Many people have dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But the process is grueling. Only a select few universities in each state offers a program in law. The time investment is also substantial, as a law study takes three years to earn. During those three years, the law student can count on several hours of classes followed by almost twice as much time at home studying and writing. Most people do not have that much time. That is why the Online Law Degree is becoming popular.
Earning a degree in law online is flexible and convenient. Law school is also very expensive. Even available grants and scholarships are often not enough to pay for tuition, books, and bills. Especially during the first year, many law colleges require their students to not work in order to focus on their studies. This can be very impractical for those with families to house and feed, and can make acquiring a law degree an unattainable goal for some who would otherwise be quite successful lawyers.
The advantages of a law degree are obvious. The income potential for successful attorneys is at the upper end of the spectrum. Many people who practice law also report a good amount of job satisfaction as they feel they are occupying an important place in society. And with many different fields of law to choose from, anyone can find a niche that they would enjoy.
Any student who is interested in a law degree must first earn a four year degree from an accredited college or university. While any qualification is usually accepted, prospective law students are encouraged to take classes that emphasize reading and writing. English and Political Science, for example, are degrees that set students up well for law school success.
There are several law study programs available online. The application process is simple, but does require completion of an admissions test. Online programs usually offer their own tests instead of the traditional LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) required by brick and mortar institutions. Once test score and college transcripts are received, the application is then reviewed by the colleges admissions committee.
Successful applicants can then enroll in one of two different programs. The Juris Doctor program is a four year course of study requiring the completion of 92 units, or credits over those 4 years. The Executive Juris Doctor progam, or EJD, is a part time three year course requiring the completion of 72 units. This program is for people who want to study law but not necessarily become a lawyer.
The Master of Laws program, or LLM, is a graduate program for attorneys who seek to specialize in a certain area of the law. It is a part time, 24 unit course that focuses on practical knowledge and legal applications. As a graduate law program, a JD is a prerequisite.
Earning an Online Law Degree is convenient for people who do not have the time to enroll in a physical law school or the opportunity to move to a university setting. Be aware, however, that opportunities upon graduation are limited. Currently, only the State of California allows online qualification holders to take the bar exam and apply for state bar admission.
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