Complete Guide to Online Law Schools: Advice for Aspiring Legal Professionals

According to U.S. News and World Report, an increasing number of law schools offer full or part-time juris doctor (J.D.) degrees. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the American Bar Association (ABA) allowed up to one-third of accredited law school credits to be taught online. Once the pandemic lockdown occurred, the ABA began to allow those same programs to be held fully online.

Thanks to the ABA’s relaxation of restrictions, legal education is more available to working professionals, non-traditional students, and those who cannot afford the extra expense of living and working out of state to attend law school.

Very few schools have full, online J.D. programs. Most have “reduced residency” programs, requiring at least partial in-person attendance during the first year or internships. Schools in major metropolitan areas, such as the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, have programs with in-person weekend classes. City life and transportation make these programs ideal for local students with city jobs.

Understanding the Different Online Law Degrees

There are many types of legal degrees online. Law schools offer a range of programs, degrees, and courses for aspiring legal professionals.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Online Programs:

• J.D. programs prepare students for one thing: taking and passing the bar exam. A three-year law degree gives students knowledge of sixteen practice areas of law, how they interact, and what attorneys must know to pass the bar in all 50 states.

• To be an online or “distance” approved school the ABA only permits a law school to offer 50% of its courses online. To be fully online, a school must apply for and be granted a variance by the ABA. Not all states allow online JDs to sit for the state bar exam, even with ABA accreditation.

Online Master of Legal Studies (MLS):

• The Master of Legal Studies is a graduate degree for students who want a legal career without taking the bar exam or becoming a litigator. Most MLS programs can be completed in half the time of a law degree and do not require ABA accreditation.

• Current careers open to MLS graduates include regulatory compliance, healthcare, and business management.

LL.M. Degrees:

• Obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree is popular for international lawyers. Lawyers from outside the country need an understanding of U.S. law before they can sit for the bar exam. An LL.M. lets them sit for the bar exam without acquiring another law degree.

• LL.M.s are also useful for practicing attorneys who want to specialize in a practice area like tax law or dispute resolution. The LL.M. serves as a postgraduate degree for lawyers who want to further study their area of expertise.

Accreditation and Licensing

ABA accreditation ensures that all students attending law school in every state receive similar education in legal standards and practices. Students who attend ABA accredited schools can sit for bar exams in any state, whereas graduates of non-accredited schools cannot. This is important for graduates in tri-state areas who may need to practice across state lines and attorneys who plan to move at some point in their careers.

An ABA accreditation has considerable cache among employers because of the requirements for accreditation. The ABA requires schools maintain a 75% bar passage rate among graduates, along with other stringent standards. Non-accredited schools do not have these requirements.

If your school is not ABA accredited, you typically can only sit for the bar exam in your own state. You may also need to pass other exams to get your law license. For instance, in California, you must take the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (the “baby bar”), and pass it within three tries. The school must be registered with the State Bar of California’s Committee of Bar Examiners.

Nearly all states require ABA accreditation to become practicing attorneys. California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington are the only states which allow graduates of unaccredited schools to take the bar exam and practice law. There may be additional requirements such as a year’s apprenticeship with an attorney.

As of 2024, California is the only state that allows graduates with 100% online degrees to take the bar exam. All other states, even those with fully ABA-accredited online law schools, have not yet permitted students to take the bar exam unless they have some in-person class time. If you plan to take the bar exam, you must take a hybrid program in all states except California. If you intend to take the bar in other states, you may need to consider an in-person degree program. Talk to the school’s guidance counselor for more information.

Financial Aid and Online Law School Costs

It’s a well-known fact that law school is very expensive. This has not changed since the early days of law school. According to U.S. News & World Report, the average tuition for an in-person law school in 2023 was about $65,000 per year, or $195,000 for a three-year full-time degree—not including living expenses. Out-of-state tuition fees and living costs can double that.

Although most online accredited schools feature prices that are not dramatically different, averaging around $32,000 - $56,000 per year for an online degree, the financial benefits of obtaining a law school online come from reduced travel time and flexible schedules. Since you can take courses without having to travel across town, even a hybrid school saves time and money.

Many online J.D. courses are designed with working professionals in mind. Asynchronous classes can be started at any time and completed on your own schedule, so you don’t have to take time away from work or spend precious PTO days completing homework.

All in all, you may need financial assistance to complete law school. Think carefully and consider consulting a financial advisor before getting a student loan. Remember that your post-law school employment is often contingent on passing the bar exam.

