Can You Take the Bar Without Going to Law School
If you want to practice law in the US, you might wonder if you can take the bar without going to law school. A standardized bar exam evaluates your legal expertise and knowledge and determines if you can practice law in a particular jurisdiction.
Different states have different laws about bar exams. Let`s find out more about it.
What is the bar exam?
The bar association of each state or territory administers the bar exam. The format and content of the exam vary depending on the jurisdiction.
But most states have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which consists of three parts:
- Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): A 200-question, multiple-choice exam that tests your understanding of fundamental legal principles and reasoning.
- Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): A six-question exam that tests your ability to identify legal issues, analyze facts, and communicate effectively in writing.
- Multistate Performance Test (MPT): A two-question, performance-based exam that tests your ability to apply legal skills and knowledge to realistic scenarios.
The UBE is administered twice yearly, in February and July, over two days.
Some jurisdictions also administer state-specific components or exams, such as:
- Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE): An ethics exam that tests your skills in the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.
- State law essays test your knowledge of state-specific laws and regulations.
- State skills tests that assess your practical skills in drafting documents, conducting research, or interviewing clients.
Do You Have To Go To Law School To Take the Bar?
The answer varies depending on where you wish to appear to practice law. To be legit to take the bar exam, you must graduate from an authorized law school.
However, there are some exceptions, such as:
- Law Office Study: A program where you study under a licensed attorney for a certain number of hours and years. The option is available in California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
- Law Reader Program: A program where you study under the guidance of a judge or a lawyer and complete specific courses and exams. The option is available in Virginia and Washington.
- Apprenticeship Program: A program where you work as an apprentice for a lawyer or a law firm and complete specific courses and exams.
States That Allow You To Take the Bar Without Going To Law School
California
After four years of law study under an attorney or judge, you can take the bar exam. After your first year of law study, you must also pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (FYLSX).
Washington
You can take the bar exam if you have completed four years of law study under an attorney or judge or managed at least two years of college and four years under an attorney or judge. After your first year of law study, you must also pass another examination administered by the Board of Bar Examiners.
New York
You can take the bar exam if you have finished one year of law school and three years of law study under an attorney or judge or completed two years of law school and two years under an attorney or judge.
You must also meet specific courses and exams approved by the Court of Appeals.
Wyoming
After three years of law study under an attorney or judge, you can take the bar exam. You must also meet specific courses and exams approved by the Supreme Court.
Also Read: How to Manage a Small Law Firm?
States That Require Some Law School
The following states require you to complete some law school credits before you can take the bar exam without graduating from law school:
Maine
You can take the bar exam if you have completed two-thirds of a law degree from an accredited law school and two years of law study under an attorney or judge.
New Mexico
You can take the bar exam if you have completed at least 94 semester hours of a law degree from an accredited law school and one year of law study under an attorney or judge.
Oregon
You can take the bar exam if you have completed at least three-fourths of a law degree from a registered law school and one year of law study under an attorney or judge.
How to Take the Bar Exam Without Going to Law School?
You need to follow these steps:
- Choose a state that allows you to take the bar exam without going to law school and check its specific requirements and procedures.
- Find a qualified attorney or judge to supervise your law study and mentor you.
- Register for the program and submit the necessary documents and fees to the relevant authority.
- Complete the required hours and years of law study under your supervisor and pass any required exams or courses.
- Apply for the bar exam and submit the necessary documents and fees to the relevant authority.
- Prepare for the bar exam by reviewing the topics and skills that will be tested and taking practice tests.
- Take the bar exam on the scheduled date and location and await your results.
- If you pass the bar exam, apply for admission and submit the necessary documents and fees to the relevant authority.
- You can start practicing law in that jurisdiction if admitted to the bar.
Taking the Bar Exam Without Going To Law School: Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can save time and money by avoiding tuition fees, student loans, and other expenses of attending law school.
- You can gain practical experience and skills by working directly with a lawyer or a judge in real cases and situations.
- You can learn independently and tailor your study plan to your interests and goals.
- You can avoid some of the stress and competition that comes with attending law school.
Cons
- You may face difficulties finding a supervisor who is willing and able to mentor you throughout your law study.
- You may need more access to resources, such as libraries, databases, professors, peers, and extracurricular activities, that are available in law schools.
- You may have less exposure to different areas of law, perspectives, opinions, and debates that are part of the legal education in law schools.
