Pursuing your law degree fully online is not impossible ... nor is it common. Let’s determine if it is the right option for you.
As students juggle their work, family, and living situations, interest in online law programs has grown.
That’s why you may be asking: Can you go to law school fully online? In some cases, the answer is yes, but there are a few important things you should keep in mind.
Changes to American Bar Association (ABA) rules, the rise of ABA-accredited online law schools, and greater comfort with remote learning have expanded what’s possible. Still, accreditation, bar eligibility, employer perception, and hands-on training all play big roles in your law school choice.
Before you decide, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of a fully online law school experience and be more informed about whether it’s the right move for you.
This guide breaks down what you need to know. Let's take a deeper dive into the questions you might be asking.
Key takeaways
- Yes, online law school is possible, but it depends. Your options will vary based on the program and your goals.
- Program format matters. Some are fully online, while others are hybrid, with required in-person components.
- Details like accreditation and bar eligibility are critical. These can affect where and how you practice law.
- You should think long term. Hands-on training, employer perception, and your career goals should guide your decision.
Can you do law school completely online?
Yes, it’s possible. Fully online JD programs now exist.
ABA rules once tightly restricted distance education, limiting fully online JD options within accredited programs. Those rules have since evolved, giving law schools broader permission to offer more distance education through approved online or hybrid programs.
However, the term “online law school” does not refer to a single, consistent model.
Some programs are fully online, allowing you to complete coursework entirely remotely with occasional optional in-person experiences. Others are hybrid, meaning you’ll combine online learning with required in-person components such as residencies or intensive sessions.
Keep in mind: Licensing by state
- Bar eligibility varies by state. Requirements can differ, even for fully online programs.
- Some states are stricter. You may need to provide extra documentation or meet additional rules.
- Online pathways may differ. Certain jurisdictions have less familiarity with distance education.
- Do your research. Check school details and state bar requirements before deciding.
Even when a program is fully online academically, you should consider these important factors:
Reliable technology
You’ll need dependable devices and a stable internet connection.
Time management skills
You’ll be responsible for keeping up with heavy reading and deadlines without a set campus routine.
Self-discipline
Staying on track is key, especially if you’re balancing work or family responsibilities.
Scheduling logistics
Consider time zones for live sessions and how they fit into your day.
Access to faculty
Think about how easily you can connect with professors and get support.
Building relationships
You’ll need to be intentional about connecting with classmates.
Gaining experience
Internships, clinics, and networking are still possible, but you may need to take the lead in finding them.
Creating a dedicated study space and staying engaged without in-person interaction can also be key to your success.
The bottom line? Online law school opens new possibilities, but it’s not the same experience everywhere. Choose a program that fits your needs and goals.
Are fully online law schools ABA-accredited?
Some fully online programs meet ABA standards but not all do.
Attending an ABA-accredited school offers the broadest path to licensure and career mobility, making it a key question to ask before enrolling. ABA accreditation matters because it affects:
- Bar exam eligibility
- Professional credibility
- Interstate portability
“Choosing the right law school is an important and deeply personal decision — and it pays to do your research. Start with the ABA-required disclosures, which are publicly available and provide bar passage rates, career placement data, and admissions information for every accredited law school in the country,” says Martha Kirby, retired associate director of admissions and pre-law advisor at the University of Iowa College of Law.
You can check this list of colleges and universities that are ABA-accredited. The ABA currently identifies certain approved schools as having fully online programs and distinguishes those from hybrid options. Because requirements can change, it is recommended to confirm status with both the school and the ABA before enrolling.
What should you take away from this? The biggest risk of a non-ABA-accredited online program is limited flexibility in your legal career. If you want broad bar eligibility, the ability to practice in multiple states, or strong employer recognition, accreditation should be a key factor in your decision.
Is an online law degree respected?
It’s not as simple as online or not. Respect depends on factors beyond the format of the program.
Employer attitudes toward online education have evolved significantly in recent years. The widespread adoption of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the growth of reputable online JD programs, has further increased acceptance of the format across professional fields.
How employers view online degrees will likely keep changing as the field evolves. While some still prefer traditional formats, many now focus more on accreditation and institutional reputation than how the degree is delivered. An ABA-accredited online JD from a well-regarded school is generally viewed much more favorably than a degree from an unaccredited or lesser-known program.
Where does this leave you? Online law degrees are becoming more accepted, but their reputation still depends on the school’s credibility, program quality, and graduate outcomes.
Do employers accept online law degrees?
In many cases, they do, but your degree will be evaluated on more than just its format.
Employers will focus first on whether you are licensed, have passed the bar, and are prepared to do the work. They’ll also consider factors such as your school’s reputation, class rank, practical experience, and overall readiness to practice.
Perceptions of online law degrees vary across sectors, often based on their expectations, hiring practices, and familiarity with nontraditional formats.
For example, in Big Law — which refers to the largest and most prestigious law firms in the U.S., typically having offices in multiple major cities and often maintaining an international presence — prestige and school pedigree often matter, and the path can be narrower regardless of whether the degree was online or in person.
In midsize firms, government roles, and small or solo practices, your practical experience, local reputation, and bar licensure may carry more weight than your law school’s modality. In these settings, employers typically focus on your ability to manage client work, write and communicate effectively, and practice with competence and professionalism.
So, what does this mean for you? What matters most is how you prepare yourself and ensuring that you know what you want your future to look like, not just how you earn your degree. If you choose a strong program, build real experience, and meet licensure requirements, you can position yourself well regardless of format.
Employers care about this stuff!
- Accreditation (especially ABA accreditation)
- Bar passage or eligibility
- School reputation
- Your skills and experience (internships, clinics, writing ability)
- Overall readiness to practice law
How do online law programs handle practical training and internships?
Strong online law programs go beyond lectures, giving you access to meaningful, practical training. This can happen through:
- Virtual clinics that let you work on real cases remotely
- Local externships to help you gain experience near where you live
- Simulation-based coursework for practicing real-world legal scenarios
- Capstone experiences that bring your learning together
Even in fully online JD programs, you’ll still need hands-on training to meet ABA requirements. Ask about clinic access, placement support, supervision, and how the school helps you connect locally.
Networking can be more challenging online, so strong programs give you structured ways to connect with faculty, classmates, and employers. Look for schools that offer career support and networking opportunities.
Is it better to do law school online or in person?
That depends on what matters most to you: your goals, how you learn best, your finances, and your career priorities.
Online law school
Pros:
- Flexibility to learn on your schedule
- Geographic freedom so you can study from where you live
- Potential to work while enrolled, depending on schedule and workload
- No relocation costs
Considerations:
- Fewer built-in networking moments
- More self-discipline required
In-person law school
Pros:
- Built-in networking opportunities
- Easy access to campus resources
- Stronger day-to-day community
- Immersive, traditional law school experience
Considerations:
- Less flexibility
- Possible need to relocate
- Cost of living
As you think about your next steps, it’s important to focus on what works best for you. Choosing a school because it is a distance learning law program is typically just one factor among several, not always the single deciding issue.
Ready to take the next step toward your legal career?
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