Concord Law School Online

Concord Law School, based in Los Angeles, California, is an online law school that offers accessible and flexible legal education to students seeking to pursue a career in law. Formerly known as "Concord University School of Law," it provides a unique alternative to traditional, on-campus law schools, catering to students who prefer or need the flexibility of an online learning environment. Concord Law School is part of Kaplan University and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Its association with Kaplan University, which is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, adds to the credibility and reputation of its programs.

Programs Offered at Concord Law School

Concord Law School offers two primary programs designed to cater to a wide range of students with different professional backgrounds and career aspirations: the Juris Doctor (JD) Program and the Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) Program. Both programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to practice law or gain a deeper understanding of the legal field, but they are structured to meet different needs and career paths.

Juris Doctor (JD) Program

The Juris Doctor (JD) Program is a four-year, part-time program designed for individuals who wish to pursue a career in law and become licensed attorneys in California. This program is particularly appealing for students who may not be able to attend a traditional law school due to geographical, financial, or time constraints but are still interested in gaining the legal knowledge required to practice law.

The JD program at Concord is conducted entirely online, providing students with the flexibility to study from anywhere while still meeting the legal education requirements set by the State Bar of California. The program is structured to provide students with the core knowledge needed for the practice of law, covering subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, torts, criminal law, property law, civil procedure, ethics, and more.

This program is designed to take four years to complete on a part-time basis, allowing students to work while pursuing their degree. The four-year structure is relatively unique in the law school landscape, as most traditional JD programs are full-time and completed in three years. The part-time format is especially appealing for non-traditional students, such as professionals who are already working and want to transition into a legal career.

Graduates of the JD program meet the legal education requirements for the California Bar Exam, which means that upon completion of the program, students may apply to take the bar exam and, if successful, practice law in California. Concord Law School has designed its JD program with an emphasis on preparing students for the California Bar Exam, with an extensive curriculum and bar preparation support.

Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) Program

The Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) Program is another notable offering at Concord Law School. Unlike the JD program, the EJD is a three-year, part-time program that does not prepare students to sit for the California Bar Exam. Instead, the EJD is designed for individuals who wish to gain advanced legal knowledge to enhance their careers or better understand the law in the context of their existing profession.

This program is particularly suitable for business professionals, healthcare administrators, educators, and others who may not want to practice law but want to acquire legal expertise to complement their work. For instance, business executives could benefit from legal training that helps them navigate corporate law and regulatory environments, while healthcare administrators may find value in understanding healthcare law, ethics, and compliance.

The Executive JD program is designed to be flexible, with students being able to choose from a variety of courses or specialize through specific tracks in their second and third years. Concord provides a range of specialized areas in which students can focus their studies, including business law, health law, intellectual property law, and legal studies. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to meet the demands of their current careers or future aspirations.

The three-year structure of the EJD program ensures that students can continue working while they pursue their studies. The program is also entirely online, providing the same level of flexibility and convenience that is offered by the JD program. While the EJD does not lead to eligibility to take the bar exam, it is still a highly respected credential for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the law in a non-practicing capacity.

Accreditation and Recognition

One of the key factors that prospective students must consider when choosing a law school is accreditation. Concord Law School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is a recognized accrediting body for distance education institutions. This accreditation ensures that Concord Law School meets certain standards of academic quality and rigor in its online programs.

Moreover, Concord Law School is registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California as a Distance Learning Law School. This registration allows Concord graduates of the JD program to meet the legal education requirements necessary to sit for the California Bar Exam. This is a significant advantage for students who are aiming to practice law in California, as the state has specific requirements for legal education and bar admission.

While the DETC accreditation allows Concord to offer accredited online legal education, it is important to note that Concord Law School's programs are not ABA-accredited (American Bar Association). ABA accreditation is the gold standard for law schools in the United States, and while it is not necessary for practicing law in California, it is a requirement for practicing law in other states. As a result, Concord Law School’s programs may not be suitable for students who intend to practice outside of California unless they pursue further qualifications.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Concord Law School's programs requires applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or DETC-accredited institution that is approved by the State Bar of California. The admissions process is designed to ensure that applicants have the necessary academic qualifications and dedication to succeed in a challenging and rigorous online legal education environment.

For the JD program, students must meet specific criteria related to academic achievement, while the EJD program typically attracts applicants who have experience in business, healthcare, education, or other professions. While standardized tests like the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) are not required for admission to Concord, applicants must demonstrate their capacity for critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication.