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Earn Your University of London LL.B Degree Online with ICLS

by George D. Pappas, Editor

Having just taken the North Carolina Bar this past July, I’ve had the opportunity to do something I’ve longed for so long – doing absolutely nothing! I can’t express the pleasure in reading anything but the law, anything but another MBE multiple choice question or another bar review essay subject.

I've had several weeks to unwind and to think about the road I’ve taken since 1977. While my law school career started several years ago with the University of London, my journey to this juncture stretches back to the 1970’s when I decided to leave America and submit myself full time to British Education in London. I have never looked back with regret; however, I have gained so much respect for distance learners since my own experience with this method.

One thing still stands out as I look back upon my journey, namely, how difficult it was. Some of you who read these words have to begin your own unique journey, and unfortunately, some of you will not finish. Those who will not finish their law degree or enter their legal profession will have succumbed to life’s obstacles. Some of you may have family commitments that cannot sustain the sacrifice you will impose upon yourself and your family. In other instances, you will find studying alone simply too much to handle. In other instances, you employer may be hostile to your legal studies. Yet, there will be many who will pass and succeed, not because they are brighter or clever, but because they have the drive, the focus and the family support to succeed.

Why do I preach these sentiments at the end of my long journey? Simply, because when I started no one was there to tell me what this was going to be like. When I started, we didn’t have an Internet, email or web sites. We’ve come a long way, and I believe those of us who have reached the final stop should help those preparing for distance learning to experience all the advice and support that we can muster.

Since I founded the Malet Street Gazette, I have received thousands of e-mails; however, common questions continue. Many questions, for example, focus on whether the University of London LL.B earned under the external system will be applicable to their respective country’s legal profession. I can say this, while the University of London LL.B earned externally is by far the best law degree course I know, it is not enough. 

In the United Kingdom, for instance, even with an LL.B, you will still need a additional year for either the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC). If you pass this post-degree stage, you will still need to find a place with a UK law firm – otherwise you cannot enter the legal profession in the UK.

In the United States, the LLB is not recognized by any US state if earned externally; therefore, you will need either 24 credits or an LL.M from American Bar Association (ABA) law school to meet the educational qualifications by some states. Still other states will not permit you to take the bar because your first law degree was not an ABA law degree. The U.S. is a maze that needs carefully planning.

Other countries have similar rules, and I will say this – you have the responsibility to seek out the answers. You should write to the bar authorities in your country, and request guidance about what you need in terms of educational standards and quality.

Bar Admission is a major issue with external students since most legal professional bodies, especially the ABA in the US, do not recognize external law degrees. But do not despair, you can still enter the legal profession in the UK, the US (some states) and I’m sure with several other countries with additional study.

Having taught law in New York City to students preparing for British law exams, I am amazed by the lack of academic readiness by many students. Some overcome their academic handicap; still others never reach the mark. In this context, the University of London does a great job of weeding out weak students, while other Universities in the UK permit candidates to move on even if they fail one exam. While it may seem harsh under the London standard, that is, if you pass two exams and fail one under Scheme B, you must take all three over again, I support the strict requirement. Why? Because those who pass the London LL.B are much more likely to enter the profession, while the weaker candidates from other UK University external programs will face a harder task. One is a reality check; the other misleads students with false hopes.

Law is difficult and not everyone is suited to this profession. Being successful in not only based on your academic abilities or potential, but also your determination to do well. Students without determination and desire tend to fail. I would rather teach a student who is average, but driven then a student who merely has the academic potential to do well. That is why the LSAT in the US is so wrong – but that’s another issue I prefer not to digress into at this stage.

For many years I hid my legal studies from a former employer. You may find this madness, but it is true. I had a "boss" who promised me the world with promotions until I told him I was a law student. I had potential employer seeking me to join his firm for over three years – until I told him I was a law student. What these short sighted experiences exemplify is a lack of understanding and inability to appreciate the "value" of a law degree to one's own career. Ironically, both companies are out of business! 

Some employers will view your legal studies, assuming you currently have a career, as a threat. They view your legal efforts (even though you are paying for them) as a lack of commitment to your firm. My response, "you make a commitment to me, and I’ll make sure the law degree will make me a more valuable employee to you." Of course, sadly, very few employers (at least in the paper business) will adopt this view, which I guess is another reason why one should leave that industry to petty corporate managers who view their entire world in terms of price and tons.

OK, enough said about my dismal experience with paper industry employers in the US. Actually, I now work with a firm in the paper business that actually sees the value of my law degrees with respect to the firm’s future, so there is hope.

For those of you contemplating distance learning, I say this – go for it! If you really want to earn your law degree, you owe it to yourself to try, but you also must not delude yourself that you can do this part time. Preparing for a law career independently requires a full time commitment. While you may not be in class, your mind and soul must push out all the other minor events in your life.  Love your family and loved ones by giving them "time", and hold on. Some outside your family may support you like good friends and fellow students, but be prepared for a lonely journey through the wilderness. If you pass this quest, you will never be the same and you will change in ways you could never imagine.

Somehow I continue to maintain The Malet Street Gazette despite family, legal studies and my career – I guess those of you in this distance learning world are now part of my life. Perhaps one day we will meet – regardless, I will commit all available resources to this web site.

My only request is that you take part in the community by posting questions (better than email please), and tell your fellow distance learning partners to stop by and help us keep this flame burning.

My journey's success would not be complete without special thanks to my better half Ellen, and to my two shining stars, Alexander and Natalie.  Without them, and families like them, one cannot complete this journey.

Last but certainly not least a world of thanks to Phillip Taylor, Barrister Desk editor. Phillip has been with the Malet Street Gazette from the beginning, and he has contributed so much time and effort that it is difficult to find words to express my gratitude. Also many thanks to Brian Risman, our Articles Editor. Brian has helped immensely over the past year by taking a huge load off my chest with soliciting new articles for The Male Street Gazette.

Good luck to you all.

August 19, 2001

Disclaimer

The Malet Street Gazette, Inc. is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice, and no-one should rely on the information contained in the Gazette. The authors and publishers accept no liability in relation thereto. The areas of law discussed are particularly fast-moving, and legal issues develop on a daily basis. The up-to-date position should always therefore be checked.  The Malet Street Gazette is not connected nor officially sanctioned by the University of London.

     The Malet Street Gazette, Inc. is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice, and no one should rely on the information contained in the Gazette. The views and posts published on this website and the Malet Street Gazette Discussion Board are not expressions of the Gazette's management or editorial policy and do not necessarily reflect the Gazette's opinion. The Malet Street Gazette, Inc. accepts no responsiblity for the accuracy of any statement made herein, and all readers/visitors are advised to check the facts for themselves and not rely on statements made herein.  The authors and publishers accept no liability in relation thereto. The areas of law discussed are particularly fast-moving, and legal issues develop on a daily basis. The up-to-date position should always therefore be checked. The Malet Street Gazette is not connected nor officially sanctioned by the University of London.

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