It is possible, though extremely rare, for someone to become a lawyer without going to law school. This is known as the “reading the law” or “apprenticeship” path to becoming a lawyer, and involves studying under the supervision of an experienced attorney or judge. In this article, we will explore the history of the “reading the law” path, as well as some of the challenges and requirements involved in pursuing this path today.
History of the “Reading the Law” Path
Prior to the establishment of formal law schools in the United States in the mid-19th century, the “reading the law” path was the primary method of legal education. Aspiring lawyers would study under the supervision of an experienced attorney, learning the principles of law by reading legal texts and attending court proceedings. This method of legal education was modeled after the English system of legal apprenticeship, which required prospective lawyers to study under the supervision of a barrister.
Over time, the establishment of formal law schools and the increasing professionalization of the legal field made the “reading the law” path less common. Today, most states require individuals to have a law degree from an accredited law school in order to sit for the bar exam and practice law.
Requirements for the “Reading the Law” Path Today
While it is possible to become a lawyer through the “reading the law” path today, it is extremely difficult and time-consuming. In most states, individuals who wish to pursue this path must complete a set number of years of legal study under the supervision of an experienced attorney or judge. This typically involves reading legal texts, attending court proceedings, and participating in legal research and writing projects.
In addition, individuals pursuing the “reading the law” path must still pass the bar exam in their state in order to practice law. The bar exam is a comprehensive test of legal knowledge and skills, and requires extensive preparation and study in order to pass.
Challenges of the “Reading the Law” Path
One of the main challenges of the “reading the law” path is finding an experienced attorney or judge who is willing to supervise your legal education. This can be particularly challenging for individuals who do not have existing connections in the legal field or who are located in areas with few legal professionals.
In addition, the “reading the law” path can be extremely time-consuming, as individuals must balance their legal education with work or other obligations. This can make it difficult to complete the required number of years of legal study within a reasonable timeframe.
Furthermore, even after completing the required legal education and passing the bar exam, individuals who have pursued the “reading the law” path may face challenges in finding employment in the legal field. Many law firms and other employers prefer to hire individuals who have completed a formal law degree program, as this is seen as an indicator of their legal knowledge and skills.
While it is possible to become a lawyer without attending law school, this path is extremely rare and requires significant dedication and effort. The “reading the law” path has a long history in the United States and other countries, but has become increasingly uncommon in the modern era of legal education and professionalization. For most individuals who wish to pursue a career in law, attending law school and earning a law degree from an accredited institution is the most practical and effective path to achieving their career goals.
Who Has Done This?
There are several notable individuals who have become lawyers without attending law school. One of the most well-known examples is Abraham Lincoln, who became a lawyer through the “reading the law” path in the 1830s. Lincoln studied under several lawyers and judges in Illinois, and was admitted to the bar in 1836.
Another famous example is former Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, who studied law under the guidance of his father and other family members in the late 19th century. Cardozo was admitted to the New York bar in 1891, and went on to have a successful career as a lawyer and judge before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 1932.
More recently, California attorney Kim Kardashian West announced in 2020 that she is pursuing the “reading the law” path to become a lawyer. Kardashian West has been studying law under the supervision of attorneys and judges, and has stated her goal is to become a criminal justice reform advocate.
While these individuals have achieved success as lawyers without attending law school, it is important to note that their experiences are not representative of the typical path to becoming a lawyer today. Pursuing the “reading the law” path requires a significant investment of time and effort, and may not be a practical or effective option for most aspiring lawyers.
In today’s legal industry, it is highly unlikely that a lawyer would be hired without having attended law school. While the “reading the law” path may have been a common method of legal education in the past, the legal profession has undergone significant changes over the past century, including the establishment of formal law schools and the professionalization of the legal field.
Today, the vast majority of law firms and other legal employers require applicants to have a law degree from an accredited law school in order to be considered for employment. This is because law school provides students with a comprehensive legal education, covering a wide range of legal principles and skills that are essential for practicing law.
In addition, law school provides students with opportunities to network with other legal professionals, participate in legal clinics and internships, and gain practical experience in a wide range of legal settings. These experiences are highly valued by legal employers, who seek candidates with a well-rounded education and a broad range of skills and experiences.
While it is technically possible for someone to become a lawyer without attending law school, this path is highly unconventional and not recommended for most aspiring lawyers. For those who wish to pursue a career in law, attending law school and earning a law degree from an accredited institution is the most practical and effective path to achieving their career goals.