DL Law/Non-Bar Utility

Figured I might as well throw in the cirriculum of the program at my sometimes-employer so we can have dueling cirricula:

Friends University

Master of Studies in Business Law - curriculum

The Master of Studies in Business Law is offered by the Graduate School. The MSBL Program is designed to prepare students to identify and resolve legal and ethical issues in business and professional environments.

The MSBL program is offered in 12, eight-week courses, in which students attend classes one night a week for four hours and earn three hours of credit for each course completed. The program is divided into four enrollment terms, each consisting of three courses.

MSBL 510 Foundations of Legal Study 3 hours
MSBL 520 Legal Research and Writing 3 hours
MSBL 530 Contracts 3 hours
MSBL 540 Torts and Insurance Law 3 hours
MSBL 550 Property 3 hours
MSBL 560 Law and Economics 3 hours
MSBL 610 Corporations 3 hours
MSBL 620 Unincorporated Business Associations 3 hours
MSBL 630 Employment Law 3 hours
MSBL 640 Business/Legal Ethics 3 hours
MSBL 650 Dispute Resolution 3 hours
MSBL 660 Master’s Research Project 3 hours
TOTAL MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 36 HOURS

 

GBrown,

I completed a year of correspondence CA bar qualifying law study in 1998. I took the Baby Bar once and failed and never try it again.

Currently, I am taking my 7th Ph.D. course with TUI. Once I am done with that degree, I think I will sit for the Baby Bar again. It's something I should have done five years ago.

I definitely will not spend 4 years of time and money to pursue a law degree that doesn't qualify me to sit for the bar. A non-ABA law degree is already inferior in itself. If it's also a non-bar qualifying one, it means nothing at all. You might as well read the law books on your own.

It's just my 2 cents.

 

I agree.

It really doesn't make any sense to go for a non-bar law degree. I don't understand what would make someone want one, since it would be much more affordable, and probably similar result to simply read the law books oneself.

Also, I'm not an accountant, but regarding the tax situation; wouldn't it be possible to take the "Lifetime Learning" tax credit for 20% of the first $5000 spent on a bar program, even if it is used to qualify one for a new profession? Does anyone have any insight on this?

 

Helluva Conundrum

G Brown,

I have to first say that I have read many of your other posts and I feel that you are a pretty well-informed, lucid, and insightful gentleman and I am glad to share this forum with you!

With that said...I am having a hard time figuring why you wouldn't get the Bar Track DL Degree...versus the non-bar? Its going to be hard as hell to use any DL Law Degree outside of California, but at least being Cal-Bar certified gives you a lot of credibility and I would definitely talk it up on my resume'! You're going to have to spend three years in school...why not have it count towards the 4-year bar track...then you can change your mind later.

Really, I am an eternal optimist and I believe that "One Day" there may be an acceptance of DL Law Degrees...and there may be an "Asterisk" on the ABA website that lists some California Approved Schools, that they acknowledge. I will tell you what..get the Cal-Approved Law Degree and pass the bar, win a landmark case, become famous...and then petition the ABA once you have your clout.

My two.5 Cents

 

Re: I agree.

I believe that the Lifetime Learning credit (as well as the Hope Scholarship credit) only applies to federal financial aid eligible institutions. Also, the limit has been raised to 20% of up to $10,000 annually.

Tony

 

Based on the way that I interpret the rules, it would appear that both Taft and Concord students would be eligible for the tax credit because they have DETC accreditation. Am I missing something here? Does everyone else see this the same way?

http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

 

I don't believe that Concord or Taft participates in federal financial aid.

 

Re: Helluva Conundrum

Thank you for that compliment!

The non-bar programs will not suffice. The online "California Bar" programs will not meet my needs, either. I will take the LSAT in 2006 with the intent of attending an ABA Law School after retirement. I can apply for admission in January, 2007 for the Fall 2008 school year and have it deferred until Fall 2009. Most schools that I am interested in will grant deferments for military service.

I'm not sure which schools will meet my needs, but I'm looking at Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Campbell, and North Carolina Central University. Location, tuition, and reputation are all important considerations. If I score high enough on the LSAT, I have a good shot at a merit scholarship...that'll help. I still have a few months of GI Bill left, too.

Gary