Indepth Experience with ALU, Concord, NWCU. Can someone summarize week

I need your help. Im trying to compare Abraham Lincoln, Concord, and NWCU and compare them.. Please help. (also is taft even in the league?)


Can anyone post an indepth experience to summarize how each school
operates for all to review on a week's basis. I realize we had that
woman name Karen do it for NWCU but then she dropped off. But I mean


Watch Tape <Lecture was boring/able to watch/fell asleep during
it/studied without lecture> <Amount of Time>
Study material <standard, how much time>
Discussion Section via Online Chat. <same/different prof> <was/wasn't
helpful> <How much time>
Homework <How much time, how hard>
Grades fair/curved/hard

Total time spent = 10 hours?



Also what are people experience when dealing with employers and
saying NWCU, ALU, or Concord.

 

My own thoughts and perspective on the schools

I don't have any first hand experience on this subject, but I do know a little. I've been following (off and on) the distance education law programs since shortly before first reading Dr. Bear’s writings about them some years back. Originally I was only aware of Concord since it was a new institution at the time, and received quite a bit of publicity. Since then I've done some limited research into the matter because both I and someone close to me have gained considerable interest in possibly pursuing a bar qualifying JD at some point. While I can't in good conscience say I'm knowledgeable about this area, I can say I've looked into it, and have learned a few things.

Concord is the most expensive of the schools listed, they are nationally accredited (DETC) and seem to have a plan of education similar to traditional law school methods. I've heard by (but don't know if this is true) some that they use many of the same approaches such as the Socratic Method, and that they focus on the "case" approach. I've also heard that they have developed a strong community of learners and that they have pre-recorded video lectures given by some very notable legal minds. Their bar pass rates have not been particularly high, but they are a valid attempt to bring more traditional methods of law study to distance learning students.

http://www.concord.kaplan.edu/info/custom/concord/index.asp?source=600019
http://www.concord.kaplan.edu/info/custom/concord/schoolinfo/approval.asp?GUID=333C7C52C14043F6974F72539EFE76C7250975755178429115

Northwestern California is one of the least expensive of the school and has a long history of training lawyers and those interested in the law. I have heard favorable things about them and read others report that there is a definite community of learners, and that the faculty is very response about mentoring law students. They have a solid reputation among distance education law schools, and from what I've read very loyal students. They also seem to have a strong following of supporters on this board. In regard to study methods, they seem to be more independent-study driven than concord, but from all accounts a good solid DL option if you’d like to study law and work to sit for the California Bar Exam. They've also had their share of decent bar pass rates.

http://www.nwculaw.edu/

Taft is a decent DL California bar qualifying option as well. Taft is Nationally Accredited (DETC) and is a member of AACRAO and CALI, and has even been cited by a member of the California House of Representative before Congress as "providing quality distance education programs to adults and professional for over 25 years" (Sanchez, L. S., 2002). They also have decent bar pass rates. I haven't heard or read too much regarding their educational process, nor have I had any conversations with a current student, however by all accounts they seem to be a decent school. If I personally was considering a California Bar qualifying DL JD program, Taft would be on my short list. But that's only my personal viewpoint.

I do believe the person who runs Taft is a regular contributor to this board, and takes an active role in discussion threads, rather than self-promotion of his own school. This in my book is a strong sign of integrity. Again, only in my personal opinion.

http://www.taft.edu/gi4.htm
http://www.taft.edu/congress_recog.htm I don't know

Abraham Lincoln I know the least about. I remember reading recently (somewhere) that they were applying for national accreditation (DETC). Beyond that, I'd be of little help as a source of information.

http://www.alu.edu/law/law.html

As a side note: The person who I know that was looking into DL California Bar qualifying law options, had a similar perspective to my own on these schools. Although we both considered them separately, we discussed this topic several times. They were interested mainly in Taft and NWCal at the time, but due to limited finances decided to pursue NWCal. I believe they've enrolled or are enrolling, but I haven't asked them about it in a while.

As to myself, I am interested from the perspective of a teacher, and have considered at some distant future date enrolling and studying law, then once bar qualified, studying law as it relates to public & private school education. I did talk with in messages, then later on the phone, a representative of Concord (while considering the option of enrolling upon completion of my Masters Program). The conversation very much turned me off on the idea of study with Concord because the man seemed very disinterested in my enrollment as a student upon hearing that I was considering it as an option for a year or two from now. He also seemed (from my perspective) offended that I asked questions regarding Concord, and referred to concord as a “real law school”, as if I didn’t already consider it such. I am not making any negative statement about the school itself, because I always did consider it a real law school and a viable alternative for those wishing to pursue DL law study. However, the man I spoke with (can’t remember his name) did make me somewhat less enthusiastic about considering it as a prospect for my continuing education. Also, out of sincere interest, I requested and he agreed to send information to both my mailing address, and email address, as of yet, I have received neither.

You should be aware (if you aren't already) that DL Bar Qualifying JD programs are not ABA approved, or Accredited. The only bar exam you may be able to (initially) sit for is the California Baby Bar, and later California Bar Exam. Even after becoming a Cal Bar Qualified Attorney you will have somewhat limited options if you wish to sit for another state's bar exam and practice law in a different state. However, if DL law program suits your needs then I applaud you for the initiative. I believe it to be a rigorous and intensive undertaking and course of study. I for one would respect someone who has the dedication and focus to become a lawyer through the DL or independent study route.

If you'd like a more informed viewpoint, there are many on this board who are far more knowledgeable about both law and DL law study options than I. I am neither a lawyer, nor a DL law student, and so mostly what I have to offer is my personal opinion.

I believe if Nosborne would chime in on this thread, he seems quite knowledgeable about both the law and DL law programs. It is my understanding that he's a current student with University of London studying law, as well as a Lawyer himself.

If anyone finds anything I've said inaccurate or incorrect, please feel free to correct me. This is a subject I'd like to learn about myself, and I'd hate to post misinformation to someone with a sincere interest.

I realize I have not truly anwered your request or questions, but I am hoping that I might have been of help in some small way. I too would like to know what the journey is like for a current student. The one person I know who will be undertaking DL study is far too new at DL law study to answer my own questions.

 

intro2life's post is as accurate and complete as my own knowledge would permit.


I would like to add, however, that D/L law study for the California lawyer MIGHT have one additional advantage. The D/L student will be financially able to accept low paying public service positions. This work, which I have done a LOT of over the years, is the most rewarding and interesting kind of practice to me. These agencies (legal services, public defender etc.) cannot be very choosey about where an applicant got his degree.

So for the aspiring California public interest lawyer, I'd first recommend a STATE school, UCLA, Boalt Hall, UC Hastings or UC Davis, then maybe, just maybe, I'd do D/L instead of attending a private, very expensive school.