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Becoming an attorney through an online law program is possible, but it's also complicated. Blend Images - Jon Feingersh / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

Would you like to earn an online law degree from the comfort of your own home? It’s not easy, but it is possible. Earning an online law degree poses several unique challenges. No online law school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA); however, forty-nine states require that law school graduates earn a degree accredited by the ABA in order to take the bar exam needed to practice law.

California is the one state that allows graduates from distance learning law schools to sit for their bar, assuming the examinees meet certain requirements. If you live in California, or if you’re willing to relocate, you may be able to become a practicing lawyer with an online law degree. After you work as a lawyer for a few years, it may be possible to practice law in some other states. Here’s what you need to know:

In order to take the California Bar, students must meet certain requirements set by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. There are seven basic steps to becoming a full-fledged lawyer.

Step 1: Complete your pre-legal education. Most law students have already completed a bachelor’s degree. However, California’s minimum requirement is that students complete at least two years of college-level work (60 semester credits) with a GPA equal to or above that required for graduation. Alternatively, you may prove that you have intellectual ability equal to a college student in his second year by passing subject matter examinations with scores accepted by the Committee.

Step 2: Complete your legal education. Online law students may sit for the California Bar if they receive 864 hours of study for each year through a correspondence program that is registered with the committee). (off-site link ).” The Committee does not accredit online law schools; instead, they allow distance learning schools to register with them if the online schools meet requirements. Because the Committee won’t vouch for the quality of these programs, it is essential to thoroughly investigate any online law school before enrolling. Here are the online law schools currently registered with the Committee: