Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center has received approval from the American Bar Association to establish a law school campus in Great Falls, Montana, and will start recruiting and enrolling for the inaugural cohort to begin in August 2027.
The Great Falls campus of Touro Law will feature a hybrid curriculum — a format that is both innovative and intentional, modeled on Touro’s existing FlexTime J.D. program that is offered at the main campus on Long Island as well as the branch campus in Manhattan.
By blending in-person instruction with online coursework, earning a law degree is a practical endeavor for individuals who may not be able to step away from existing careers and family obligations. This model is expected to significantly broaden the pipeline of future attorneys choosing to practice in Montana and surrounding rural communities.
Touro Law Center began its community outreach efforts by engaging with state elected officials, the Great Falls Development Alliance, the Cascade County Bar Association and practicing attorneys throughout the region to understand local legal needs and gauge interest in the program. Those conversations underscored both the urgency of the attorney shortage and the community’s enthusiasm for a locally accessible law school.
“This initiative is the direct result of a collaborative partnership with Montana state and local leaders, as well as members of the Montana bar and bench, ensuring our presence and curriculum meet the specific needs of the region’s legal landscape,” said Elena Langan, dean of Touro Law. “We are creating a pathway for the next generation of legal professionals to build their careers in their communities.”
Great Falls and the broader Montana region are facing a significant shortage of practicing attorneys. Many of the region’s current lawyers are nearing retirement age, while fewer young legal professionals are choosing to establish careers in rural communities. The result is a growing gap in access to legal services in critical areas including family law, estate planning, probate litigation and land use law.
Dr. Alan Kadish, president of Touro University, said the institution has long been defined by its commitment to filling educational gaps in rural and underserved areas.
“Opening this campus is more than just an expansion; it is a profound expression of our mission to provide high-quality legal education to those who will serve the communities that need them most,” he said.
