You Can Become An Attorney Without A Law Degree? Really?

You Can Become An Attorney Without A Law Degree? Really?

So you want to be an attorney but don't really want to endure three to four years of law school? Believe it or not, if you reside in California, you can obtain a license to practice law without a law degree. How can this be done? All you have to do is take the California State Bar Exam—and pass.

The Law Study Program allows California residents to become attorneys without graduating from college or law school. But those interested in going down this unconventional path, must first meet basic pre-legal education requirements.

Below are step-by-step guidelines to get you on your way to practicing law in the state of California.

1. Complete all pre-requisite educational requirements. The State of California requires two years of pre-legal education before beginning the study of law. If you have NO college credits, you can take the College-Level Equivalency Program (CLEP). This unique program helps you receive college credit for what you already know. This credit-by-examination program was developed by the College Board and is available at many colleges and universities. The group of exams assess college level knowledge in various subjects. Those who choose to take any of the 33 exams available, bypass taking the actual college courses, save money, and may ultimately achieve their college career goals rapidly. There is a fee of $77 per exam.

2. Study law in a law office or judge’s chambers. To comply with the legal education requirements to practice law in the State of California AND to qualify to take the California State Bar Exam, you are required to study in a law office or judge’s chambers for a total of four years. Study time must be completed in the state of California during regular business hours for a minimum of 18 hours per week. Study time must also be under the direct supervision of a California judge (of a court of record) or an attorney who has been a good standing active member of the California State Bar Association for five consecutive years. Working for a judge or an attorney does not qualify as “study time”. Monthly exams are administered by the supervising judge or attorney to assess knowledge. Within the first 30 days of beginning the Law Study Program, you must submit a “Notice Of Intent To Study Law In A Law Office Or Judge’s Chambers” with the Committee of Bar Examiners. It is highly recommended that you study under the supervision of someone who practices or rules under the type of law you wish to practice.

3. Apply to take the California First-Year Law Students’ Exam (FYLSE). Also known as the “Baby Bar", California’s FYLSE is taken by students participating in law study programs or students enrolled in law schools that are not accredited by the State Bar of California or the American Bar Association. The exam must be taken after the student’s first year of law study and can be taken in June and October—in Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known to be one of the hardest exams—in the country. Some say it is even more difficult than the Bar Exam with a less than 18% pass rate for first time takers. Subjects covered in this exam are: Contracts, Criminal Law, and Torts. Intense preparation for this exam is highly recommended. You must pass this exam within three consecutive administrations.

4. Complete the law study program and take the California State Bar Exam. Assuming you have successfully passed the Baby Bar, you must now complete the remaining three years of the Law Study Program. Toward the end of the Law Study Program, file to take the California Bar Examination—and pass the exam. California administers what is thought to be the country’s most difficult of bar exams. The exam is administered twice a year—in February and July. Many have difficulty passing and even some have tried to sue the State Bar on grounds that the exam is too difficult. The exam is 18 hours long—spread out over three days—and covers approximately 17 areas of law, which include areas of law specifically pertaining to the state of California. Study and prepare for this exam diligently…you’ve made it this far in the unconventional quest to become an attorney, so give it your best shot.

5. Final steps. Receive a positive Moral Character Determination from the Committee of Bar Examiners; Take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (which is graded by the National Conference of Bar Examiners); Be in compliance with California court ordered child or family support obligations; and take the oath of office no later than five years after passing the California Bar Exam.

So, you really can become an attorney without a law degree. Some may refer to this unconventional path as the new and improved way to be able to practice law. Many have taken this new and improved path and are now successful attorneys.

Other states with similar Law Study Programs: Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Maine, and New York.