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ramsez · #1 04-02-2010, 08:50 PM

I have a friend that is negotiating which federal prison to go to. His primary concern is education. He has his associates degree from a normal state college, but would like to study for a law degree. He will probably be confined to either California, Washington, Nevada, or Arizona (he has family in all these states). Anyone have any experience with any of the education systems in or around these states? Thanks for your help

finallyhome2014 · #2 04-03-2010, 08:43 PM

I researched educational programs before my son went to Ft Dix and it seems that the opportunities in federal prison are limited. As far as the GED, people are taking the classes but the follow up to administer the test is sorely lacking. So the personnel certainly doesn't seem to make an effort to provide ways to achieve a degree. If you find a college that has degree by correspondence please let me know. I'm sure there must be schools out there but as yet haven't found them.

ramsez · #3 04-03-2010, 08:47 PM

Will do

Technically for law the only thing you have to do is pass the bar to practice law so I'm trying to find some sort of program or course to learn maybe a book a week by mail or something of that sort.

finallyhome2014 · #4 04-03-2010, 09:25 PM

I thought that states required a degree from a law school as a prerequisite to take the bar exam. If one of the states you mentioned doesn't require a degree from a law school as a prerequisite, maybe that would be one to consider? You sound like a really good friend ... good luck on your search!

aba · #5 04-03-2010, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramsez

Will do

Technically for law the only thing you have to do is pass the bar to practice law so I'm trying to find some sort of program or course to learn maybe a book a week by mail or something of that sort.

Not true. You have to pass a background check for character and fitness to practice law. If you've been convicted of a felony, I believe the ABA will not allow you to renew your license for at least 8 years, provided you had one that was surrendered. I would look into that, but many people who graduate law degrees but can't pass the bar work as paralegals.

ramsez · #6 04-04-2010, 02:36 AM

I actually just read on these forums that a couple states will allow it. However, it would be very difficult to practice since your background would be known. In any case, knowing the legal system would be very beneficial for anybody I think whether working as a paralegal or Lawyer.

LAKitty65 · #7 05-28-2010, 03:52 PM

I would check into the requirements of the state bar in the state your friend is considering obtaining his law degree. You can do an internet search by any state, for instance: California State Bar, etc. You could also call and ask the admission departments what the requirements are to become licensed in that particular state.

You can work as what they call a judicial assistant in a court of law, paralegal, or corporations, accounting firms, etc. once you have a law degree - not everyone with a law degree takes the bar. Being a licensed attorney is different - you have to pass the bar and be accepted for admsisions to the bar in a particular state.

I would imagine that if he were to get a law degree and pass the bar, he would have a good argument for clemency or a state pardon. And I'm sure he would be the one handling his case.

I work as a paralegal so I know a bit about the whole law school, passing the bar, and getting admitted. I do not know the requirements of the states you are inquiring about though.

Hope that helps!!! And good luck to your ambitious friend!!! I'm sure he will make a fine defense lawyer some day....

LAKitty65 · #8 05-28-2010, 03:53 PM

The bar is the bar exam.