Options For Those Wishing To Study At Online Law Schools
There are actually quite a few online law schools out there for those who wish to get their law degree through online study. However, none of these law schools is accredited by the American Bar Association. This is important to know since all states except California require you to graduate from an ABA accredited school in order to get a license to practice law there. If you would be willing to practice law in CA for five to seven years most states will allow you to take the bar exam in their state after this time has passed.
Even California will not let you take the bar exam after going to just any of the online law schools. These schools need to meet certain requirements and register with the California bar. The online law schools that have done this include Abraham Lincoln University School of Law, William Howard Taft University, American Heritage University School of Law, West Haven University, California School of Law, West Coast School of Law, Inc., Concord School of Law, University of Honolulu, Esquire College, Southern California University for Professional Studies, MD Kirk School of Law, Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy, Newport University, and Northwestern California University.
Once you have enrolled in one of the online law schools, you will need to register as a law student with the California Bar Association, then you will need to pass an exam at the end of your first year of studies to prove that you have learned the appropriate information. You will also have to prove you are of good moral character and pass a Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam, and of course pass the Bar Exam.
Be aware that although California will let you take the bar exam after attending online law schools and passing the appropriate exams, they don't actually accredit these schools, or judge their quality. All they require is for the online law schools to give 864 hours of study each year and register with them, so you have to look into them and make sure that they will provide you with the quality of education that you need. You should also know that you will not get the top paying law jobs since law firms will know that you did not attend an ABA accredited school. As long as you realize the limitations on your career, you might decide that studying at online law schools will work out best for you.
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