distance learning LLM from University of Connecticut

I just got an information package about the U of Connecticut distance learning LLM program, and it sounds like a very good program. I think this would be a very good choice for someone with an LLB from the UK or SA looking for a distance learning LLM from an ABA law school.

http://www.law.uconn.edu/academics/ilc/distlrn.html

 

If you are interested in insurance law this program looks pretty good.

It won't qualify the holder to take the Bar exam in many of those states that accept an LL.M. in lieu of a J.D. because it doesn't cover the specific material those states often require.

At $19,000 it is by no means ridiculously expensive, especially for a Master of Laws from an ABA school.

 

But don't forget...

Remember that the ABA only accredits JD programs, not the schools that offer them and all of said school's other (non-JD or post-JD) programs. Therefore, even if a given law school's JD program is ABA-accredited, its LLM would not be. For a given LLM to have academic credibility, its grantor would need to be regionally accredited (or have some other CHEA-approved or equivalent USDOE accreditation).

From the ABA web site:

The American Bar Association’s approval of a law school extends only to the first professional degree in law (J.D.) offered by a law school. ABA approval of a school’s J.D. program provides bar admission authorities, students and the public assurance that the law school’s J.D. program meets the Standards established by the ABA and that graduates of the school have completed an educational program that prepares them for admission to the bar and to participate effectively and responsibly in the legal profession.

ABA approval does not extend to any program supporting any other degree granted by the law school. Rather the content and requirements of those degrees, such as an LL.M., are created by the law school itself and do not reflect any judgment by the ABA regarding the quality of the program. Moreover, admission requirements for such programs vary from school to school, and are not evaluated through the ABA accreditation process. The ABA Accreditation process does not evaluate in any way whether a school’s post-J.D. degree program ensures that students in the program gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to prepare the student adequately for the practice of law. It is the long-standing position of the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar that no graduate degree is or should be a substitute for the J.D., and that a graduate degree should not be considered the equivalent of the J.D. for bar admission purposes.

The Standards for Approval of Law Schools prohibit an approved law school from establishing a post-J.D. program without first obtaining the acquiescence of the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. However, the ABA reviews post-J.D. degree programs only to determine whether the offering of such post-J.D. program would have an adverse impact on the law school's ability to comply with the Standards that the ABA establishes for J.D. programs. If no adverse impact is indicated, the ABA acquiesces in the law school's decision to offer the non-J.D. program and degree. Acquiescence in a post-J.D. program does not constitute ABA approval or endorsement of such a program. (Adopted by the Council, February 2002)

 

Yes, and that's why I said "from an ABA school".

However, despite the vigorous policy statement from the ABA's site, they DO in fact accredit one school that offers an LL.M. only; the U.S. Army's JAG school in Virginia. I don't know why this anomaly exists.

The U of Conn is certainly regionally accredited therefore its LL.M. would be R/A.

 

Really? Hmm. That is weird. I'll have to check that out... as if I had the time.

Keep up the good work!

 

Is this program really available via real dl? Or is it an instate, video based, dl program?

 

Accredited degree?

The admissions requirements State: " Applicants for admission to the Insurance Law LL.M. program must hold a J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school or a law degree from a faculty outside the U.S., or an advanced degree in a related field. "

There seems to be some wiggle room here. They do not specify that the JD program must be ABA approved. Furthermore, "an advanced dgree in a related field" appears to be an acceptable alternative to a law degree.

 

True. I wonder if they'd accept a JD from, say, University of LaVern or the New School in San Francisco? Both are regionally accredited but their law schools are Calbar, not ABA.

Or how about Taft? Their JD is DETC accredited.

Actually, if the student looked good over all, I bet they'd considerit.

 

According to this .pdf chart there are several states, including Connecticut that allows LLM from an ABA school to tak their bar. Does my analysis appear to be correct?

 

Yes. Some states will allow the holder of ANY LL.M. from an ABA school to take the bar. Others require certain subjects. Still others require a certain number of semester hours in certain subjects but do not require the degree.

These rules change frequently. Always check first!

 

Thanks Nosborne for the info.

What's the quickest way to get each state's updated rules info?

 

Thanks Nosborne for the info.

What's the quickest way to get each state's updated rules info?

 

A chance for a plug! For a listing of the dl courses/programs available in Connecticut (not just to Connecticut residents, but from Connecticut colleges/universities) please go here:
http://www.ctdlc.org
Jack

 

In my opinion, the only "reliable" way would be to contact each state bar directly and get written correspondence from them. The ABA chart is the best "quick" source of information. Good luck!

 

Right on both counts.

 

Can civilians enroll in the JAG school's LLM program?

 

Always, always, always consult the state's Bar or Committee of Bar Examiners or Supreme Court or whatever entity makes the rules in that state. But, there's also The Bar Guide, which provides a decent summary. But, as Nosborne48 said, it can change; and you shouldn't rely on such as The Bar Guide to provide the latest, best information. What you can rely on The Bar Guide for is good web links to (and sometimes email addresses for) the entities within each state that make the decisions.

There's also this interesting table.