Online Law Educational Programs and Degrees

November 28th, 2011 by admin No comments »

Students that want to become attorneys need to successfully complete the correct amount of schooling. Students have to complete a specific level of education in order to practice law. Online colleges and universities offer students numerous opportunities to step into careers.

The first thing that needs to be completed in order to enter law school is a bachelor’s degree program. Students can complete a program in any field they desire. Law schools recommend taking some pre-law or paralegal courses to prepare students for training inside their chosen law program. Once a bachelor’s degree is completed students can enter law school. The Law School Admissions Test has to be passed in order to start education.

A Juris Doctor degree is what allows students to step into the industry. Programs typically last three years and train students in all foundational areas of law. Elective courses are often taken to create a personalized degree so students can work in their desired area of law. Many students combine their degree with another master’s degree level program in a specific area of law, which makes training at least two to four years longer. Common courses taken inside a Juris Doctor degree program may include:

  • Legal Writing
  • Torts
  • Comparative Environmental Law

Upon completion of a program students are required to pass a bar exam to legally practice law. For online students this is extremely important because the American Bar Association does not accredit online schools. Some states allow students that have completed an online law program to petition to take the exam. Students have to pass the exam in the state they will practice in. It is strongly recommended that students check with their state to ensure their online education will allow them to become licensed lawyers. If a particular state does not recognize online degree programs as sufficient training, students will have to attend a traditional college.

Online education provides students with many concentrations. Students that complete their education online can find a program that matches their interests. Some concentration areas may include:

*Business Law

Both business and law are incorporated into graduate degree study. Coursework explores the main areas where both fields meet each other. Areas like contracts and mergers are studied to prepare students for careers. Law and business concepts are combined together to create a unique educational training opportunity. Bankruptcy law, taxation law, community property, and marketing management are some courses that emphasize both the business and law industries.

*Family Law

The general practice of family law will be examined in this concentration. Students learn how to handle child custody disputes, divorces, abuse cases, and more. Education typically includes general criminal law and all the necessary family law courses. Adoption law, legal rights of children, and nontraditional family law are some courses taken.

Law Studies

November 1st, 2011 by admin No comments »

A basic education in law studies can be gained at either a vocational school, college or law school. As a standard requisite to becoming a lawyer, students must earn their law degree through an accredited law studies program.

Designed for a wide range of legal professions, law schools offer the vital training and skills necessary to begin a career in law and criminal justice. Diverse in curriculum, the study of law may involve legal aspects of Administration, Business and Bankruptcy, Civil and Communications Law, Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Cyberspace Law, Education and Environmental Law, as well as Estates, Trusts and Wills. Other areas covered can include Family, Health and Immigration Law, Insurance Law, Intellectual Property (Copyright Issues), Employment and Labor Law, and countless other associated studies.

Though no two law schools are the same, students who desire to work in the legal field should steer their academic curriculum toward their specific area of interest. Because undergraduate law studies encompass many of the above mentioned course topics, it is important for prospective students to focus on one or two primary areas of the law so to gain the most out of their educational experience.

A challenging academic field, law studies attained through a vocational school or college can be quite beneficial to those who are seriously contemplating a career as a practicing attorney. Prior law studies are almost always required and are extremely useful when applying to any law school or trade school geared toward law. Some of these prerequisite classes may include Introduction to Insurance, Law and Legal Processes, Business Law, Elementary Latin, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Public Speaking, and Psychology, in addition to a general education.

Law studies provided at trade or vocational schools should be considered entry-level, and may lead toward professional certification or an Associate degree. Students who have successfully completed law school can go into relevant legal professions involving legal and paralegal or justice areas including corrections and law enforcement. In addition, the ambitious student can continue his or her law studies at a college or university in order to become a practicing lawyer.