCUS by the University Registrar. Historical patterns indicate late registration closes approximately one week after semester start.
| Deadline Type | Historical Pattern | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall registration opens | Late March | March 24, 2026 confirmed |
| JD late registration | One week after start | To be determined |
| GLS late registration | One week after online start | To be determined |
| Weekend JD late registration | One week after first session | To be determined |
Weekend JD first session occurs Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026. Weekend JD orientation takes place Friday, August 21, 2026 before the first instructional weekend.
Fall 2026 Academic Holidays
Labor Day holiday falls Monday, September 7, 2026 with no classes scheduled and university offices closed. Fall break spans Monday, October 5 through Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Office Status |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | Offices closed |
| Fall break | October 5-6, 2026 | Offices closed |
| Thanksgiving recess | November 25-28, 2026 | Offices closed |
| Christmas holiday | December 24, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Offices closed |
Illinois Bar Exam February 2027 application first filing deadline occurs Tuesday, September 15, 2026 for third-year and fourth-year students planning February bar examination attempts.
Fall 2026 Withdrawal Deadlines
Course withdrawal with W grade closes Friday, October 24, 2026 for semester-long JD and Graduate Legal Studies courses. This deadline provides students 10 weeks from semester start to assess academic progress before committing to course completion.
| Program | Last Day for EC Withdrawal | Last Day for W Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time JD | To be determined | October 24, 2026 |
| Graduate Legal Studies | To be determined | October 24, 2026 |
| Weekend JD | To be determined | October 31, 2026 |
| PROLAW | To be determined | October 31, 2026 |
Weekend JD and PROLAW withdrawal deadlines extend through Friday, October 31, 2026, one week later than full-time programs due to compressed meeting schedules requiring additional evaluation time.
Fall 2026 Final Examinations and Semester End
Fall semester ends Monday, November 30, 2026 for Juris Doctor classes. Graduate Legal Studies online classes conclude the same date after 105 days of instruction.
Final examinations run Wednesday, December 3 through Sunday, December 14, 2026 with specific dates to be determined upon final schedule publication. PROLAW classes end Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Thanksgiving recess spans Wednesday, November 25 through Saturday, November 28, 2026 with university offices closed. Classes resume Monday, November 29, 2026 for the final two days before semester conclusion.
Weekend JD last session occurs Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2026. This represents Session 7 in the fall Weekend JD calendar, concluding 15 days before traditional JD semester end.
Comparing Loyola Law School Academic Calendars Across Three Institutions
Spring 2026 Calendar Comparison
Spring semester start dates vary by two days between Loyola Chicago and other institutions due to different registration systems and orientation requirements.
| Institution | Spring 2026 Start | Spring Break | Final Exams | Semester End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Chicago | January 10, 2026 | March 1-7, 2026 | April 29 – May 7, 2026 | April 28, 2026 |
| Loyola Chicago (GLS Online) | January 12, 2026 | No break | Varies by course | April 20, 2026 |
| Loyola Chicago (Weekend JD) | January 17, 2026 | No break | May 2-3, 2026 | April 28, 2026 |
Semester length ranges from 99 to 110 days depending on program format. Full-time JD students complete 109 days of instruction compared to 99 days for online Graduate Legal Studies students.
Registration Timeline Comparison
Late registration deadlines occur between six and eight days after semester start across all Loyola Chicago programs. Weekend JD students face the earliest late registration cutoff at six days post-start.
| Program | Classes Begin | Late Registration | Days After Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time JD | January 10, 2026 | January 16, 2026 | 6 days |
| Graduate Legal Studies | January 12, 2026 | January 18, 2026 | 6 days |
| Weekend JD | January 17, 2026 | January 23, 2026 | 6 days |
| PROLAW | January 19, 2026 | January 25, 2026 | 6 days |
EC (Erase Course) withdrawal deadlines consistently fall 13-14 days after late registration closes across all programs. This provides students approximately three weeks from semester start to withdraw without grade notation.
Examination Schedule Differences
Final examination periods vary significantly between traditional JD programs and alternative formats. Full-time JD examinations span nine days while Weekend JD compresses finals into one weekend.
| Program | Exam Period | Duration | Study Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time JD | April 29 – May 7, 2026 | 9 days | None specified |
| Weekend JD | May 2-3, 2026 | 2 days | April 18, 2026 (makeup/study day) |
| Graduate Legal Studies | Varies by course | Varies | Instructor discretion |
| PROLAW | April 27 – May 2, 2026 | 6 days | None specified |
Good Friday holiday occurs April 3, 2026 with no classes scheduled and offices closed. This religious observance falls during the final month of spring semester before examination periods begin.
Important Deadlines for Bar Examination Applications
Illinois Bar Exam Registration
February 15, 2026 represents the first filing deadline for Illinois Bar Exam July 2026 application. This deadline applies exclusively to third-year and fourth-year law students planning July bar examination attempts.
