Lessons · Law foundations · Four kinds of law school, and what each one permits
Four kinds of law school, and what each one permits
Most states will only admit graduates of nationally accredited law schools. California is the large exception: it recognises several tiers -- nationally accredited, state-accredited, and registered schools including some taught at a distance -- and a graduate of any of them may sit its examination. What the tier changes is what happens if you ever want to practise elsewhere.
Hone is a place to practise a career, one idea a day. This is one of its lessons, written out in full and free to read without an account.
In beta. This lesson was written for Hone and has not yet been checked by an attorney. Practice material, not professional advice. What that means.
What it is for
Somebody chose a state-accredited evening school because it was the only one they could afford while working, passed, and practised in California for a decade. That road exists and it is real. Somebody else did the same and then had to move for a spouse's job, and discovered that the other state would not have them. Both facts are true and both are knowable on day one.
How to think about it
Decide the tier against where you intend to practise in ten years, not where you live now. Ask one question of any school: does the authority I may one day apply to accept this degree? The answer is published, and it is the only part of this choice that is hard to undo later.
Worked example
Nationally accredited: accepted for admission in every state.The widest option, and the most expensive in time and money.
State-accredited: sufficient for California's own examination.Other states decide for themselves, and many say no.
Registered, including some distance programmes: California permits its examination.Students at these schools meet the first-year examination requirement below.
The tier is not a comment on the person; it is a boundary on where the degree travels.Decide it against the map, not against pride.
Your turn
What does the tier of a California law school mainly change?
The tier decides where the degree to other states
Solve one, graded on the server
The trap
Assuming a degree that qualifies you in California qualifies you anywhere. That single assumption is the one that strands people, and it is checkable before enrolling.