Currently, the American Bar Association (ABA) does not accept the accreditation of any institution that provides a JD degree through distance learning. (See Reference 1.) Since 49 states require that graduates earn a degree approved by the ABA in order to take the Bar exam required to practice law, graduates of distance learning law programs cannot practice in those states. (See Reference 2.)
California is the only state that allows graduates from distance learning law programs to take the Bar exam. In order to do this, however, students must have completed their pre-legal education and have graduated from a distance learning program that requires at least 864 hours of preparation and study per year. The distance learning program must also be registered with the California Bar Committee. (See Reference 3.)
Students or graduates with distance learning law degrees can still attempt to practice law in other states by first practicing in California. After practicing for a few years, it may then be possible to transfer to another state. Alternatively, some who receive JD degrees do not wish to become lawyers. If this is the case, the law degrees of these graduates would depend not on the state, but on the degree acceptance requirements of the university or employer. Graduates from online JD programs can then work in the legal field, or even in arenas as diverse as healthcare administration or business management. (See Reference 2.)
Currently, the California Bar Association accepts distance learning law degrees from only five schools: Abraham Lincoln University School of Law, California School of Law, American Heritage University, Concord Law School of Kaplan University, and California Midland School of Law. (See Reference 4.)