Other possibilities for financial aid include:

• Employer Tuition Assistance:

Your company may have programs to help employees who are trying to advance in the workplace. Ask HR if yours is one of them.

• Scholarships:

These require research, but many are available online. Although they are often small, they are helpful for paying for books, new computers, and other incidentals.

• Federal Grants:

These are often available for lower-income students. Ask the school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify.

What Can You Do with an Online Law Degree?

You can do just about the same things with an online law degree as you can with a brick-and-mortar degree. The only thing that may be out of your reach is taking the bar exam in other states if you obtained your degree from a fully online college in a state that does not allow it. According to the ABA Journal,  only half of the class of 2018 were working as attorneys in 2022. Many had found positions in other legal fields such as government and corporate work.

If you don’t plan to spend time in the courtroom, a law degree can open doors into public policy–helping craft legislation and public works. You can work with non-profit agencies, helping implement regulations for the benefit of the people they were designed to help. Corporations need legal specialists to guide them safely and profitably through a maze of contracts and regulatory requirements, not to mention demand letters and lawsuits. And all this without ever taking the bar!

J.D. Careers:

If you obtain a juris doctor degree, you are probably considering a career in law or litigation. Traditional legal careers include litigation attorneys, corporate law, criminal justice, and family law.

Having a law degree is as advantageous as any graduate degree. It can be leveraged into a number of non-lawyer careers, such as management, arbitration, and document review, which require the services of barred attorneys but not necessarily practicing attorneys (Personal knowledge).

LL.M. and MLS Careers:

LL.M.s are often earned by foreign attorneys newly arrived in the U.S. who need a quick review of the American legal system. Once they have their degree in hand, they are able to take the bar exam and begin practicing law in their respective state. Other LL.M.s are specialists in certain practice areas like environmental law, divorce law, or gas and oil regulation.

The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree opens a remarkably rich field of opportunities, with non-lawyer roles that require legal thinking in nearly every industry. Some possibilities include:

• Investigations: Agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Public Defender’s Office, and private agencies need people who can correlate information and relay it in legal terminology.

• Regulatory compliance: Corporations, financial institutions, hospitals, and schools must all comply with state and federal regulations to avoid penalties and obtain funding. Someone who can understand legalese and complete documentation is essential to these businesses’ operations.

• Healthcare: The complicated interaction of regulations, insurance, and legal requirements has put an increasing burden on the healthcare industry. Legal professionals are becoming an essential part of providing healthcare to the public.

Notable Online Law Schools

These are only samples of the colleges and law schools available to students. For more information, visit the ABA’s list of accredited online law schools, or consult your state bar website.

Washington University LL.M. Programs

Washington University in St. Louis (Kansas) has LL.M. programs for international attorneys seeking a fast-track into the American legal system, and specialization degrees for U.S. attorneys.

• LL.M. program: This can be customized for the student or one of Washington University’s existing LL.M. tracks: Taxation Law, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, and IP and Technology Law.

• Two-Year LL.M.: This is designed for international lawyers who need to represent clients with American business interests and those whose command of the English language is not sufficient to let them attend an American law school.  International applicants must have a law degree from their home country. Part of the course includes an immersion class in legal English that must be taken in person on campus.

• IP and Technology LL.M .: This is a one-year graduate degree that focuses entirely on current legal trends in intellectual property and technology. The course teaches practical knowledge of the social and political factors affecting changes in the laws and what lawyers must do to prepare for these changes.

Drexel University Hybrid JD Program

Drexel University offers an online/hybrid law school program: The Thomas R. Kline School of Law. This program features asynchronous courses where you may log in and participate at any time of day. Note that much of your grade is based on your daily and weekly participation. Under the university and New York rules, only 19 online credits may be applied toward your J.D. degree.

The state of New York bar examiners recently changed the bar requirements to allow up to 15 asynchronous credits (as opposed to “synchronous” or timed courses) to apply toward bar exam credits. Be sure to confirm the most recent requirements with the admissions office. Drexel University does not have a separate admissions fee for online/hybrid courses. Tuition is $55,200 per year, or $1,840 per credit hour if you take less than nine credits. Financial aid is available.

