Only eight states allow graduates of state-approved, non-ABA law schools to be accepted to the bar: Tennessee, Nevada, California, Michigan, Massachussetts, Connecticut, Alabama and Puerto Rico. Other states require graduation from ABA law schools; if from an unapproved school, must have several years experience practicing as an attorney in another state or country.
Currently, no ABA-accredited law schools offer the J.D. degree through online learning, independent study or correspondence. However, California distance-learning law schools do allow a student to sit for the bar examination and practice, but only in California. It is important to remember that California distance-learning law schools are not state approved either. Schools offering instruction via distance or correspondence, and "fixed-facility" are all categorized as unaccredited law schools in California. Schools of law providing teaching and instruction inside of a classroom for four years, 270 hours each year, are fixed-facility schools, according to the California Bar Association. (Reference 2)
The distance-learning method of studying law is appealing in terms of time, flexibility and cost, particularly for people with family and job commitments. However, there are some important disadvantages to consider when thinking about enrolling in an unapproved law school, no matter what the learning method is.
Students attending unapproved law schools are at a distinct disadvantage, compared to those graduating from ABA-accredited law schools. Always investigate bar examination pass/fail rates of schools interested in attending, especially if the school is unapproved. California bar examination results show that in February 2010, only 22 percent of exam takers from unaccredited law schools passed as compared to 60 percent of those from ABA schools. Only 30 percent of those from California state-approved law schools passed the same exam. Those graduating from a non-ABA school will need to practice for several years in one state before being able to practice in other states. However, over 19 states and territories require graduation from an ABA law school no matter what.
Students graduating from law schools outside the U.S. must have their records and credentials evaluated by the nearest state bar association to ascertain whether the foreign law program matches with law education in the U.S. Since the Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) degree is the typical first law degree abroad, most state bar associations will require students trained outside of U.S. borders to complete a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) program at an ABA-accredited law school. It is essential to contact the state bar association for specific information as there are differences in what will be required. Some states will be more accommodating than others.