While some online universities offer students an opportunity to complete a Juris Doctor degree program through correspondence or online courses, students should carefully consider the ramifications of completing their law degree at home.
The Facts
In order to meet state licensing requirements, lawyers must graduate from a law school that has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). As of 2008, correspondence law schools are not approved by the ABA.
Considerations
In California, law students can qualify to take the state bar exam by attending an unaccredited correspondence or online law school that is registered with the California Committee of Bar Examiners.
Approved Schools
There are 12 correspondence and distance learning law schools that are registered in the state of California including Northwestern California University School of Law and Concord Law School of Kaplan University.
Online Law Degree Programs
According to the State Bar of California, correspondence and online schools must require their students to complete at least 864 hours of study per year for four years. Online law schools provide instruction through video lectures, web forums and other online tools.
Warning
Some online schools make false claims about their accreditation and degree programs. Students should check with the ABA and their state bar before enrolling in any law school.
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