(Newswire.net — July 23, 2020) — The pandemic has disrupted how we impart and receive education. One of the most impacted areas is legal academics, which was built almost entirely based on traditional classroom models. Regardless, when academics moved online, law college had no other go but to follow suit.
When asked whether they would reconsider pursuing legal education if remote learning continues, 31.61% of survey attendees said yes. Nearly, the same said they would take a gap until things return to normal. The recent survey was conducted on how students perceive the online move to affect their decisions regarding their education. There has been a lot of conversation regarding how legal education will survive a complete shift to virtual space. It seems like it is high time for the system to prepare for new innovations, in order to continue its stride in the same glory.
The Practical Challenges
Having a law degree alone will not suffice for a legal profession. For that, you need to pass the Bar exam and clear the requirements set by different jurisdictions. In 46 out of 50 states, pursuing your legal education online will make you ineligible to attend the Bar. In effect, you will only have a law degree that could not be put to use.
If remote learning continues the next months, and eventually to the following years, the legal industry will be needing a significant transformation. Though the American Bar Association is not so keen on virtual law programs, they might have to adapt their perspectives to accommodate the wave of changes.
Even if ABA grants more variances, it might be even more challenging to get faculties to get on board.
On the other hand, there is also concern over the quality of legal education when delivered online. Advocates stress that it could spark valuable innovation and make legal education more accessible.
However, the fact that high-quality legal education can be delivered online does not mean that it will be. In order to achieve that, there has to be a system in place that governs online learning spaces as well.
Time for Online Initiatives
Though it might seem impossible to make a complete transition, several schools are already providing hybrid law degrees with a combination of on-site and online classes. These programs might help you complete the required hours in-class set by the ABA, but complete the rest of the course online. However, it is too soon to arrive at conclusions on how effective this system is for law students.
The top law schools in the country have been very hesitant to follow this direction. Though the always selective, Yale Law School and Harvard have introduced several online courses for other academic programs, they have still been skeptical about offering eLessons on the law.
Can Legal Education Keep up?
Legal education is drenched in tradition. It often involves a substantial dialogue between the professor and the students. The most significant concern is that distance learning programs might not be able to provide the same level of interaction. Additionally, there is also the exposure of watching your faculty, studying their thought processes and ideas, and moot courts, that bring a whole other dynamics to legal academics.
However, it is high time that the law takes concrete initiatives to move ahead with technology. Unless there is a new system that balances the best of proprietary teaching styles and the merits of eLearning, legal education is likely to face a new set of challenges, to meet the changing expectations.