Thanks, Roald, for the quick reply. I haven't retaken the LSAT, and I know that is my next step. I was never a stellar test taker although I've taken quite a few (SAT, GMAT, LSAT, and GRE). My scores usually come in the 80th percentile range although I don't think my LSAT score was very good (I took it last in 1996 and don't remember the score). I'm not interested in a high-pressure, high-tuition, big-name law school because I already experienced that and did not do well. I had some undiagnosed medical issues, immaturity problems, and a distaste for where I moved that caused me to tank my second semester the first time around, and that was a very expensive mistake.
To prevent making the same mistake twice, I'd prefer a smaller, less expensive, and local alternative that I can attend while still holding my current job. The tuition at my target CBE school is $5000/academic year (part time) while another 3rd tier school is $27,000/academic year (for part time). Because student loans are not an option (due to my past defaults and wanting to pay my existing ones off before I retire) my only option are schools of this caliber. Besides, if I am able to get into this school but then not able to pass the baby bar, my sunk costs would have been considerably less. I am not being pessimistic here, just realistic.
I suppose my next step is the LSAT and then I can assess my position and/or advantage points from there. I may also meet with the Dean or admission counselor to have a face-to-face discussion over my packed resume instead of a one-lined question of "do you accept applications from disqualified students from a past law school experience?" It's somehow easier to say 'no' when you are not looking the person in the eye.
Any other comments or anecdotal information would be great......from anyone....