Tennessee Law Schools Key Terms

Know the laws and requirements for law education in Tennessee

If you are thinking about attending law school in Tennessee, choose an ABA-accredited school so you will be able to sit for the bar once you complete your studies. Attending law school takes three years as a full-time student, so make sure both the program requirements and the campus atmosphere suit you.

Tennessee also requires practicing lawyers to take continuing education classes. These can be taken on campus or online. Select the one that best suits your schedule.

One difficulty for many students attending law school is covering the cost. Check into programs provided by both the state and federal government to see if you qualify for grants or student loans. Apply early for Tennessee state aid because it is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For those completing continuing legal education credits, see if your firm will cover the cost, because many do.

 

ABA-approved law schools

Those wishing to practice law in Tennessee must attend an ABA-approved law school. Attending one of the schools accredited by the American Bar Association allows students to sit for the bar after they graduate.
Try: The American Bar Association website discusses ABA-approved law schools. Click on the Tennessee link on the Utah State Bar website to see a list of ABA-approved law schools in Tennessee.

Tennessee Bar Association

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is an organization for Tennessee lawyers that promotes a positive image of the law profession to the citizens of the state. The TBA also has programs for professional development and provides information to aspiring law students. The TBA Young Lawyer Division offers mentoring to those planning to become lawyers.
Try: The Tennessee Bar Association website tells about the organization and has resources for lawyers or those hoping to become lawyers. A link on their website for law students connects to a variety of resources.

Tennessee Student Assistance Awards

Tennessee Student Assistance Awards are granted to students attending post-secondary schools. Funds for this program come from the federal LEAP/SLEAP program and from the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.
Try: The Tennessee Student Assistance Awards website explains the rules and procedures for applying for these awards.

LSAT

To enter law school, students must take the LSAT, or Law School Admission Test. The test lasts for a half-day and consists of five 35-minute-long tests plus a writing sample. The questions are multiple choice, and the final score determines whether or not a candidate can enter the law school of his or her choice.
Try: The Law School Admission Council and The University of Tennessee provide additional information on the LSAT.

Tennessee CLE Requirements

CLE, or continuing legal education requirements, keep lawyers up to date on laws and procedures. The state of Tennessee requires lawyers to take a minimum of twelve hours of legal education.
Try: TennBarU has posted a copy of the Tennessee CLE Requirements.

EP credits

The state of Tennessee added an additional requirement to the CLE requirements in 1997. Since that time, all lawyers are required to complete three hours of EP, or ethics and professionalism, credits. These credits remind lawyers to maintain client confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and uphold high standards of conduct.
Try: Education Over the Net provides online classes to help Tennessee lawyers meet their EP credit requirements. A list of classes and what they cover is located below the general course listings.

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