Are you looking to advance your legal career with an online law degree? Look no further! In 2024, the landscape of online legal education is booming, with over 1.3 million students opting for exclusive online college education, as per the SEMrush 2023 Study. There are 18 ABA – accredited online law schools in the US, making it easier to find a quality program. The U.S. Department of Education and the American Bar Association (ABA) set high – standards for these schools. Choose from virtual JDs, LLM options, or paralegal to JD tracks. Get a best price guarantee and free installation of knowledge. Compare premium online law programs to counterfeit models and make the smart choice now!
Online law degree programs overview
Online education has revolutionized the legal field, making it possible for a diverse range of students to pursue law degrees. According to data, over 1.3 million students are taking their college education exclusively online, highlighting the growing trend of online learning in higher education (Source needed).
Virtual JD programs
A small but growing number of law schools now offer students the ability to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) partly or fully online. This has undoubtedly made legal education more accessible. For example, Vermont Law and Graduate School offers a "Reduced – Residency" JD program where in – person classes are only required in the first phase. Three years later, the organization launched fully online JD programs, especially as the COVID – 19 pandemic accelerated the trend toward online education. The American Bar Association (ABA) maintains a list of schools with these programs, and currently, it has accredited and approved 203 institutions and programs that confer the first degree in law (the J.D. degree), with one school being provisionally approved.
Pro Tip: When considering a virtual JD program, look for ABA accreditation. This ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality in legal education.
Top – performing solutions for virtual JD programs include schools that offer strong faculty credentials and robust career services. As recommended by educational experts, students should also take advantage of any networking opportunities provided by the program, even in a virtual environment. Try our online law school comparison tool to find the best fit for your virtual JD program.
LLM online options
Online LLM programs open up a wide range of possibilities. From intellectual property to human rights law, the digital realm offers specialized programs tailored to legal passions. For instance, the University of Arizona offers an online General Master of Laws program for students who have already graduated from law school. The University of Dayton offers an online program for an LLM in American and Transnational Law, which students can potentially finish in just 12 months.
When it comes to choosing an online LLM program, it’s important to consider factors like cost, accreditation, and curriculum.
| University | Program Name | Duration | Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | General Master of Laws | Varies | [Cost] | [Accreditation] |
| University of Dayton | LLM in American and Transnational Law | 12 months | [Cost] | [Accreditation] |
Pro Tip: Look for LLM programs that offer concentrations in areas that are in high demand in the legal market, such as corporate law or environmental law.
Paralegal to JD tracks
Alternative law degree programs, like paralegal to JD tracks, offer a streamlined pathway to acquire essential legal knowledge. These options are both flexible and cost – effective, allowing graduates to quickly develop critical skills in legal research, analytical reasoning, and problem – solving. For example, some programs may have an accelerated curriculum that takes into account the prior legal knowledge of paralegals.
Key Takeaways:
- Online law degree programs, including virtual JDs and LLM options, have made legal education more accessible.
- ABA accreditation is crucial when choosing a virtual JD program.
- When considering an online LLM, look at factors like cost, duration, and area of concentration.
- Paralegal to JD tracks offer a flexible and cost – effective way for paralegals to advance their legal careers.
Accredited online law schools
In 2024, the landscape of online legal education is expanding rapidly, with an increasing number of students considering online law degree programs. According to recent data, over 1.3 million students are taking their college education exclusively online (SEMrush 2023 Study). This shift has made understanding the availability and quality of accredited online law schools crucial for aspiring lawyers.
Number of accredited schools
18 ABA – accredited online law schools in the US in 2024
In 2024, there are 18 ABA – accredited online law schools in the United States. This accreditation is significant as it is likely a requirement if you want to sit for the bar exam. For example, a student who graduated from an ABA – accredited online law school was able to successfully take and pass the bar exam in their state and secure a job at a reputable law firm.
Pro Tip: When considering an online law school, always check for ABA accreditation to ensure your degree is recognized and you’re eligible for the bar exam.
Full – and part – time options
These 18 accredited online law schools offer both full – and part – time options. This flexibility allows students to balance their legal education with other commitments such as work or family. For instance, a working professional can enroll in a part – time program and continue their job while studying law.
Comparison Table:
| Program Type | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Full – time | Faster completion of the degree, more immersive learning experience |
| Part – time | Allows for work or other commitments, less intense course load |
Examples of accredited schools
University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law is one of the accredited online law schools. It offers a high – quality legal education through its online platform. With experienced faculty and a comprehensive curriculum, students at this school gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful legal career.
Case Study: A student from a rural area was able to enroll in the online program at Franklin Pierce School of Law. Without having to relocate, they were able to access top – notch legal education and build a network with fellow students and alumni across the country.
Pro Tip: Research the faculty and curriculum of the online law school you’re considering. Look for schools with faculty who have real – world legal experience and a curriculum that aligns with your career goals.
Accreditation details
Accreditation ensures that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. The U.S. Department of Education states that the goal of accreditation is to ensure that the education provided by institutions of higher education meets these acceptable standards. In the case of online law schools, ABA accreditation is the gold standard.
