The Complete Guide to Studying Law Online

Pursuing a law degree online is growing in popularity thanks to the flexibility, affordability, and accessibility it provides. However, succeeding in online legal education requires dedication and thoughtful planning.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about studying law online. From exploring top programs to learning effective study strategies, we’ll provide tips to help you get the most out of online law school.

Overview of Online Law Programs

Online legal education allows aspiring lawyers to earn a JD or advanced law degree from accredited law schools while studying remotely. Here’s an overview:

• Flexible scheduling – Study anytime, from anywhere at your own pace
• Interactive online classes – Live video lectures and discussions
• Identical curriculum – Covers same subject areas as on-campus programs
• Eligibility for law licensure – Meet state bar exam requirements upon graduation
• Greater accessibility – More affordable and open to non-traditional students

Over 100 ABA-accredited law schools now offer online JD programs, giving students excellent diversity of program options. Let’s explore the benefits.

“Online learning opens the doors of legal education to a wider, more diverse population of aspiring law students than ever before.” – Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law

Benefits of Earning a Law Degree Online

Studying law online offers significant advantages:

Flexible Scheduling

Online programs allow students to adapt their study schedule around professional and personal responsibilities. Classes are recorded for replay when convenient.

Lower Costs

Online law programs charge less for tuition and fees by passing campus overhead savings to students. Textbook costs are also reduced through free digital course materials.

Networking Diversity

Connecting with classmates around the country creates a national professional network. Most programs host in-person immersion weekends for networking.

Comfort of Home Environment

Attending lectures and seminars from a familiar home workspace minimizes stress and distractions for many students.

Broader Accessibility

The flexibility and cost savings of online law school enables those who can’t physically attend campus or afford tuition to earn their law degree.

For many nontraditional, mid-career or remote students, online education opens the door to a JD that would otherwise be impossible. Now let’s look at choosing the right program.

Choosing an Online Law Degree Program

Selecting an online law school involves weighing several key factors:

ABA Accreditation

Only graduates of ABA-accredited law schools can sit for the bar exam. Verify a program’s current accreditation status before applying.

Program Reputation and Rankings

While rankings are not definitive, they offer an objective gauge of program quality and reputation. High bar exam passage rates also indicate effective preparation.

Course Offerings and Specialties

Look for variety in electives and specialty options like healthcare law or intellectual property tailored to your interests and career goals.

Student-Faculty Engagement

Evaluate how connected students feel with faculty and classmates in an online environment through community events, mentorship, etc.

Cost and Scholarships

Compare program affordability in light of tuition rates, financial aid availability, scholarships, and cost of attendance estimates.

Admissions Selectivity

Review class profiles and acceptance rates to assess the academic standards and competitiveness of the student body.

Thorough program research helps verify you’ll receive a worthwhile law education and strong professional network.

Tips for Success in Online Law School

Once enrolled, you can maximize your likelihood of thriving in online law school:

Create a Dedicated Home Office Space

Set up a quiet, comfortable workspace with strong WiFi to minimize distractions during long study sessions.

Build a Daily Schedule and Routine

Structure your day around classes, reading assignments, study time, breaks, and other obligations to stay on track.

Leverage Professor Office Hours

Meet with professors regularly for guidance just as on-campus students do. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Stay Organized and On Top of Assignments

Use calendars, to-do lists, folders, and note-taking systems to avoid missing deadlines or activities.

Actively Participate in Online Discussions

Treat online class discussions just like in-person seminars by engaging deeply and professionally with peers.

Form Online Study Groups

Connect regularly with a few classmates online to discuss material, swap notes, and prepare for exams together.

Limit Online Distractions

Temporarily block time-wasting websites and apps that derail your concentration during study sessions.

With these proven strategies, an online law program can launch your legal career and open doors to professional success.

Key Takeaways for Studying Law Online Effectively:

• Research programs thoroughly to choose an ABA-accredited law school that fits your needs and career aspirations.
• Create a dedicated home office and daily routine that minimizes distractions during online studies.
• Actively engage with professors and classmates for help, discussions, and networking.
• Use productivity tools like schedules, to-do lists, and groups to stay on track.
• Limit distractions from electronics and the internet while studying to maximize focus.
• Leverage online legal education to open doors that would otherwise be closed by location, cost or scheduling challenges.

Online legal education requires dedication but enables diverse students to achieve their law degree dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Law School

What are the eligibility requirements for online law programs?

The requirements mirror traditional law school admissions. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, competitive GPA, LSAT score, personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation.

Are online law program grads eligible to take the bar exam?

Yes, graduates of ABA-accredited online JD programs meet all requirements to register for and sit for state bar exams.

How do admissions standards compare to traditional law schools?

Top online programs uphold similarly stringent admissions standards as competitive brick-and-mortar law schools. Class profiles feature high GPAs and LSAT scores.

Do all classes take place through pre-recorded videos and readings?

While asynchronous content forms the core, most programs incorporate live interactive lectures, seminars, office hours, group projects and immersive weekends on campus.

How do online students access university law library resources?

Students get remote access to the university library catalog and extensive online legal databases for research. Physical book lending can be requested.

Can students build relationships and connections online?

Yes, most schools facilitate networking through mentor programs, alumni events, online clubs, and immersion experiences on campus. Many connections persist throughout careers.

What percentage of students pass the bar exam?

Quality online law schools produce bar passage rates consistent with national ABA averages. For example, Syracuse Law’s online JD students achieved a 77% first-time pass rate in 2020.

For students who value flexibility, affordability, and access, today’s online law programs fulfill dreams without sacrificing quality. With focus and perseverance, you can succeed.

Tables Comparing Online Law Programs

Top 5 Online Law Schools Ranked

School	2022 US News Rank	Bar Exam Pass Rate	Tuition	App Acceptance Rate
Syracuse University	#50	77%	$49,920	68%
University of Dayton	#102	75%	$36,000	64%
Loyola University Chicago	#71	76%	$45,120	50%
Seton Hall University	#64	73%	$59,850	56%
Penn State	#51	79%	$47,646	56%

Cost Comparison of Online vs On Campus Law Degrees

Expense	Traditional JD Program	Online JD Program
Tuition	$55,000 per year average	$35,000 per year average
Fees	$1,500+ per year	Around $200 per year
Books	$1,500 per year	Free digital materials
Room and Board	$15,000+ per year	Not applicable
Total Estimated Cost	$140,000+	$100,000+

With competitive admissions but lower costs and unparalleled flexibility, online law programs empower diverse students to achieve their law degree aspirations.