Citizens Call For New Public Law School in Texas
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North Texas is home to two fine private law schools — Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law and Texas Wesleyan School of Law. However, neither has plans for rapid growth, meaning many North Texans must relocate or forgo a legal education.
Texans are understandably concerned about the economy. But the proposed UNT at Dallas College of Law isn’t about today. It is a long-term investment in the future of Texas, its students and the region. Like any professional school, a world-class institution requires time to become a reality. If the UNT at Dallas College of Law is approved and funded, it would not graduate its inaugural class until 2014.
[...] As our economy and society become more complex, Texas will need more professionals to handle contracts, family law, estate planning and business transactions generated by a vibrant North Texas economy. North Texas imports nearly one-third of its lawyers from out-of-state law schools. Does Texas really want to cede the training and rewards of legal professionals to other states?
The author of this piece makes a very compelling point — especially in a state as large as Texas, a proliferation of skilled professionals is imperative. Perhaps, in the meantime, another alternative would be online schools allowing students to continue with their careers while working on a degree at the same time? If that sounds appealing, check out the array of online paralegal schools and legal degrees offered at Get Degrees!
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Editor: Melissa Steele is a freelance writer and focuses her research on funding for higher education. She is a graduate of UNLV and endeavors to keep her readers up to date with the most relevant education information.