legit JD route using distance learning

Let me make it clear: I love my country. Only true American patriots have the courage to criticize. I was never taught to be a ditto-head, and I won't start now, just because such compliance is in fashion.

I've served my country, by the way, as an enlisted grunt in the Navy, cleaning toilets. I earned my boots and the right to criticize the USA. Not that non-vets haven't a right...

 

No, but having served in the peace time Navy myself (still in the Reserve), I know how you feel. I keep wondering how many of our glorious Congresspersons ever wore the uniform?

If you are "mad curious" about the law, you might look into Northwestern California University School of Law. They look to be dirt cheap and their grads frequently become California lawyers...

Nosborne, JD

 

Only true American patriots have the courage to criticize.

That's as trite as anything to be heard on Limbaugh.

I'm a Vietnam vet and that has earned me no rights at all. If you had to earn them then they wouldn't be rights.

I'm philosophically libertarian and no stranger to critique. Walking into a gathering with your patter is not critique but boorishness.

 

If all else fails, you could always move to Virginia. Virginia will still allow a person to "read the law." In other words, you can go to work for a lawyer and self-study law on your own. After a period of time elapses, the lawyer will attest that you have completed the study and you will be permitted to take the bar exam. No JD required in VA!! I know someone who has done this.

Cy

 

Take it elsewhere. If you want to argue there are other boards.

Your attack is useless. I don't care what you think.

By the way, Libertarians are immoral and cruel. Wanna argue about that? Go to www.netslaves.com and get your butt kicked by people who study the subject.

I'm concerned about my education here, only.

 

I'm concerned about my education here, only.

Glad to hear there will be no more gratuitous political invective.

 

This is an interesting thought. I don't really like lawyers enough to want to work for one

But seriously, that would be a good option IF I had the freedom to move right now.

I like Nosborne's suggestion...I've taken a look at Northwestern California University's web site and I like the fact that they have a legal practice and 15 years of experience with graduates in various legal positions of authority in California.

I am really going to enjoy this exploration, I think.

I get a kick out of defying the establishment and getting what I want, anyway. I was told I would never get to be an IT professional without a degree in computer science. I cherish the fact that I don't have one now


I loved living in California. I left just before the dot-bomb hit. I look forward to going back. ;p

 

Good links for more information

For anyone interested:

ABA definitive chart describing bar exam reqs for every state


JD Student Chat board

and more...where I found additional comments from real DL JD students who have experience in ABA law schools as students:

http://counsel.net/chatboards/lawstudents/

I have found there is a whole world of students out there who believe as I do. I also found that many believe the ABA may have to cave in to the pressure in a few years. My choice for study, Northwestern California University Law School has quite a few reputable lawyers that I found via Google.

And you know, if I like the law, I can always switch to an ABA school with less financial risk, after trying out the DL version.

Oh, one more link:

Independent Study

This exploration has been a fascinating study. It gives me hope that the American pioneer spirit is alive and well!

 

Let us know how it goes with NWCal. Everyone on this board knows I've lusted after their JSD for years!

Nosborne, JD

 

You might also consider combining a CPA with an MS in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning.

 

Yeah but.......3 years, 40 weeks per year, 18 hours per week under a board-approved attorney or judge. How did this work out for the person you know? Did he/she pass the bar the first time? Is this person practicing in a firm or have his/her own practice?

 

Also...does this method allow you to sit for bar exams in every state (my guess is no)?

 

Right.....definitely not every state. In fact, most simply require a JD (although a few states don't require the JD be from an ABA approved law school).

What I find weird about VA is, despite the fact that it has a "law study" (no JD of any kind) program, a lawyer who completed a similar program in another jurisdiction would neither qualify to sit for the VA bar exam nor admission on motion; VA requires a JD from an ABA approved school in both instances.

 

That attitide will get you far in the field of law. Especially with judges and clients.

The legal profession is so glutted with people already, and especially those poorly trained, even by ABA schools. That said, I really don't think a law degree, beyond the first year's courses, should be taught via DL: there are just too many practical components that are taught inductively through the "process" that you would loose simply by following a syllabus and taking exams. In my "day job" I see many poorly written briefs by people who think they can simply "wing it" and by doing so, they hurt what would otherwise be meritorious causes.

If you really want to actually practice law, and make money doing it, find a mainstream program and suck it up. Any shortcuts will just come back to bite you in the butt. The money you think you're saving by taking a short cut could be made up in a couple years' employment with a RA/ABA JD. Plus, you'll be a much better advocate for whatever cause you're representing.

 

I've recently learned that you can become a patent lawyer in any state by passing the patent bar for your state, with or without an ABA JD.

Don't tell the ABA!

 

Patent Lawyer

Hi wannaJD,

Where can I find info about this?

sshuang

 

Many software engineers use similar reasoning. They are upset because they don't have jobs--many many hardcore software programming jobs have been exported to India. I have an IT job, either by luck or whatever, with a BA in Psychology. They really hate it when they find this out. They assume that because they jumped through the proper hoops, they should be given more consideration.

To your point, I would prefer an ABA school. However:

1. I have to keep my intentions secret from my employer which requires disclosure for borrowing against 401K's or stock options that I own
2. I don't want another student loan (still paying the first)
3. I have disdain for systems which exclude on the basis of finance, situation, etc.
4. I don't know for sure this is what I want. I might start studying and find the law distasteful (even though I should know how I feel since I've worked closely with folks who are lawyers)
5. I don't want to practice law directly. I want to properly advise people on money matters.

I think what you call a shortcut, to me, is a realistic approach.

I don't know exactly why, but knuckling under is just not my style. I would feel much more pride in say, defending the common man, if I got my degree without OWING "the man" for graciously loaning me the money, knuckling under to a legal institution, playing the law school game, etc.

Besides: others have done it, in California. The dean of NWCLU has a law firm with partners. His degree is self-study.

 

Re: Patent Lawyer

start with this link

http://www.uspto.gov

It looks like you have to get an undergrad degree in a real science program, with ABET accreditation. No JD necessary, that I can tell.

Can anyone confirm my assumptions/conclusions?

 

I forgot to ask: what portion of the briefs you've reviewed are poorly written because of poor writing skills vs. legal knowledge?

I ask because I find that many many people cannot write well, even though they have been achievers in other academic areas.

Also...how many of those folks have properly apprenticed with a real lawyer? Many ABA JDs have opined that law school poorly prepares students to practice "real" law.

I would definitely not hang out my shingle without getting experience with a small law firm, first. I would not want to be represented by someone ill-prepared to do so.

However, I am not convinced that law school and $80,000 is the way to get that preparation.

 

In that event, you might ultimately discover that you have absolutely no use whatsoever for your JD.

Instead, why not go the CFP or CFA route? Those are financial planning/services type designations, carry a lot more weight than a JD in that arena (plus passage of one or more of the various NASD exams), and the cost would be miniscule compared to law school tuition (even at a public school).