Thomas Jefferson School of Law. in California Law Schools
The Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) is a private law school located in San Diego, California. Its history and accreditation status are somewhat complex, and it's crucial for prospective students to understand them fully.
Here's a breakdown:
Accreditation Status:
Formerly ABA Accredited: Thomas Jefferson School of Law lost its American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation on December 17, 2019. This was a significant event, as ABA accreditation is generally considered the gold standard for law schools in the U.S. and is often a prerequisite for taking the bar exam in most states. The ABA cited ongoing issues with the school's resources, level of legal education, and admissions policies and practices.
Currently California State Bar Accredited: TJSL is now accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This means that graduates are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination.
Limited Bar Exam Eligibility: A crucial point to understand is that study at, or graduation from, TJSL may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or be licensed to practice law in jurisdictions other than California. Students who intend to practice outside of California should absolutely contact the admitting authority of that state for their specific requirements before enrolling.
Bar Passage Rates:
TJSL's bar passage rates have been a significant concern. For the July 2023 California Bar, the pass rate for TJSL graduates was 4% for first-time takers and 20% for repeat takers. This contrasts sharply with statewide averages of 64% for first-time takers from all ABA-approved schools in California.
Historically, TJSL's bar pass rates have been significantly lower than those of ABA-approved schools. For example, the October 2020 California Bar pass rate for TJSL graduates was 47% for first-time takers, versus a statewide average of 74% for ABA-approved schools. The July 2021 rate was 52% for first-time takers, compared to 71% statewide.
Programs and Features:
TJSL offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program and two Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs.
They also offer an Online J.D. Program, and their current instruction is principally by technological means.
The school emphasizes flexible scheduling, affordability (compared to ABA-approved schools), and a supportive environment for a diverse student body.
They accept both LSAT and GRE scores for admission.
Considerations for Prospective Students:
Career Opportunities: The lack of ABA accreditation significantly limits career opportunities for graduates. Many employers, particularly in states other than California, may not recognize a J.D. from an unaccredited institution.
Bar Exam Eligibility: As mentioned, the ability to practice law outside of California will be severely restricted.
Student Debt vs. Outcomes: While TJSL states its tuition is generally about half the cost of attending an ABA-approved Southern California law school, the low bar passage rates and potential for limited employment prospects raise concerns about the return on investment for students.
Reputation: Due to its history with ABA accreditation and persistently low bar passage rates, TJSL has faced considerable scrutiny and negative commentary within the legal education community.
In summary, Thomas Jefferson School of Law is a California State Bar-accredited institution in San Diego. While it provides an option for those seeking a legal education, particularly with its online and flexible programs, prospective students must be fully aware of the critical implications of its unaccredited status by the ABA, especially concerning bar exam eligibility and future career prospects outside of California.
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