Law School Discussion

I am not sure that most state bars would be much more helpful than the ABA.  While it may make for some strange bedfellows for some of us, I would recommend encouraging the elevation of the issue with some of the libertarian oriented public policy groups in various states that tend to recognize much government regulation of trades and professions as nothing more than rent seeking.  Obviously, that argument will carry more weight in some states than in others, but it is a way of establishing a beach head from which to build out support.

Delta, I am primarily looking at Northwest.  I think that the primary key to bar passage, assuming that the program is adequate, is my own self-discipline, and I am pretty confident in that, so I am focused on looking at the lower cost schools. I don't want to do Oak Brook, because their ideological commitments are different from my own, and it would just annoy me.    Taft looks good at a bit higher cost. 

I have read many of the threads in the distance education section and feel like my head is on straight about this, but I would be interested in feedback.  While I think that a recent college grad would in most instances be foolish to go the unaccreditted route, in my particular situation, I don't see a downside to getting a J.D. from one of the California correspondence schools.

My situation is this:  I am a year shy of 50, live in Texas, and have spent the last dozen years working in government relations for national companies in the workers' comp industry.  I don't really see myself practicing law, but am interested in getting the degree and passing the bar in California:  1) As a credential for my present line of work; and 2) As fulfillment of a personal intellectual challenge.  While I understand that the standards of these schools are not as rigorous as traditional institutions, passing the bar would be a nice achievement for both personal and professional reasons.

My choice is not related to academics -- I was a strong student with a high GPA and believe I would do well on the LSAT if I took it. However, a traditional part-time program is not an option for me because my job requires extensive travel.  In addition, given my particular purposes, the low cost of the correspondence option is a nice plus.  I won't be borrowing any money to do this.

I don't really see any downside other than the time investment.  Thoughts?

I am new to this forum and am looking forward to the interactions.  Thanks.