Accredited Online Law Degree Programs

So you want to become a lawyer through distance learning ?

You can become a lawyer by studying for a online law degree and completing the relevant bar exam. You can do it if you are determined and disciplined, many have already done so.

With the advancement of information technology almost anyone can now earn a juris doctorate (JD) from an online law program.

However, not all online law programs are approved by the American Bar Association. In order to qualify for the Bar Exam, you must have graduated from an online law degree program approved by the American Bar Association. It should be an accredited online law degree program. The jurisdiction of California, for instance, has a provision for approving certain online law programs.

Normally to qualify to practice as a lawyer in California, you must pursue an either an on-campus or online law degree program from an accredited law school to qualify to sit for the California Bar Exam.

If later you wish to practice law in another state other than California you can, if you have the relevant law practice experience in California, of usually 5 years. Then you will have to sit for the bar exams in the relevant other jurisdictions to qualify to practice there.

There is also provision for you to appeal to practice in another jurisdiction. You can apply to the relevant admission authority of the state where you intend to practice law, for approval to sit for their Bar Exam.

Alternatively, you can decide to practice in a state which permits alternative ways of qualifying as a lawyer. For instance in Washington or Colorado, you can qualify as a lawyer through an apprenticeship program. This way, you can work with a licensed attorney for a certain number of years determined by the state, as an apprentice. In this instance, whilst having a law degree is not a prerequisite, your online law degree will demonstrate mastery of the law and assist you in getting apprenticeship must faster and easier.

If you do not plan to practice law, a law degree can assist you to expend your skills and opportunities in your current career or an alternative career.

Many people decide to earn a law degree from via online law program do not intend to practice law as a lawyer. They, however, intend to pursue other opportunities within or outside their current career.

If you want to a career change, a law degree can be useful, and in some cases expected, in fields such as healthcare administration, human resources, research, law tutoring and compliance, a law degree is rather useful and regarded as an advantage.

You can also explore the area of corporate or commercial law by working as an in house legal counsel in a corporation.

An online law degree program is basically 4 years. As in a conventional law school program, there are core subjects that compulsory. However, there are a variety of other subjects that you may select as electives, but these may vary differ according to the online law program you study.

Usually, most online law programs include course instructors sending a syllabus, online lectures via MP3 or video, and students completing given assignments.

Students must also complete the reading list and can post questions and can make comments on discussion boards on the internet.

Some online law degree programs provide for the students and tutors to meet online via video technology, somewhat like a conference call for tutorials, lectures and discussions.

If you pursue an online law degree program, there is no requirement for you to physically attend campus, however, some online law programs do provide for students to use campus facilities, such as the library when required.

As online law programs do not have space limitation, they are open for enrollment anytime throughout the year.

Applications for admission are reviewed periodically and those accepted into the program are notified as soon as possible. Upon you submitting the relevant paperwork and paying the tuition fees, you may proceed to start studying almost immediately.

William Howard Taft University is one institution where students may begin their study anytime of the year.

Some online law degree programs are more controlled, they may only admit new students at certain times in a year.

It is important to enroll for an accredited online law degree program because accredited online law degree programs are designed to meet the state Bar requirements of the Bar exams, for instance, the California Bar exam.

The online law program must be 4 years in duration. With each academic year being construed as being not less than 48 weeks, but not more than 52 consecutive weeks.

As accredited online law degree programs have modeled their courses to closely resemble conventional on-campus law degree programs, certain subjects must be studied as a prerequisite.

The Concord Law School, for instance requires students enroll in the same classes, at the same times, throughout their academic career.

At the end of their 1st academic year, students must to pass the 1st year law students' exam, commonly called the "Baby Bar." It covers 1st year core subjects Torts, Criminal Law, and Contracts. This examination each year is in June and October.

To select a good online law program, you must research online law schools and online law degree programs very carefully. Carefully determine accreditations and reputation.

Ask about its faculty members, their credentials and experience. Know what online law programs are offered and compare this with other online law degree programs.

Determine the percentage of their students who sat and passed the Bar Exam.

When you enroll for an online law program, you have greater flexibility and the convenience of pursuing an online law degree at you own pace while holding on to a day job.

Further, you save a lot of money - you don't need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans to pay tuition and cover living expenses. You don’t have to mortgage your house to finance your education. Online law degree programs are much cheaper than conventiona on-campus law degree programs.

Online law program students are eligible for the same financial assistance as those law students studying on-campus. You may seek partial financing through the online university and pay the balance, after paying an initial down payment, by installments. You can apply for government financial assistance in the form of a student loan. You can also seek financial assistance from your company to cover the tuition fees. You can also apply for grants from organizations or clubs you belong to.