The debate regarding the effectiveness of online law schools versus traditional classroom settings continues to be a topic of discussion among students and professionals alike.
As a third-year law student with two years of classroom experience, I am inclined to believe that in-person interactions with both professors and peers are fundamental to legal education and practical training.
My personal experience with online classes during my undergraduate studies was not very productive.
Analyzing British Literature alone was not an effective way to learn the subject matter, and I do not believe that studying law in isolation would be any different.
In this regard, I have listed below some of the advantages and disadvantages of learning law online to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation.
Pros
- More flexibility
The average student at Abraham Lincoln University School of Law in Los Angeles is 45 years old and is employed.
As the degree is completed online and takes four years, students have the flexibility to pace their studies around their life schedules.
- Cost
Abraham Lincoln University charges its students an annual fee of $7,500, which includes fees and materials.
On the other hand, students enrolling in the online program at Concord Law School pay only $9,250 per year, which amounts to $38,000 for a four-year law degree.
This makes it more affordable than attending many private schools, where the cost of a single year can exceed this amount.
Cons
- No accreditation
Currently, the American Bar Association is not granting accreditation to any online J.D. programs, which means that students who complete such programs may be unable to sit for the Bar Exam in certain states. It seems that the ABA has no plans to grant accreditation to these schools in the future.
- No “fear factor”
When I was asked to explain the Statute of Frauds in contracts, I felt unwell. However, it motivated me to read and take notes since I didn’t want to be called on in class and not know the answer.
If I had only been accountable through a screen or on my honor, I wouldn’t have taken my studies as seriously.
Many online law students have to sit for the “Baby Bar” to measure their first-year knowledge of the law, but I believe that the online system encourages procrastination, especially for those who are busy with jobs and families.
- No practical experience
Is there an online legal clinic that helps virtual clients with Alternative Dispute Resolution and Negotiations over the Internet? The practice of law involves sitting with clients face-to-face and helping them resolve their issues.
If law students don’t get the opportunity to do this, how will they fare as lawyers? It’s better to make mistakes in a classroom rather than taking a first shot at mediation with real paying clients.
If someone wants to acquire a J.D. degree to gain knowledge of the law, then online coursework might be a good option.
However, for those who aspire to become lawyers and practice law, attending a traditional law school, interacting with professors and students, and building practical skills would serve them better.
