Distance Learning: LawCertain types of programs and their associated degrees are relatively common in distance learning models and are widely accepted in the workplace. Distance MBAs, history, and engineering programs are widely offered by hundreds of colleges and universities. However, the study of the law is by nature less conductive to rapid change, and there are far fewer distance learning programs devoted to the study of the law than there are for many other fields of study. The practical reason is that the American Bar Association, the premiere accrediting group for law programs in the United States, does not yet evaluate and accredit law programs that are based upon distance learning models. For many individuals, this may be a deal breaker, but unaccredited law programs can and do still serve a segment of the population.
However, in the case of students who graduated from a distance learning program, it is far less so. Since the American Bar Association doesn’t approve degrees that involve anything other than traditional, direct learning, graduates of these programs often find themselves out of luck when it comes to taking the bar exam. However, the state of California is the exception. It will consider students with a Juris Doctorate that was earned through distance education. The laws of supply and demand mean that there are a greater number of online and distance learning law programs that are based out of California than other states, and that these programs tailor their courses to help their graduates pass the bar exam given by the state of California. Recent legislation has been introduced to permit graduates of distance learning law schools that have successfully passed the California state bar but want to practice in another state, to be permitted to sit for that state’s bar. It remains to be seen whether or not the legislation is ultimately successful. The first and most established distance learning law school is Concord Law School. It has offered an online education for more than 10 years. At this time, it is not recognized by the State Bar of California or the American Bar Association. However, the bar examiners of the State Bar do permit Concord Law School graduates to apply for permission to sit for the state bar exam. There are a number of potential advantages to earning a law degree through a distance learning program such as those offered by the Concord Law School. First, as with distance learning programs of all types, individuals who might not otherwise be in a position to pursue higher learning may be able to do so. People who can’t afford to leave their current jobs in order to attend school full time now have the option to learn at their own pace. Studying can be done at home in the evenings or over the weekends, or when things are slow on the job. As well, individuals who have a family or other obligations aren’t forced to decide between personal responsibilities and classroom responsibilities, but can manage both. There’s another reason why distance learning works especially well for those pursuing a career in law, despite the disadvantages referenced above. Normally, earning a law degree is both time consuming and financially draining. The Concord Law School is able to reduce tuition considerably in part because it doesn’t have the expenses that a brick-and-mortar law school does. Classroom equipment doesn’t need to be maintained, heating and air conditioning costs are nonexistent, and buildings don’t need to be built. In fact, Concord graduates typically have invested less than half of what graduates of traditional programs have spent. That’s a great savings, and allows graduates to step into the work world with a lot less financial pressure. The only downside is that since the program isn’t accredited, federal loans or other forms of support aren’t available. Students of the program will either have to pay out of pocket or arrange for private loans or other sources of funding. Concord Law School also offers one other choice. Students who don’t require a degree that would enable them to sit for the California bar exam can opt for a three year course of study, rather than four years. This choice saves them just under $10,000 in tuition. These graduates finish with an Executive Juris Doctor and a thorough understanding of the law that can be used to enhance work in business, education, public service, and a myriad of other professional positions. Of course, in spite of the obvious benefits of distance learning, it isn’t for everyone. Individuals who want to practice law in states other than California or who have their eye on a particularly conservative type of law are better advised to stick with a traditional program offered by a brick-and-mortar institution. Another point to keep in mind: Becoming a successful online learner has a great deal to do with the student’s personality and approach to life, as well as with skills they may or may not have. For example, students who are highly social and love to learn surrounded by enthusiastic classmates might find online studies simply too unfulfilling. Students who are insecure and work best in an environment with others who will ask questions and offer support are also better off in a physical classroom. In order to succeed at distance learning, the student really does have to be very disciplined, as well as self motivated. If you enroll in such a program full of excitement that helps you charge through the first semester, but lose steam midway through the second semester, there won’t be professors and classmates urging you forward. It’s entirely up to you to maintain whatever discipline it takes to get all the way through. Finally, chaotic learners, who are often wonderfully creative and always looking for new ideas in the unusual combinations of old ones don’t do well in online programs. Working online requires excellent time management and organizational skills. Without them, it is nearly impossible to reach the goal of attaining a degree. |
In order to practice law, law school graduates must pass the bar. Bar exams are given by each state individually, and hopefuls are reviewed by that state’s examiner board. The usual process to becoming a lawyer is to attend a school that has been accredited by the American Bar Association, then apply to take the bar examination in the state in which the graduate intends to work. Assuming the student has already completed a program offered by an accredited school, the process is relatively easy.