University of London Law program

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by iquagmire, Feb 23, 2005.

Loading...
  1. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    I am currently in a Master in International Business program at Nova and wanted to know if anyone has any info on the UL Law program?

    I need a distance law degree but I may or may not use it to practice law as much as I would use it in business. I thought of Concord and Taft but University of London seems to be a more respected university?

    I'd like to know if the program is good, how much it costs and how would it be perceived in the US.

    Any info would help. Thanks.

    Gilbert
     
  2. little fauss

    little fauss New Member

    Talk to Nosborne48. From what I hear, a very respected program that they've recently improved.
     
  3. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    Nosborne,

    I hope you can give me some insight. I saw that the program was around 11k is that correct? And they have a new LLM program - do you know what that's about?
     
  4. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    First: The University of London LL.B. program will not, by itself, qualify you to take the Bar examination in any U.S. state. Neither will their LL.M.

    You would likely have to complete an LL.M. or at least thirty semester credits in an ABA approved law school in order to qualify.

    Second: The new London LL.M. program is MUCH more expensive than the old program (which is no longer registering new students). Depending on the dollar vs. the pound, I think you are close on the price of the new program.

    Last: IF you intend to practice law in the U.S., I STRONGLY urge you to consider obtaining your first professional degree from an American school. If you want to practice in Florida, this MUST be an ABA degree.

    The fact is, no other country has the constitutional setup we have. Failure to understand our basic law will make passing the Bar very, very difficult.

    Information on the London program can be found at www.londonexternal.ac.uk
     
  5. renee231

    renee231 New Member

    Hello Nosborne48,

    I've been reading your posts and you seem to be quite knowledgeable about distance learning.

    My question is: Where or how can I find out about financial aid other than federal (which is the best) for foreign universities (I'm interested in either UNISA or Uni. of London external 's LLB program). From my research, London external does offer federal financial aid, if my research is correct. However, UNISA does not offer aid only for South African students only.

    I am a single parent working full-time without good credit. Please advise.

    Thank you, Nosborne48 for your help!

    renee
     
  6. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    Federal financial aid is not available for any London external program as far as I have been able to determine.

    Federal financial aid IS available for those fortunate enough to study as resident students in one of the colleges of the University of London.

    I know of no American or foreign first degree in law D/L program for which federal aid is available because DETC accreditation does not authorize title IV funding.
     
  7. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    Thank you for the info Nosborne - I'm going to have to reconsider this now. I'm not really interested in practicing law - but I wanted the prestige of a UofL degree. I was thinking of doing a DETC law degree first, then the LLM at UofL.

    Another question - Did you find it difficult learning a new system of law after getting a US JD?
     
  8. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    No, not really, for two reasons: The LL.M. is much more policy and theory oriented than an LL.B. or J.D. program is. Most of what I am learning applies equally well in all modern legal systems.

    Second, while there certainly ARE major differences in the substantive law of the U.K. and the U.S., the rules (Hart would call them the secondary rules) for finding the law, changing the law, and adjudication under the law are pretty much the same as in any other common law jurisdiction.

    Finally, of course, they DO speak a kind of English, however corrupt! :D
     
  9. nosborne48

    nosborne48 Well-Known Member

    Oh, one other thing. If you are thinking of getting a law license via D/L, be advised that the ONLY state that will license you without additional study or experience is California. Once you have a few years of practice experience, you can get licensed in about twenty other states.

    There are a few VERY cheap California D/L J.D. programs out there. One of the best, if you don't object to the heavy religious emphasis, is Oak Brook at about $3,000 per year for four years. They will work with you on payment plans, I think.

    My personal favorite is Northwestern California University at about $2,500 per year for four years. Its first time taker Bar passage rate is lower than Oak Brook's, though. Neither is DETC accredited. However, a law license is itself a valuable academic credential for further study. DETC accreditation is of questionable value, especially since it doesn't qualify the student for federal financial aid.

    A B.A. or A.A. isn't necessary to complete these programs. CLEP scores are often acceptable instead.

    A complete list of these schools is found under Bar Exam Law schools at www.calbar.ca.gov
     
  10. renee231

    renee231 New Member

    Thank you Nosborne48, for your quick response!!
     
  11. iquagmire

    iquagmire Member

    Thank you Nosborne, for all of your information. Especially the comparision of NWCL and Oak Brook. I thought of Northwestern Cal but I could get my employer to pay up to 5k for an accredited program (which I assumed would mean DETC as well as RA).
     

Share This Page