- You may have fewer opportunities for networking, career guidance, internships, clerkships, scholarships, and other benefits law schools offer.
- You may need help transferring your license or practicing in other jurisdictions recognizing your alternative legal education.
Cost of Law Apprenticeship vs. Cost of Law School
The cost of taking the bar exam without going to law school depends on several factors, such as:
- The state where you want to practice
- The fees charged by your supervisor
- The fees charged by the authority that administers the program
- The fees charged by the administration that helps the bar exam
- The cost of materials, books, courses, exams, etc. that are required for your study
- The cost of living expenses during your study
According to some estimates, taking the bar exam without going to law school can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, while attending law school can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000.
Types of Jobs for Lawyers
Lawyers can work in different settings and sectors, depending on their interests, skills, and goals.
Some of the common types of jobs for lawyers are:
Private Practice Lawyer:
A lawyer who serves a law firm, representing clients in various legal matters, such as civil, criminal, family, business, or personal injury cases. Private practice lawyers can specialize in one or more areas of law and charge fees based on their experience and reputation.
In-house Counsel
A lawyer who joins a corporation, organization, or government agency, providing legal advice and services on various issues related to the employer’s business or operations. In-house counsel may handle contracts, compliance, litigation, intellectual property, labor, or tax matters.
In-house counsel usually receives a salary and benefits from their employer.
Public Interest Lawyer
A lawyer who works for a nonprofit organization, advocacy group, or legal aid clinic, representing clients who are disadvantaged, marginalized, or underrepresented in society. Public interest lawyers may work on human rights, environmental protection, social justice, or civil liberties.
Public interest lawyers receive a low salary or work pro bono (for free).
Government Lawyer
A lawyer for a federal, state, or local government agency, enforcing or defending the law for the public interest. Government lawyers may work as prosecutors, public defenders, judges, legislators, regulators, or diplomats.
Government lawyers usually receive a pay cheque and benefits from their employer.
Academic Lawyer
A lawyer who works for an educational institution, such as a law school or a university, teaches law courses, conducts legal research, writes scholarly articles or books, or supervises student projects. Academic lawyers may also serve as consultants or experts in their fields of expertise.
Academic lawyers usually receive a salary and other contract benefits.
FAQs
Can I Take the Bar Without Going To Law School In New York?
You can take the bar exam in New York without going to law school, but you must still complete some law school credits.
You can qualify for the bar exam if you meet one of these requirements:
- Spending at least one year of law school and three years of law office study under an attorney or judge.
- Finishing at least two years of law school and two years of law office study under an attorney or judge.
- You have completed a foreign legal education equivalent to a US law degree and one year of law office study under an attorney or judge.
You must also complete specific courses and exams approved by the Court of Appeals, such as constitutional law, civil procedure, evidence, professional responsibility, and the New York Law Examination.
Can I transfer my law license to another state?
It varies depending on the US state where you want to work. The reciprocity agreements allow lawyers to transfer their licenses without passing another bar exam in several states. However, these agreements usually have certain conditions and requirements, such as years of practice, good standing, character, fitness, continuing legal education, or additional exams.
Other states do not have reciprocity agreements and require lawyers to take their bar exam if they want to practice there. It may be the case for lawyers who obtained their licenses without going to law school, as most states do not recognize this alternative route.
Therefore, you should check with the state bar association of the state where you want to practice before applying for admission.
Can I practice federal law in another state?
You can practice federal law in another state if admitted to a federal court. Federal courts have their own admission rules and procedures separate from state courts. You must apply for admission and pay a fee to practice in a federal court.
However, practicing federal law in another state does not mean that you can practice state law in that state. State laws vary and may affect your federal cases. For example, state laws may determine the statute of limitations, the choice of law, the rules of evidence, or the damages available for your federal claims.
Therefore, you should consult with a licensed lawyer in that state before handling any federal cases there.
What is the pass rate for law readers?
The pass rate for law readers varies depending on the state and the exam year. However, generally speaking, the pass rate for law readers is much lower than law school graduates.
For example, according to the State Bar of California, the pass rate for law readers in July 2020 was 1%, compared to 61% for first-time takers from ABA-accredited schools. According to the Vermont Judiciary, the pass rate for law readers in February 2020 was 0%, compared to 67% for first-time takers from ABA-accredited schools.