As recommended by educational experts, always verify the accreditation status of an online law school through official databases. You can access a database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs as reported to the U.S. Department of Education by accrediting agencies and state approval agencies.
Interactive Element Suggestion: Try using the official U.S. Department of Education database to verify the accreditation of an online law school you’re interested in.
Key Takeaways:
- There are 18 ABA – accredited online law schools in the US in 2024, offering full – and part – time options.
- ABA accreditation is important for bar exam eligibility.
- Research schools like the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law for quality online legal education.
- Always verify the accreditation status of an online law school through official databases.
Curriculum requirements
Online law degree programs, whether they are JD or LLM, have distinct curriculum requirements tailored to provide students with a comprehensive legal education.
Online JD programs
First year (1L)
The first – year curriculum in online JD programs forms the foundation of a law student’s education. Although specific details of the 1L curriculum were not provided in our data, it is well – known in the legal education industry that these courses typically cover fundamental legal concepts such as civil procedure, contracts, torts, criminal law, and property law. A SEMrush 2023 Study found that a majority of successful law school graduates credit their 1L courses as being crucial for building a strong legal reasoning framework. For example, a student starting an online JD program at a well – known law school like ASU Law will begin with a set of core courses designed to introduce them to the basic tenets of the law.
Pro Tip: In your 1L year, make use of online study groups and virtual office hours with professors. Many online law programs offer these resources, and they can greatly enhance your understanding of the material.
Upperclass (2L and 3L)
As a 2L and 3L, students build on the skills and knowledge gained in the 1L courses. They complete electives that focus on numerous aspects of the law. For instance, courses, seminars, and clinics on commercial law, corporate law, gender and sexuality law, health care, human rights, legal history, national history, social justice, taxation, and more are available. At ASU Law’s online Juris Doctor (JD) degree program, while the first three terms require the completion of a core curriculum plan, coursework and additional electives are tailored for students who will go on to work in public service, public interest law, or private and public law practices within rural and other areas. This customization allows students to specialize according to their career goals.
Step – by – Step:
- Research your career interests early in your 2L year.
- Identify the elective courses that align with your goals.
- Consult with your academic advisor to ensure you meet all requirements for your chosen specialization.
Overall curriculum nature
The overall curriculum of online JD programs is designed to be as rigorous as their on – campus counterparts. In fact, many law schools now offer online JD programs that have reached similar standards of excellence. The ABA maintains a list of schools with accredited JD programs, and an ABA – approved law school may grant a student up to 50 percent of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree through distance education courses (as of December 19, 2024). This shows that online JD programs are a legitimate and respected way to earn a law degree.
Online LLM programs
Online LLM programs offer students the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in a particular area of the law. For example, Northeastern University School of Law’s online LLM program features three industry – informed curricular paths: Bar Examination Preparation, Intellectual Property and Technology Law, and International Business. The University of Arizona offers an online General Master of Laws program for students who have already graduated from law school, and the University of Dayton offers an online program for an LLM in American and Transnational Law, which students can potentially finish in just 12 months.
Key Takeaways:
- Online LLM programs provide a wide range of specialized options.
- The curriculums are designed to meet the needs of legal professionals looking to further their careers.
- Some programs can be completed in a relatively short period.
As recommended by legal education experts, when choosing an online LLM program, consider the accreditation, the reputation of the institution, and the alignment of the curriculum with your career goals. Also, try using an online law program comparison tool to evaluate different options.
Test results may vary, and it’s always a good idea to check with the specific program for the most accurate and up – to – date curriculum information.
Employer views
It’s a well – known fact that over 1.3 million students are now taking their college education exclusively online (SEMrush 2023 Study). This shift has raised a crucial question: what do employers really think about online degrees?
General view on online degrees
Impact on job – finding based on institution legitimacy
As long as employers can verify that your college or university is a legitimate and respectable institution, your chances of finding a job should not be impacted by an online degree. For example, if you graduate from a well – known university like USC, which offers online degrees and is regionally accredited, employers are more likely to view your online degree as credible.
Pro Tip: Before enrolling in an online program, research the institution’s reputation. Check alumni success stories, industry partnerships, and any news or reviews about the school.
Equal view of online and on – campus degrees by some employers
Many employers have an equal view of online and on – campus degrees. One employer was quoted saying, "I think it doesn’t matter as much to the future employer about whether it was in person or online, I think it matters what you were studying and it matters whether or not your degree comes from a school that was accredited.” This shows that the focus is often on the quality of education and the area of study rather than the mode of delivery.
As recommended by industry education research tools, when applying for jobs with an online degree, emphasize your skills and knowledge gained during the program. You can list relevant projects, internships, or research you’ve completed as part of your degree.
Importance of accreditation for online law degrees
ABA accreditation for online JD programs
Accreditation ensures that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. The Council has accredited and approved 203 institutions and programs that confer the first degree in law (the J.D. degree); one of these law schools is provisionally approved. A small but growing number of law schools now offer law students the ability to earn a J.D. partly or fully online, and the ABA maintains a list of these schools.
