The Questions People Most Often Ask About Pre-Law, Lawyer Degree Programs, and Other Options for Online Legal Education

The American legal system is designed to provide a venue for resolving complex questions. As someone exploring online legal studies degrees, you probably have plenty of questions of your own about what’s involved in becoming a lawyer or pursuing other legal careers.

You don’t need to build a case or go to court to get the answers, though. We’ve been keeping track of the most common questions about pre-law programs, legal studies classes, and all types of legal education options. From online undergraduate legal studies degrees and master’s programs in law, we cover everything that paralegals need to be career-ready, as well as everything future lawyers need to build a foundation for the Juris Doctor (JD) they’ll eventually need.

Can I Practice Law If I Earn My Degrees Online?

Many students who ultimately pursue law degrees start with online pre-law legal studies degrees as their foundation. It’s possible to earn a standard JD (Juris Doctor) degree and take the bar exam with a substantial portion of your credits earned online.

But since ABA  rules permit only half of the JD credit hours to be gained through distance education, there are limitations on how much of your graduate work can be done remotely:

• For a typical 90-credit JD program, you can earn up to 45 credits online
• The remaining credits must be completed through in-person classes
• This typically translates to 1.5 years online and 1.5 years on campus

Whether you choose an online bachelor’s degree in law or a traditional campus-based undergraduate law degree, the path to becoming an attorney requires this hybrid approach for the JD portion.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare for the Bar Exam With an Online Legal Studies Degree?

The timeline for law degree programs varies, but most JD programs require three years after completing your undergraduate law degree. Here’s the typical educational path:

Many online legal studies bachelor’s degree programs and other pre-law options offer accelerated paths that can reduce your undergraduate timeline to three years. Additionally, some students strengthen their law school applications with online master’s degrees in law or gain practical experience through paralegal work.

It’s worth noting that many individuals approach law school after gaining a substantial amount of professional experience. In these cases, an online bachelor’s in law or associate degree in paralegal studies can provide both immediate career opportunities and a pathway to eventual law school admission.

What Degree Do I Need to Practice Law?

While a JD is the standard degree for lawyers required in most states to take the bar exam, some states do have alternative pathway options. For example:

In alternative path states, online master’s programs may provide sufficient legal education when combined with apprenticeships, though this remains the exception and not the rule.

How Do Online Master’s in Law Degrees Differ from JD Programs?

Master’s in law degree programs serve fundamentally different purposes than JD programs. Understanding this distinction is crucial when choosing between a pre-law master’s and pursuing a full JD.

While JD graduates can practice law, those with master’s degrees in law typically work in law-adjacent fields. An online master’s degree in law is ideal for professionals who need legal knowledge but don’t plan to practice law, such as compliance officers, contract managers, or business executives. Unlike JD programs, pre-law master’s online can be completed entirely remotely, making them perfect for working professionals seeking to advance their careers without the time and financial commitment of law school.

Are Online Legal Studies Degrees as Good as Traditional On-Campus Degrees?

Candidates with online legal studies degrees are welcome at corporations, government agencies, and law firms today. With many of the same expert professors teaching online legal studies classes at prestigious institutions, and with next-level virtual classroom technology, the quality of education you get online is identical to on-campus programs.

In fact, top rated online legal studies programs often provide advantages over traditional programs:

• Flexibility: Study while maintaining work and family commitments
• Affordability: Lower overall costs without commuting or relocation
• Selection: Access to programs nationwide without geographic limitations
• Technology: Recorded lectures, interactive forums, and digital resources
• Networking: Connect with diverse professionals across the country

Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in legal studies online or exploring online master’s programs in law, you’ll find employers focus on the institution’s accreditation and your demonstrated knowledge, and pay no attention to the delivery format.

Are Online Pre-Law Programs Accepted for Admission to Law School?

An online bachelor’s in law or other pre-law degrees earned online are commonly accepted for law school admission anywhere in the country. Law schools evaluate applicants based on:

• Undergraduate GPA (regardless of online or in-person format)
• LSAT scores
• Personal statement and recommendations
• Work experience and extracurricular activities

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in law specifically to be admitted to law school. In fact, law schools actively seek diversity in undergraduate backgrounds. However, if you want the strongest preparation, legal studies classes through pre-law bachelor’s programs provide excellent foundational knowledge for the LSAT and first-year law courses.

Some law students choose to go with a pre-law master’s as a way to stack the deck in their favor before applying to law school.

Do You Have to Work as a Paralegal Before You Can Practice Law?

There is no requirement that you start out as a paralegal before earning your JD and practicing law in the United States. It’s not even the most common career path—most law students come directly from undergraduate law degree programs or other bachelor’s degrees.

However, there are many advantages to first earning a paralegal certificate and working your way up through paralegal practice:

• Practical Experience: Learn how law is actually practiced day-to-day
• Income While Learning: Earn money while gaining legal knowledge
• Career Exploration: Discover which areas of law interest you most
• Professional Network: Build relationships with practicing attorneys
• Application Strength: Demonstrate commitment to the legal field

For those considering this path, online legal studies classes in paralegal programs can be completed while working, and credits often transfer toward a legal studies bachelor’s degree online if you decide to pursue further education.

What Kind of Jobs Can You Get in the Legal Profession Without a JD?

The variety of legal studies degree programs available reflects the growing demand for legal professionals who aren’t practicing attorneys. Here are key career paths available with different levels of legal education:

Professionals with master’s degrees in law often work in corporate legal departments, handling contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, or managing legal risks. A Master of Legal Studies or Juris Master from top-rated legal studies programs provides the legal knowledge needed to excel in these roles without the time and expense of a JD.

Do Online Legal Programs Provide Enough Face-To-Face Interaction to Prepare for the Professional World?

Practicing law certainly involves strong interpersonal skills, a knack for negotiation, and a natural tendency toward client advocacy. However, much of the knowledge needed for legal reasoning and constructing arguments can be effectively taught through online pre-law programs.

Modern online legal studies degrees incorporate:

• Live Virtual Classes: Real-time discussions with professors and peers
• Mock Trials: Virtual courtroom simulations and moot court competitions
• Group Projects: Collaborative work developing teamwork skills
• Discussion Forums: Vigorous debates on legal topics
• Networking Events: Virtual career fairs and alumni connections

Many top rated online legal studies programs also include optional on-campus intensives or local meetups, combining online flexibility with face-to-face interaction opportunities. These programs produce graduates fully prepared for client interactions and professional collaboration.

Is There Any Downside to Earning Your Pre-Law Bachelor’s Degree Online?

There is no reputational disadvantage from taking online legal studies classes in today’s educational landscape. Pre-law programs offered remotely are very common, and some top rated online legal studies programs can even be more highly respected than lesser-known on-campus programs.

The primary considerations for online learning include:

• Self-Motivation Required: Success depends on personal discipline
• Technology Needs: Reliable internet and computer access are essential
• Time Management: Balancing studies with other commitments
• Limited Spontaneous Interaction: Fewer impromptu discussions with peers

These challenges are offset by significant advantages, including the ability to maintain employment while studying, access to top programs regardless of location, and often lower overall costs. For motivated students, an online bachelor’s degree in law or legal studies provides an excellent foundation for legal careers.