Going to law school at 38?

[drummerboy]

I'm humbled by all of these positive responses. Let me ask a few more questions since there are so many of you in the know about this:

1. Where online is a good source that discusses the different types of law...maybe I might see something I would find more interesting than tax law?

2. Is it feasible to go part time? The UConn Law School is five miles from my house, but of course I would have to be accepted.

2a. Is there a program to get a law degree online? Is there a disadvantage to that one I get a degree?

3. Since I am unemployed, how do I find out what grants are available to me? That would be tremendous.

THANK YOU!!!

CrazyPoohBear gave a great answer to the financing question. I went through College Foundation (and was still paying them when my own DDs went to college ).

I'm not sure whether most lawyers who went through the rigors of in-class law school would look favorably on an on-line degree. For one, I'm not sure how many of the on-line schools are certified and can prepare you for the court room and the bar exam. There's nothing like having to stand up and be grilled by a law prof. to prepare you for the grilling you'd get from a judge.

When I was in law school, NC didn't offer any part-time programs that I know of but I think there are quite a few schools that offer part-time programs now, even in NC (I think the newer law school in Charlotte does that).

You can get a lot of answers here , especially under the 'legal education' tab.

[Disney Doll]

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents about online education. I work for a major research university in an online program. Online does not necessarily mean less rigorous. In fact many of my students will tell you it's more difficult because we make up for the lack if face time with extra assignments.

Distance education is growing and it is possible to get a good education online. However, there are lots and lots of questionable online degrees so you really have to be savvy. Checking for regional accreditation is a start, but even that only goes so far. The ever popular University of Phoenix is accredited, but it's not exactly held in high regard among members of academe. Honestly online education is still relatively new and I doubt you find many, if any online law programs that are worth your time and effort. Law is not my area so I may be wrong, but be careful when you go looking.

[drummerboy]

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents about online education. I work for a major research university in an online program. Online does not necessarily mean less rigorous. In fact many of my students will tell you it's more difficult because we make up for the lack if face time with extra assignments.

My comments were directed toward the question of an online law degree, not online degrees in general. And we certainly agree about thoroughly checking out any online degree program.

[Mufasa]

The problem with online law schools is that they are all unaccredited by the American Bar Association so outside of California, no state would allow you to sit for their bar exam.

[sisterslovindisney]

I would steer clear of online law schools. I don't think there are any that are ABA accredited. (I could be wrong though). You can go part time at some schools and that takes 4 years. It's still pretty rigorous. You don't have to decide on an "area" of law you want to practice yet. Every 1st year student has to take the same set of classes (there all bar related - contracts, civil procedure, criminal law, legal writing, torts, and property). There will be other courses that are required and still others that you will definitely need to take if you want to pass the bar.