Jerry O'Connell's Latest Role? First-Year Law Student

Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles has a new student, as the actor enrolls for his J.D. degree

Looks like Jerry O'Connell is going in a very different direction this pilot season.

Normally a mainstay in your fall TV lineup, E! News confirms Rebecca Romijn's baby daddy has enrolled at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.

"I had always planned on continuing my education at some point and because my wife is working...and I'm hope all day with the girls, I figured I would take a couple of classes at night," O'Connell said.

"It was either that or play video games until 2 a.m."

Assistant Dean of Public Affairs Leslie Steinberg tells us the first-year law student started night classes earlier this week, adding that O'Connell went through the regular admissions process and was accepted after submitting an undergraduate record and taking the Law School Admissions Test.

Celeb status aside, Steinberg believes O'Connell fits in just fine: "I get the feeling that he felt like one of the students at orientation and had a great time and is really diving in."

And fret not, O'Connell fans. Jerry's rep didn't comment on whether he'll continue acting while pursuing his degree, but Steinberg says since O'Connell is only enrolled part-time, the actor is exempt from full-time student labor restrictions.

Good thing, because O'Connell's IMDb page lists two 2010 projects currently in production.

(Originally published Aug. 13, 2009, at 5:35 p.m. PT)