Re: Distance law schools

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On 6/26/11, Cindy wrote:
> Does anyone out there have any comments or experiences (good or
> bad) concerning Northwestern Cal School of Law, American
> Heritage Law, or University of Honolulu? I am attracted to the
> tuition price since I don't have an abundance of monetary
> resources. I am considering attending distance law school and
> would appreciate any comments. I graduated UNLV with a 3.0, and
> am currently working full-time. So I'm interested in part-time
> studies.
> Thanks.
>
> Cindy
> Reno, NV
>

Cindy,

I am also doing my research on law schools. In doing so, there are
three difference "types" of law schools: ABA approved, State-Bar
accredited/approved, or State-Bar registered school.

THERE IS NO "GOOD" AND "BAD" PER SEY. Your circumstances, goals,
and objectives will dictate the "right school" for you. Needless
to say, law schools that are ABA approved is more costly. In CA,
tuition for ABA approved schools is roughly $35-45K per year (not
including fees, books, and other expenses). However, with ABA
approval "stamp" (more or less), you will be eligible to sit for
the Bar exam anywhere in the U.S.

Now, as for State-Bar accreditation - the rules are different for
each state and you should do your research. In CA, the California
Bar Examiner (State-Bar) has the authority to confer J.D. degrees
upon completion of the program. Graduates are eligible to sit in
the CA Bar Exam (GBX) ONLY - Meaning, if I move out of CA, and
want to practice law, I may have to start over (there are
exception to the rule). Tuition for state-bar approved is cheaper
than ABA approved schools.

Now, the third type: distance learning, fix-facility, and
correspondance. The GREAT thing about this is that tuition is low.
In fact, tuition at Cal Southern University Law School (online) is
only about $25K for the entire 4 year part-time study.

However, there is a catch. After completing your 1L (first year)
courses, you MUST PASS THE FYLSX (First Year Law Student Exam,
aka "Baby Bar") within 3 attempts or you will be dismissed from
the JD program. This is only for "state-bar" registered schools.
Also, it is important to check for the school's accreditation
(e.g. national, DETC, regional, etc).

Hope this helps!

VP