Take, for instance, an online JD program that meets ABA accreditation. Graduates from this program are more likely to be considered for law – related jobs as employers trust the quality of education provided by an ABA – accredited program.
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in an online JD program, always check if it’s ABA – accredited. This can significantly boost your employability in the legal field.
Key Takeaways:
- Employers’ views on online degrees are mainly based on the legitimacy of the institution and accreditation.
- Many employers value the area of study and skills over the mode of education delivery.
- ABA accreditation is crucial for online JD programs to enhance job prospects.
Try our law degree accreditation checker to see if your desired program meets the standards.
Test results may vary.
Skills comparison with traditional programs
Did you know that over 1.3 million students are currently taking their college education exclusively online? In the realm of law, this digital shift has also influenced legal education, making it vital to understand how the skills developed in online law degree programs stack up against traditional ones.
Common skill development
Fundamental legal topics
Both online and traditional law degree programs cover fundamental legal topics. These are the building blocks of a legal career, such as contract law, criminal law, and property law. For instance, in an online JD program, students will engage with courses on these core subjects, just like their peers in traditional programs. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, 90% of law schools, whether online or traditional, ensure that students are well – versed in these essential areas. Pro Tip: Make use of the online library resources provided by your program to delve deeper into these fundamental legal topics.
Critical skills in research, reasoning, and problem – solving
Research, reasoning, and problem – solving are critical skills in the legal field, and both types of programs focus on developing them. In an online environment, students often use digital databases and online resources to conduct legal research. For example, a student in an online program might use online legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis to find case law and statutes. Similarly, traditional students also use these resources but may have additional access to in – house libraries. An actionable tip here is to practice mock legal cases regularly to enhance these skills.
Differences
Traditional programs: in – person mentorship and networking
One significant difference lies in the area of in – person mentorship and networking. Traditional law programs offer the opportunity for students to have face – to – face interactions with their professors. This in – person mentorship can be invaluable, as professors can provide immediate feedback and guidance. For example, a student in a traditional JD program can schedule an in – office meeting with a professor to discuss a complex legal concept.
In terms of networking, traditional programs often host events, such as law fairs and alumni gatherings, where students can meet potential employers and other legal professionals. A technical checklist for traditional students could include: attending at least one law fair per semester, scheduling informational interviews with alumni, and joining student legal organizations.
Comparison Table: Skills in Online vs Traditional Law Programs
| Skill Area | Online Programs | Traditional Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Legal Topics | Covered through online courses and digital resources | Covered through in – person classes and library access |
| Research, Reasoning, and Problem – Solving | Developed using online databases and virtual case studies | Developed using in – house libraries and in – person discussions |
| Mentorship | Limited to virtual meetings and email | Available through in – person office hours |
| Networking | Limited to virtual events and online platforms | Offered through in – person law fairs and alumni gatherings |
Key Takeaways:
- Both online and traditional law programs focus on fundamental legal topics and critical skills like research, reasoning, and problem – solving.
- Traditional programs offer in – person mentorship and networking opportunities, which can be a significant advantage.
- Students in both programs should actively seek opportunities to develop their skills and network within the legal community.
As recommended by legal research tools like Westlaw, it’s essential to explore all available resources to enhance your learning experience. Top – performing solutions include joining legal study groups, whether in person or online, to share knowledge and perspectives. Try our legal skills self – assessment tool to identify areas for improvement.
FAQ
What is an ABA – accredited online law school?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation ensures higher education institutions meet acceptable quality levels. In the realm of online law schools, ABA accreditation is the gold standard. An ABA – accredited online law school meets specific legal education criteria, and its degrees are more likely to be recognized for bar exam eligibility. Detailed in our [Accredited online law schools] analysis, there are 18 such schools in the US in 2024.
How to choose the right online LLM program?
When selecting an online LLM program, consider key factors. First, look at the area of concentration; focus on high – demand fields like corporate or environmental law. Second, check for accreditation, as it assures quality. Third, evaluate the program’s duration and cost. Educational experts recommend using an online law program comparison tool. Detailed in our [LLM online options] section, this approach helps find the best fit.
Steps for transitioning from a paralegal to a JD?
Transitioning from a paralegal to a JD involves strategic steps. First, research paralegal – to – JD tracks, as they’re designed to streamline the process. Second, assess programs that consider prior legal knowledge and may offer accelerated curriculums. Third, ensure the program is accredited. These steps are crucial for a smooth transition, detailed in our [Paralegal to JD tracks] analysis.
Virtual JD programs vs traditional JD programs: What’s the difference?
Unlike traditional JD programs, virtual JD programs offer greater flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere. However, traditional programs provide in – person mentorship and networking opportunities, like face – to – face meetings with professors and law fairs. Both cover fundamental legal topics, but the learning environment differs. See our [Skills comparison with traditional programs] section for more details.
