Online Law School

Can I Study Law Online?

Can I Study Law Online?

The legal profession and law schools have traditionally been conservative and slow to adapt to change. That is until the COVID-19 pandemic gave them no choice. Of course, some legal institutions such as the California Desert Trial Academy took a progressive approach to legal education on the day they opened their doors. Even before the coronavirus pandemic necessitated some transition from the live classroom to distance learning, studying law online was becoming a reality at schools like the California Desert Trial Academy. In 2021, anyone with a computer can study online. While online law programs have existed for quite some time,...

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Five Aspects Of The CDTA That Make It A Special Experience

Five Aspects Of The CDTA That Make It A Special Experience

The California Desert Trial Academy is a special place. At least those of us who have experienced it feel this way. We’re confident that you will feel the same way once you have the opportunity to visit the CDTA and discover all that it has to offer. Here is a list of those aspects of academic life at the CDTA that make it special. *Most law schools educate, the CDTA educates, trains, and develops attorney-advocates While the vast majority of traditional law schools view teaching the substantive law as their only function, the CDTA goes beyond this and offers regular instruction in...

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Many Law Schools Are Going Completely Online In 2021

Many Law Schools Are Going Completely Online In 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted legal education in an unprecedented manner, many law schools are trying to adapt as they strive to continue offering a rewarding, educational experience. While many traditional law schools are scrambling to implement online classes, services, and the like, the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law (CDTA) has implemented and utilized a state-of-the-art online learning platform since it first opened its doors in 2012. Some law schools are planning to go completely online in 2021. These schools include Harvard Law School; the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law; the University of California, Irvine School of Law; and...

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California Gives Full Accreditation To Online Law Schools

California Gives Full Accreditation To Online Law Schools

California has given full accreditation to three online law schools. One of the law schools, Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, called it a ‘watershed moment’ in legal education. The three online law schools accredited in 2020 include the Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, Northwestern California University School of Law, and St. Francis Law School. The State Bar of California is one of the few states in the U.S. that accredits law schools. The Committee of Bar Examiners decided that because Concord is in full compliance with the guidelines governing accredited law schools, it was not required to...

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Preparing For An Online Bar Exam – Test-Taking Considerations

Preparing For An Online Bar Exam – Test-Taking Considerations

In October, California administered its first online bar exam because of the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, in addition to California, states across the country are planning to administer another online bar exam in February. New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Connecticut have all committed to online tests. The State Bar plans to release results from the February bar exam in mid-May. The results for the October bar exam are expected to be released in mid-January 2021. The State Bar is actively working on shortening the grading timeline so that applicants receive their results on an expedited schedule. Currently, it appears that the February 2021 bar exam will also be administered online....

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Preparing For An Online Bar Exam – Technical Considerations

Preparing For An Online Bar Exam – Technical Considerations

In October, California successfully administered its first online bar exam because of the coronavirus pandemic. The results for the October bar examination are expected to be released in the middle of January 2021. California presently plans to administer the February 2021 bar exam online as well. The State Bar hopes to release the February bar exam results in the middle of May 2021. The State Bar is actively seeking to reduce the grading timeline so that applicants may receive their results in an expedited fashion. Several states have already conducted online bar exams and will continue this practice for the February 2021 examination. Taking a bar...

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The CDTA Is Making A Difference During The Pandemic

The CDTA Is Making A Difference During The Pandemic

As the end of one of the strangest years in modern times approaches, the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law (CDTA) continues to operate close to normal. The CDTA is making a difference during the pandemic, helping its student body weather the storm and continue to move forward towards academic goals and ultimately becoming attorney-advocates. The mission of the CDTA College of Law is to educate, train, and develop extraordinary legal advocates. This is done by educating students on bar-tested academic subjects, skills training, and values reinforcement. Upon completion of the 4-year course of study, students will be fully qualified to...

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Five Tips For Overcoming Online Learning Challenges

Five Tips For Overcoming Online Learning Challenges

As the winter of 2020 approaches, the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law’s (CDTA) remains firmly in touch with the needs of its student body as they are affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Not all students are comfortable with online learning and the CDTA is committed to providing an option for these students by offering both online and in-person learning. Here are five tips to help students deal with the challenges of online learning. Form a virtual learning team Find and enlist other students to join you not necessarily to form a study group but to form a support group. Regularly communicate...

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Even More Time Management Tips For Online Students

Even More Time Management Tips For Online Students

A major challenge for students during the pandemic is time management. The coronavirus is altering how they live, study, and learn. Nothing is certain for the short-term, unpredictability has forced everyone to ad-lib just to get through the day. Online students must have the ability to be self-motivated, organized, and independent. Here are some basic time-management tips to make online learning more productive. Eliminate any distractions While a home environment provides convenience, comfort, and flexibility, it also presents the temptation to easily engage in activities that may be less productive. This tip is a correlate of having a dedicated workspace. It is...

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The CDTA: Still In Business And Going Strong!

The CDTA: Still In Business And Going Strong!

As the California Desert Trial Academy College of Law’s (CDTA) founder and dean, John Patrick Dolan discussed the state of the practice of law with legendary trial attorneys, F. Lee Bailey and Gerry Spence, the three discovered that young lawyers and current law school graduates were lacking the advocacy skills necessary for effectively asserting the rights of clients. Because of these conversations, John Patrick Dolan and Irene Garcia Dolan were inspired to start the California Desert Trial Academy with an emphasis on teaching students the practice of law, rather than just the knowledge of the law. The result is students who develop into...

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