Best Online Associate in Law Degrees for 2025

The answer might surprise you, and it depends on where you plan to practice law. There are states in which you can move directly from an associate degree into a J.D. program. However, the rules are decided by the state in which you will be acting as a lawyer, because each state decided the rules for those who wish to pass the bar and practice law. In Ohio, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. But in Michigan, you only need to have completed two years of college. You can see what all the rules are for each state under the question “Is there a specific prelegal education requirement?” here.

There is a wide range of degrees that students earn before going on to gain their JD. However, if you are only going to earn an associate degree, you may want to be a little more thoughtful about which degree you earn before going into a law program. Some of the options that have the best track record include English, History, and Philosophy. These give you a solid background in logical thinking, expressing yourself and your thoughts, and understanding the importance of where things came from. Once you start your law degree, this can help you understand legal precedent and traditions, how to express your legal beliefs, and how to win in an argument. These are all useful skills that will serve you well throughout your next degree program. However, if you are able to find an associate degree that is focused specifically on law, then it might be worth it to complete that program as it should give you a good mix of all of these skills specifically in preparation for a JD.

Earning an associate degree in law and the legal system is a great way to begin a career in the legal field. Students who pursue this degree will gain a comprehensive understanding of the American legal system, including its processes, structures, and procedures. By obtaining an associate degree in law and the legal system, students can prepare themselves for higher-level degrees such as Bachelor's or Master's programs.

The coursework of this program includes core basics of civil rights and Constitutional laws as well as criminal justice issues that may come up in court systems throughout the country. Additionally, students learn how to apply these theories with practical experience through mock trials and arbitration exercises designed to mimic real-life court proceedings. Furthermore, courses like tort law teach about personal injury cases and legal support services while classes such as contract law instruct on business transactions across many industries.

Having a degree in law can open up many doors for you, especially with the growth of online associate degrees. One thing that is important to consider when choosing an online program is what are some of the legal specialty courses available?

These courses can include topics such as family law, contract law, criminal law and civil litigation. Other options may involve learning about tax laws or immigration laws. All of these classes aim to give students a better understanding of how to approach different legal issues they might face while working in their chosen field. Additionally, many programs will also offer classes on how to write legal documents such as pleadings and briefs as well as how to use research tools like LexisNexis and Westlaw.

The American Bar Association (ABA) is a professional organization for lawyers in the United States. Established in 1878, it sets ethical standards for the legal profession and accredits nearly all law schools in the country. The ABA also provides educational resources to help lawyers stay abreast of changes in the law, as well as continuing education courses to help them maintain their legal expertise.

In addition to its role as a regulatory body and educational resource, the ABA is involved with policy making decisions that affect the entire nation’s legal system. It often takes positions on public issues such as access to justice and judicial independence, defending or advocating for certain policies while opposing others. By engaging with legislators and other key stakeholders, it helps shape legislation that affects everyone who deals with or interacts with America's judicial system.

For many students, attending college is a dream that can quickly become an intimidating reality when the inevitable question of how to pay for it comes up. With the cost of tuition continuing to rise, many are unaware of the available avenues for federal financial aid. Whether you’re a high school student looking ahead or already in college and needing help paying your bills, there are resources that can provide assistance with college costs.

The first step in getting started on your path to securing federal financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will determine whether or not you qualify for federal grants and loans along with other forms of aid such as work-study programs and scholarships. After submitting your application, you can monitor its status online and receive information about any awards you may be eligible for.