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A recent proposal put forth by the American Bar Association (ABA) to accredit fully online law schools has ignited a contentious debate within the realm of legal education. This proposition, aiming to revise standards to allow accreditation for law schools lacking physical campuses, has encountered significant resistance, particularly from 26 law school deans representing various esteemed institutions.
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Concerns Raised by Opponents
Notable among the dissenting voices are representatives from prestigious institutions like Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, and Penn State Dickinson Law. These deans have expressed apprehension primarily due to the lack of sufficient data regarding the bar pass rates and employment outcomes of graduates from online law programs.
ABA’s Proposal and Public Feedback
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The ABA’s council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar initiated the proposal in November, voting to solicit public feedback on the suggested standard modifications. Currently, only traditional brick-and-mortar law schools can achieve accreditation for fully online Juris Doctor (JD) programs, with graduates exclusively eligible to sit for the bar exam.
Arguments for and Against
Supporters of the proposed changes advocate for them as a means to democratize legal education, positing that they could mitigate the escalating costs associated with pursuing a law degree and broaden access to legal studies. However, opponents, represented by the aforementioned deans, contend that the rationale behind the proposed revisions remains unclear, and the potential ramifications for educational quality warrant further scrutiny.
Voices of Concern and Opposition
Dean Alberto R. Gonzales of Belmont University College of Law shares these sentiments, expressing concern that transitioning to fully online law degrees might compromise the educational outcomes for students. Similarly, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar has voiced opposition to the proposal, aligning with the concerns raised by the dissenting deans.
Endorsements and Support
On the other hand, endorsements for the ABA’s amendment have come from entities such as the State Bar of Montana and the Indiana Supreme Court. Notably, the latter has implemented measures to allow graduates from non-ABA accredited schools to petition for bar exam eligibility, citing the need to address attorney shortages. Additionally, proponents of online legal education, including students, faculty, and alumni of Purdue Global Law School, the purported oldest online law school in the United States, have rallied in support of the proposed changes.
Decision-Making Process and Anticipated Deliberation
The decision-making process rests with the ABA council, which is scheduled to convene in May. However, given the significant implications of the proposed alterations and the potential disruption they may entail for existing institutions, multiple rounds of public commentary and deliberation are anticipated.
Balancing Accessibility and Quality in Legal Education
As the legal education landscape evolves, debates surrounding accreditation standards for online law schools underscore the ongoing quest to balance accessibility, educational quality, and regulatory oversight within the legal profession.
