The impact of the close relationship between law schools and the practicing bar

Abstract

Since the first American law school opened its doors in the late 1800’s, nearly all JD graduates have practiced law upon graduation. Even ten years after graduation, while some may have moved on to careers in business, teaching, politics, government service, etc., the great majority of American law graduates still practice law. This simple fact distinguishes them from graduates of first-degree-in-law graduates around the world and also has had a profound impact on American legal education.The first aspect of this impact is the close relationship between the American Bar Association (ABA) and American law schools.