Purdue Global Master of Legal Studies programs

The Purdue Global MLS is a fully online graduate degree designed for working professionals who want to expand their legal knowledge. The degree is intended for those who want a knowledge of law but do not plan to make their career in litigation. Purdue’s program is a 55-quarter unit program with a core curriculum in legal research, writing, and ethics. Students will specialize in family law, civil or criminal responsibility, or contracts.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA—transcripts will need to be submitted prior to the start date. Applicants may also need to pass a background check for some programs. Purdue does not allow graduate students to take more than 10 units per term (quarter). Graduate degree costs are $420 per credit, plus fees. Financial aid and scholarships may be available.

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Albany Law School Graduate program/ Albany Law School Flex JD

Albany Law School features two graduate programs, a Master of Science in Law and the law school’s Flex J.D.

The Flex Juris Doctorate is a full-time J.D. intended for individuals who already have a baccalaureate or graduate degree at another accredited college. Students without a degree may be accepted with exceptional academic credentials and proof of at least 75% completion towards their bachelor’s degree.

The Flex J.D. prepares students to take the bar exam, and also offers law students *

• Business Law

• Environmental Law

• Government Law and Public Service

• Social Justice and Public Interest

Annual tuition for the Flex J.D. is the same as for the in-person law school, $54,852. Scholarships and financial aid is available. Students must take the LSAT and provide official transcripts, a statement of interest, and letters of recommendation. Interested applicants should contact the Admissions Office.

The Albany Graduate Program has three courses for law students who don’t plan to take the bar.

Comparison of Albany Law School Programs

Program	Credit Hours	Cost per Credit
Master of Science in Law (MLS)	30 credit-hours for students who do not plan to take the bar exam.	$1,591 per credit.
Master of Laws (LLM)	24 credit-hours for students with law degrees or bar cards who need to take the state bar.	$2,011 per credit
Advanced Certificates	9 credit-hour courses for any student with a bachelor’s who wants to study a niche topic in legal studies.	$1,591 per credit

Students planning on entering the graduate program must provide a statement of interest, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) has more than 15 concentrations available for students wanting a graduate degree in law without taking the bar exam. ASU’s graduate legal program can also prepare students to continue in their legal career and take the bar if they desire. Concentration options include:

• Arizona Legal Paraprofessional

• Business Law

• Conflict Resolution

• Construction Law

• Contract Management

• Corporate and Healthcare Compliance

• Criminal Law

• Federal Indian Law

• Healthcare Law and Administration

• Indian Gaming

• Intellectual Property Law

• Law and Sustainability

• Sports Law and Business

• Tribal Self-Governance

ASU features asynchronous start dates, full-time and part-time class options, and no entrance exam requirements. The course is designed for working professionals and full-time students alike.

The application process is entirely online. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of interest, a CV or resume, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation. Tuition is $30,337 excluding living expenses. Interested students should contact the admissions department.

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Dayton University LLM/ Dayton University JD

Dayton University’s 90-credit Online/Hybrid J.D. can be completed in less than four years. It consists of online classes, live courses, and in-person class time. Students can expect to commit 15-30 hours of online time a week to complete their J.D.

The curriculum covers all required topics to pass the bar exam including criminal law, torts, contracts, and professional responsibility. Students also get experience in transactional drafting and trial practice to prepare them to become practicing attorneys.

The Online/Hybrid system has not been approved in all states, so students should contact the admissions office to ensure their degree will be accepted in their home state.

Dayton’s LL.M. Program is a 100% online asynchronous course that can be completed in one year for committed students. Semesters start in January, May, and August to conform with the bar exam schedules.

Dayton follows a curriculum that meets the bar exam requirements for California, Washington, and Washington D.C. Graduates have free access to bar prep programs from Dayton University, and reduced rates from BARBRI, Kaplan, Helix, and Themis Bar Review.

Both J.D. and LL.M. applicants must submit transcripts, CV or resume, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, English proficiency exam (if applicable), attorney registration or bar card (if applicable), and LSAT scores for J.D. applicants.

Franklin Pierce School of Law

The University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law offers a unique part-time hybrid J.D. program for students unable to leave work to complete a law degree. Programs are designed with minimal in-person and live requirements and maximum remote coursework. In addition to the Intellectual Property, Technology, and Information Law J.D. concentration, Franklin Pierce has a number of other concentrations for incoming students, including:

• Business Law

• Criminal Law

• Intellectual Property: Patent Law

• Intellectual Property: Trademarks and Copyright

• Sports and Entertainment Law

• Litigation

• Public Interest and Social Justice

Franklin Pierce Law School also had dual degrees in tandem with the parent university UNH, such as JD/MBA, JD/MSW (Master of Social Work), JD/MPP (Master of Public Policy), and LL.M.s.

