Though online education saw explosive growth across all disciplines in 2020, law schools experienced perhaps the most substantial shift. The American Bar Association halted its Standard 306 distance education rules indefinitely during the pandemic, meaning that law schools can surpass the limit on online credit hours needed for an ABA-accredited Juris Doctor.
Last year's growth in online education also highlighted an issue that has historically challenged legal education: a lack of diversity in student populations.
Because most states have fewer than three law schools, more online program options can provide greater access to legal education for students of all backgrounds and geographic locations. This will benefit the profession, as students from diverse backgrounds will likely enter more flexible law degree programs, bringing new and diverse perspectives with them.
Now that the ABA is considering a permanent expansion of its distance education rules, law schools are adding online classes to their law degree programs. Law schools should consider investing in digital education offerings or risk shrinking enrollment rates and losing out to more progressive institutions that provide online options.
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