Advice on flexible JD programs for personal goals and disability

[Juris]

Thanks for the feedback. I just wanted to clarify my situation a bit. I already have a few U.S. degrees and several years of experience in compliance and legal support. I have not gone to law school yet, but I do have practical exposure to legal work, which is why I am looking into an LLB now.

My main goal is to get a recognized bachelor’s in law and then move on to a U.S. LLM. The LLM is the milestone I am aiming for and it also keeps the CA or NY bar option open. I will have funding for the LLM through federal loans, so I am primarily looking for a first degree that is affordable and flexible.

I have been looking at a few programs. UVEG in Mexico is cheap and fast, but the process involves a lot of paperwork and grading is slow. UNISA in South Africa is reputable, but the program length is fixed and not ideal for international students. University of Central Lancashire is accredited, recognized by WES and NACES, and affordable at about four to six thousand dollars for the three-year LLB. It is also self-paced, which would allow me to move through the material as quickly as I can handle.

I know some people worry about distance learning, but UK universities generally do not put that on the diploma and transcripts usually do not make it an issue. WES and NACES will evaluate it as a standard UK LLB.

I would love to hear from anyone who has done a UCLan LLB as an international student or has had it evaluated for a U.S. LLM. I want to make sure this path is solid, recognized, and affordable.

Putting aside to qualify to take the CA or NY bar and passing. Unless you are going to LIVE in CA or NY or only practice Federal law, then, explain the reasoning for CA and NY bar? btw: I know the entire system inside and out, how it works, what degrees work and don't, the bar process. Trying to help you but you need to explain further. Right now, its generic answers. btw: New Federal law limits graduate school funding (loans). The bar licensing in the US is extremely complex (for every state) and very protective of American JD graduates. Its not impossible but its not as easy as one might think.

I live and work in CA right now and I also have family and a place to stay in NY, so those are the only two states that are practical for me. That is the main reason I am focused on CA and NY for bar options. I do not plan to live in any other state.

For the LLB I am leaning toward UCLan because it is affordable, recognized by WES and NACES, and self paced, which matters to me since I want the flexibility to move faster than a standard timeline. I am also considering UoL if I am accepted, and I would like to know if UoL is a solid choice compared to UCLan.

I understand that some people question distance learning, but UK universities usually do not put distance on the diploma and credential evaluators generally treat them as standard LLBs. I am assuming I may need an LLM cure either way and would plan for an LLM that includes the required subjects and credit totals to meet bar eligibility. From what I see the LLM route is still the cheapest way forward and there may be scholarship opportunities as well.

On funding I know federal loans for grad programs have new limits. By the time I reach the LLM stage I will plan conservatively and also look at scholarships, employer help, or private loans if needed. By the third year I may be able to cover even fifty percent of an LLM out of my own pocket. I have seen some LLM programs cost less than 10k, so that seems realistic.

I noticed that some unis or providers ask to see your CV and prior degrees, even if they are not in law, to determine whether you qualify for an accelerated path. I am not sure if all of these are legitimate or if some might be scams, so I am being cautious. For context I do have an AS in criminal justice along with some prep undergrad courses, but I know that is not enough on its own.

I would appreciate suggestions on how to make this path better or more realistic. I know many people are against this route because it seems like less work, but honestly my intention to take the bar is not even fifty percent certain right now. I would not want an MLS since it is expensive and does not lead anywhere for me, so the LLB looks like a better fit given my background.

I already have an MBA and an MAOL, along with a few other US degrees. I also have about seven years of experience in compliance and legal support, guided closely by a CA lawyer, though I am not a paralegal. These do not replace law school but they give me practical exposure and I feel that pairing this with an LLB could be a good step.

Law school has always been a dream for me but I am still undecided because I do not see a clear path that works best with my health and financial situation. That is why the LLB route, whether UCLan or UoL, feels both appealing and affordable.

I have looked at NWCU’s JD and if I chose NWCU it would still cost me a lot, likely over 10k, and if I do not end up taking the bar then the JD, like many have said, would be useless. That is why I was considering the LLB and LLM route instead, since even if I decide not to practice law in the US I would still hold value having both degrees.

So right now my question is this. Should I commit to a program like PG Global which is around 52k for two years without being sure I will take the bar, or should I do NWCU for about 14k, or should I take the Europe route with an LLB followed by an LLM that gives me more time to decide and still has value either way. Advice from those with experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.