Applicants must apply through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service, and provide the school with a official transcripts, personal statement, CV or resume, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores.

Tuition is $45,000 per year for residents, $49,000 per year for non-residents. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Liberty University

The Juris Master (JM) from Liberty University is a unique degree, combining the formal study of law with the flexibility of a master’s degree. The online degree is not accredited by the American Bar Association, so students planning to take the bar exam should discuss their options with Liberty University’s admissions office.

The Juris Master degree prepares students for careers in the public sector, nonprofit agencies, or politics. Professionals who lack time to drop everything and attend a full-time law school and don’t need a formal law degree can benefit from online courses, with specializations in some popular career tracks.

• American Legal Studies

• Compliance

• Health Law

• International Legal Studies

International attorneys and those who already have a law degree can benefit from Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Legal Studies. This postgraduate degree is designed for students seeking advanced training in international law and policy.

Tuition is $565 per credit for full-time students, $615 for part-time. Military students receive a 50% discount ($275 per credit). Interested students should contact the admissions office for more information.

Applicants must submit all documents through LSAC. Liberty University requires official transcripts, a personal statement, CV or resume, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores or bar card.

Southwestern Law School

Southwestern Law School had the first ABA-accredited online J.D. program in the nation. It features full-time and part-time asynchronous classes with live Zoom options for students who need in-person time with professors and classmates. Students receive the same top-tier curriculum as students at Southwestern’s in-person law school. Southwestern’s programs are designed to prepare students for the bar exam and geared towards students who need maximum flexibility in scheduling.

Available concentrations for students looking to start work as soon as they leave school include:

• Civil Litigation & Advocacy

• Criminal Law & Advocacy

• Critical Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies

• Entertainment & Media Law

• Labor and Employment Law

• Public Interest Law

• Technology Law & Entrepreneurship

Tuition for full-time and part-time online programs is the same as the in-person programs. Scholarships and financial aid is available. Students should contact the admissions office for more information.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to attend Southwestern. Applicants must submit all application documents through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. Requirements include LSAT scores, official transcripts, a writing sample, personal interviews, letters of recommendation, and other requirements for the applicant’s program, if any.

St. Mary’s University Law School

St. Mary’s University Law School has three advanced legal degrees for law students and legal professionals.

The Online J.D. Program is a limited enrollment, part-time program intended for students who cannot attend a full-time in-person law school. The St. Mary’s online program follows the same curriculum as the in-person course, and graduates are eligible to sit for the Texas bar upon completion.

To keep courses personal and ensure each online student receives the best possible education, St. Mary’s limits the course to 25 students per class.

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a two-semester, 24 credit-hour course for students with an existing J.D. or current bar card who want to specialize in a practice area. International attorneys often obtain an LL.M. prior to sitting for the bar in a U.S. state. St. Mary’s has both in-person part-time and online LL.M. courses.

The Master of Jurisprudence (M.Jur.) is a graduate degree for non-lawyers looking for ways to advance their professional careers. The M.Jur. is a two-semester, 30 credit-hour course with both part-time and online options. This degree does not prepare students for the bar exam, and is not required as a prerequisite for law school.

Tuition for the online programs depends on the number of hours taken. Interested students should contact the admissions office directly for more information.

The is a degree for non-lawyers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of legal concepts to enhance their professional lives where they intersect with the law. It is not a prerequisite to the J.D. or a means to gain admission to a J.D. program.

To apply, students must submit official transcripts, a CV or resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Law school applicants must submit LSAT scores. LL.M. applicants whose native language is other than English must take the TOEFL before admission.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re considering a legal career, online education can get you the same degree with less time and cost commitment. You must do some research beforehand to ensure the school you’re attending gives you the education and degree you need.

Contact the American Bar Association or your state bar, and any of the colleges listed here for more information and start your legal career today.

Sources

• https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/law-admissions-lowdown/articles/advice-for-choosing-an-online-j-d-program

• https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/distance_education/

• https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/legal_education_and_admissions_to_the_bar/standards/2024-2025/2024-2025-standards-toc.pdf

• https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Requirements/Education/Legal-Education/Fixed-Facility

• https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/the-short-list-grad-school/articles/most-expensive-law-schools

• https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/only-51-of-class-of-2018-law-grads-practice-in-law-firms-nalp-report-finds

• https://www.lawcrossing.com/article/900042904/60-Nontraditional-Jobs-You-Can-Do-with-a-Law-Degree-and-Should-Strongly-Consider-Doing/