September 15, 2026 marks the first filing deadline for Illinois Bar Exam February 2027 application. Students graduating in December 2026 or May 2027 must monitor this deadline for spring bar examination registration.
| Exam Date | Application Filing Deadline | Eligible Students |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | February 15, 2026 | 3L/4L only |
| February 2027 | September 15, 2026 | 3L/4L only |
Bar examination deadlines remain independent of university academic calendars. Students must verify current application requirements through the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar website as registration procedures may change.
Summer 2026 Registration and Term Dates
Summer Registration Timeline
Summer 2026 registration begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026 for all Loyola Chicago programs. This early registration period occurs 11 weeks before spring semester concludes.
Online programs operate summer term from Monday, May 4, 2026 through Monday, August 3, 2026, providing 91 days of instruction. Summer session dates accommodate students seeking accelerated degree completion or specialized coursework outside traditional fall/spring offerings.
PROLAW Summer Capstone
PROLAW summer capstone course runs May 4 through July 13, 2026 with final project submission deadline Monday, July 13, 2026. Official degree conferral occurs end of August 2026 after capstone evaluation completion.
| Component | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Capstone course begins | May 4, 2026 | Online format |
| Project submission deadline | July 13, 2026 | Final deliverable due |
| Program completion | End of August 2026 | Official degree conferral |
Students must complete capstone requirements within the 70-day summer window to receive degree conferral in August 2026. Late submissions may delay graduation until subsequent conferral period.
Academic Calendar Change Policy
Schedule Verification Requirements
Start and end dates remain subject to change until the University Registrar publishes final schedules on LOCUS. Students must verify current academic calendar information through official university systems before making enrollment decisions.
LOCUS registration system serves as the authoritative source for confirmed course schedules, withdrawal deadlines, and examination dates. Printed materials and website listings may contain outdated information if published before final schedule confirmation.
Office of the Registrar maintains responsibility for academic calendar accuracy and updates. Students experiencing conflicts between published calendars and LOCUS system data should contact the Registrar’s office at registration@luc.edu for clarification.
Program-Specific Calendar Variations
Multiple program formats create calendar complexity requiring careful attention to program-specific dates. Full-time JD, Weekend JD, online Graduate Legal Studies, and PROLAW programs operate simultaneous but distinct academic calendars with different withdrawal deadlines and examination schedules.
| Calendar Type | Update Frequency | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time JD | Semester | LOCUS registration system |
| Weekend JD | Session | Weekend JD specific webpage |
| Graduate Legal Studies | Term | Sakai learning platform |
| PROLAW | Term | PROLAW program office |
Students enrolled in multiple programs simultaneously must track separate calendars for each enrollment. Withdrawal deadlines and add/drop periods differ significantly between programs despite overlapping instruction dates.
How to Access Loyola Law School Academic Calendars
Official Calendar Resources
Loyola University Chicago School of Law publishes calendars at luc.edu/law/currentstudents/registrar/academiccalendars/ for current students and prospective applicants. This registrar-maintained webpage contains verified dates for all program formats.
LOCUS student information system provides personalized calendar views showing enrolled course schedules, withdrawal deadlines, and examination dates specific to individual student programs. Access LOCUS at locus.luc.edu using university credentials.
Program-Specific Calendar Pages
Weekend JD program maintains separate calendar page at luc.edu/law/academics/juris-doctor/weekend-jd/weekend-jd-academic-calendar/ showing weekend session dates and makeup days. This program-specific resource supplements main academic calendar with detailed session information.
Graduate Legal Studies calendars appear at luc.edu/law/academics/graduate-programs/ with term dates for online LLM and MJ programs. Certificate programs follow the same term structure as degree programs.
PROLAW program calendar information exists at luc.edu/law/academics/graduate-programs/prolaw/ including Rome Center dates and capstone course schedules for professional legal writing students.
Key Takeaways for Loyola Law School Academic Calendar Planning
Spring 2026 semester begins Saturday, January 10, 2026 for full-time JD students at Loyola University Chicago School of Law with final examinations occurring April 29 through May 7, 2026. Spring break spans March 1-7, 2026.
Weekend JD program operates separate calendar with first session January 17-18, 2026 and compressed examination schedule May 2-3, 2026. Seven weekend sessions occur between January and April with makeup/study day April 18, 2026.
Graduate Legal Studies online term runs January 12 through April 20, 2026 for spring enrollment with late registration closing January 18, 2026. Three annual terms provide year-round educational opportunities for working professionals.
PROLAW classes begin January 19, 2026 with Rome Center in-person instruction through May 2, 2026. Summer 2026 capstone course requires project submission by July 13, 2026 for August degree conferral.
Fall 2026 semester starts August 15, 2026 with first-year orientation August 12-14, 2026. Registration opens March 24, 2026 for continuing students with specific late registration deadlines to be determined.
Bar examination application deadlines include February 15, 2026 for July 2026 Illinois Bar Exam and September 15, 2026 for February 2027 exam. These deadlines apply to third-year and fourth-year students only.
Academic calendar verification requires checking LOCUS registration system as published dates remain subject to change until final schedule confirmation by University Registrar. Program-specific calendars exist for Weekend JD, Graduate Legal Studies, and PROLAW formats with different withdrawal deadlines and examination schedules than traditional full-time JD programs.
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