How Good Are Online Law Schools?A single-father of two teen-age kids had always idolized his Irish grandfather who worked himself up from working at a New York port to become a feisty lawyer who championed union causes. After a successful stint in the army, and establishing a modest contracting business he knew that it was time to fulfill his dream of taking up law. But after assessing his savings and time schedule, he realized that his circumstances allowed only one option- online law schools. Online law schools for the most part fulfill a need for a growing number of aspiring law students to take a route that would have otherwise been impossible because of two important factors, time and expense. Traditional law school costs run up to the hundred thousand minimum while on the average, online law schools charge between $3-10,000 annually. Time is also an important factor because even as traditional law schools offer part-time to evening divisions, there are still schedule restrictions that would often be disadvantageous to students who prioritize families and businesses. Online law schools not only offer flexible schdeules, but a learning environment that is relatively free from the stress and pressure of a typical law-class classroom. Online lessons include online chat discussions, self-administered tests and quizzes and video presentations. But it is precisely the lack of human interaction that has some legal experts questioning online law school credibility. Discussions have been raised regarding the kind of interaction present in a traditional law school environment, or any kind of classroom setting for that matter which could point to a more superior legal instruction than that offered online. Doubts have been raised in this regard on questions of online law school validity. But it is the students themselves of online law schools who point out that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Online law school credibility has been bolstered by current statistics showing that in comparison to traditional law schools, passing rates for the crucial bar exams are virtually the same. But online law schools generally still face a long road ahead for not only ideological but legal acceptance as well. So far, only the state of California offers online law degres for law students planning to take the bar. There is still the tricky issue of accreditation because online degress fall in the same category as correspondence schools. Yet inasmuch as the issue is basically centered on the medium and the venue by which legal instruction is carried out, online law school validity might be further affirmed by that fact that a rising number of traditional law schools now offer internet based classes and degress on their own. Proponents of long-distance learning have been vocal in their prediction that like long-distance education which had its share of critics when it was first introduced, online law schools and degrees earned online will certainly find the respectability and acceptance they seek as social currents driven by technology will naturally bring them into that direction. But a word of caution to aspiring lawyers eager to sign up online. Experts warn that not all such schools may be equally eager to transform bright young minds into legal eagles. Some may be "diploma mills" out to make a quick (and substantial) buck. Sensible tips to remember when choosing an online school include going to those with a proven track record of graduates who passed the bar exams. Like traditional law schools, their online counterparts have principles, advocacies and ideologies particular or exclusive to them so choose one which complements your own style of thinking and values. |