A reader, P,  asks:

I recently got accepted to a Non ABA certified Law School. Given the nature of the beast. What are your thoughts on such an endeavor, as there are pros and cons to the affair?


I’m certainly no expert on education. I have but one degree, and nary a desire for another. I’m done with school. That said, I believe it’s generally in everyones’ best interest to attend the best school that he or she can. This does not mean the most expensive as there are many affordable public institutions that outclass expensive private schools.  However, all else things being equal, ABA accredited school is by definition superior to a non accredited one.

To practice law, one must pass the bar exam. To take the bar exam, one must attend an ABA accredited school. In that light, it would seem that attending a non-accredited school is not worthwhile. Of course it’s not that simple as different states have their own individual bar associations that may allow graduates of non-accredited schools to take the bar. By passing the Bar in one state, and then practicing law for a few years, it’s often possible to take the Bar in any state. Of course with ABA accredited degree, you can take the Bar anywhere.

The more interesting question is not if you can take the Bar or not, but rather what doors an ABA accredited school would open versus a non accredited school. My initial read into the matter, is “a lot.” The ABA has gotten criticized and justly so for being a elitist institution that is in the business of exclusion. From what little I can gather, this seems to be true. Ironically because this is true, it’s better to member of the club than excluded.

So why would anyone want to attend a non accredited school? They are cheaper, and often easier to get into. The former is a good reason and the latter is a good reason only for those who can’t get into another school.  I don’t believe my reader is such an individual.  He’s clearly a smart guy if he’s reading AskDong.  It’s important to attend the best school that you can get into, and not just the best school that you know is easier to get into. Shoot for the moon, I say. Even when it comes to cost, I think the extra money can be well worth it if more doors are open because of it.
My attitude towards education is biased. I don’t believe that a diploma is a necessary prerequisite of learning. I don’t believe the ultimate value of education is not what’s learned, but what doors that diploma can open. A diploma is a key, and it’s clear from what little I know about the ABA and law jobs a degree from ABA accredited school is a much better key. Is it fair? No, I don’t think it is, but it’s how the world works.