Overview of Proposals
In a groundbreaking move, the American Bar Association’s Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar Council has opened channels for public commentary on two significant proposals to revolutionize the accreditation process for fully online law schools.
Current Regulations and Proposed Changes
This week, the council unveiled proposals seeking to amend Standards 102 and 306, primarily focusing on streamlining the accreditation process for online law institutions. The suggested revisions, if implemented, are intended to ease the path to provisional and full ABA accreditation for online law schools without requiring substantive change applications.
Shifting Accreditation Paradigm
As outlined in Standard 105(c), the current regulatory framework limits substantive change applications to already accredited law schools, effectively excluding entirely online law schools. This exclusion is due to a physical campus presence requirement for accreditation eligibility.
Under the proposed changes, both new and existing fully online law schools would have the opportunity to pursue ABA accreditation without maintaining a physical campus. This marks a significant departure from the existing paradigm, where only brick-and-mortar institutions have been eligible for ABA accreditation.
Extended Comment Period
Recognizing the transformative nature of these proposals, the council has extended the comment period to 60 days, doubling the typical duration. This extension, emphasized by Judge Bridget Mary McCormack and William Adams, facilitates comprehensive feedback and deliberation. This is particularly crucial considering the potential implications for existing institutions.
Potential Impact
If fully online law schools secure full ABA accreditation, their graduates could gain eligibility to sit for the bar exam across various states. This would signify a noteworthy departure from the current landscape, where graduates from non-ABA-approved law schools need more options in terms of bar exam eligibility.
Encouragement for Feedback
The council encourages stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes related to online schools and other revisions within the legal education framework. By actively seeking diverse perspectives and engaging in an extended consultation process, the council aims to ensure that any alterations to accreditation standards align with the evolving landscape of legal education while upholding rigorous quality standards.
