Practicing Law with the Federal Government
February 23, 2008
In light of the fact that I live hours from the nearest law school, I am considering the possibility of attending an online law school. I know, I know, ABA has no approved online law schools and most states won’t let you “sit for the bar” unless you’re a graduate of an approved law school; however, there is a work around - at least according to the research I’ve done thus far!
California allows online law school graduates to site for their bar exam, provided the student completed the required prerequisite courses. Additionally, as a “career” employee with the federal government, if I were to pass the CA Bar Exam I could practice with any federal agency in the US and their territories.
According to OPM, GS-905- General Attorney Series:
“There is no OPM qualification standard for positions in this series, as OPM is prohibited by law from examining for attorney positions or establishing qualification requirements for them. These positions are generally in the excepted service, and agencies establish their own qualification requirements for them.”
UPDATE! As an added precaution, I researched a few vacancy announcements to determine the standard qualifications most federal agencies require of their staff attorneys and found a difference - some DO REQUIRE graduation from an ABA accredited law school.
- DOJ Trial Attorney, District Court Litigation -You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association…
- SSA Attorney Advisor -Membership in a State Bar…
- Attorney ATF General - Possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any state or territory, or the District of Columbia)…
- Homeland Security General Attorney - Applicant must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association…
Looks like I’ll be going for an MSW as opposed to a J.D. Social Work was another possibility since I enjoy working with those in need, particularly returning soldiers from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Comments
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.