Online law schools allow students to become lawyers without traditional campus limitations.
Becoming a lawyer or judge requires going to law school and obtaining a degree from the school as well as passing the state's bar exams. Like many other degree options, law schools are offering online degrees to students unable to obtain a degree through traditional education.
Getting Online Law Degrees
Some traditional law schools offer online law degrees to students. The programs provide classes which students take, video lectures and chat room discussions. The degree options sometimes have extended time degrees, which allow students to take law school classes at a slower pace.
Benefits of Online Law Degrees
There are benefits to many individuals who otherwise would not be able to take the lessons. Parents and individuals who are already in the work force do not need to give up their responsibilities and obligations to take the courses and are able to work around their schedule rather than the school's schedule.
Potential Problems With Online Degrees
Online law degrees can come with potential problems. Among the problems is the possibility of diploma mills or scams. Students must take care to select a program through an accredited school. Usually, taking courses from large traditional schools will prevent problems with diploma mills. The large traditional colleges which offer law courses online are typically accredited schooling options. Another potential problem that might arise is teaching to pass the exams rather than the skills needed by a lawyer. Anne Gonzales wrote for the Portland Business Journal that there is a concern about teaching methods changing from the traditional Socratic method, where teachers and students exchange questions for critical thinking skills. The school chats have a similar idea and concept, but it is a potential problem if the school does not set it up appropriately.
Costs
Online law school costs are lower than traditional law school options. According to Anne Gonzales, the cost is lowered by half or more when compared to the law school cost of traditional law schools. She continues on to state that the typical range for an online law degree is between $12,000 and $32,000 for most schools (as of 2011), which compares to about $90,000 or more for traditional law schools.
Bar Exam
Online law degrees, like any other law degree option, require passing the Bar exam with the state before becoming a lawyer. The average passing rate for students of online law degrees who take it for the first time is comparable to the averages for traditional schools, at roughly 50 percent passing on the first try.
Employment
Online law degrees have similar employment opportunities for students, but there is a potential for some employers to look unfavorably on individuals who took an online program. In general, any student who passes the state Bar exam is eligible for employment or to start a personal practice if they prefer.
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