St. Mary's To Launch Nation's First Fully Online ABA-Accredited JD Degree

Law360, ABA Nod To St. Mary's U Online Law School A Turning Point:

St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio recently received approval from the American Bar Association to offer the nation's first online-only ABA-accredited law degree program, and while the effort was heralded by many law professors and experts, it also drew the frustration of others.

Because accreditation matters are confidential, the ABA could not comment on specifics. However, a representative of the ABA did confirm that St. Mary's received approval in May on a requested variance relating to the online program.

"The short answer is that St. Mary's online program has been approved by the [ABA's] Council," the representative told Law360 Pulse. ...

Although there are already some hybrid law schools accredited by the ABA, including programs at Mitchell Hamline and Syracuse University, St. Mary's was the first university to receive approval for a degree completely online.

Inside Higher Ed, ABA Approves First Fully Online Law School