Law School Accreditation
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Law School Accreditation
Introduction
Accreditation plays a crucial role in determining the quality and recognition of law schools. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, accreditation means recognizing an educational institution as maintaining standards that qualify its graduates for advanced education or professional practice. Law schools generally fall into three categories: American Bar Association (ABA) accredited, state accredited, or unaccredited.
ABA Accreditation
The American Bar Association (ABA) provides accreditation to law schools that meet a set of stringent standards. As the national accrediting body, the ABA ensures a consistent and unified standard across the U.S., including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories. Graduates from ABA-approved schools can sit for the bar examination in any U.S. jurisdiction. This national oversight eliminates discrepancies across different regions. The ABA accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of a law school's compliance with set standards, ensuring a high-quality legal education.
State Accreditation
Many states have their own accreditation processes and may grant accreditation to schools not meeting ABA standards. These state-specific requirements can vary significantly. A school that meets a state's criteria can apply for state accreditation, allowing its graduates to sit for the bar examination in that state.
Unaccredited Schools
According to the California Bar Association, unaccredited law schools in California must still register with the Committee and comply with certain regulations, despite not being accredited. Schools outside of California are considered unaccredited unless they gain approval from the ABA or the relevant state committee.
Bar Examination Eligibility
To take the bar exam, most states require specific educational prerequisites. In California, for example, candidates must have completed at least two years of college or passed specific equivalency exams and graduated from an ABA-approved or state-accredited law school. Alternatively, candidates can complete studies at a registered unaccredited school or in a legal office or judge’s chambers.
Reciprocity and State-Specific Limitations
Many states require attendance at an in-state or state-certified school for bar eligibility. Thus, graduates from non-ABA accredited schools may only practice in the state where they studied. However, some states have reciprocal agreements, allowing attorneys to practice in other states without retaking the bar exam.
Considerations Beyond Accreditation
While ABA accreditation provides broad eligibility, many reputable law schools opt for state accreditation. Some ABA-accredited schools may not offer part-time classes, limiting access. Additionally, because ABA schools have limited spaces, many excellent candidates attend non-ABA schools. Therefore, accreditation should not be the sole criterion for selecting a law school or hiring its graduates.
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Note: This article is authored by David G. Hallstrom and may be reprinted with proper credit and a link to the provided website.
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