By Becoming a lawyer traditionally involves earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, followed by passing the bar exam. But what if law school isn’t for you? Can you be a lawyer without going to law school?
While most aspiring attorneys follow the law school route, a handful of U.S. states offer an alternative: legal apprenticeships, also known as “reading the law.”
In these pathways, candidates study under a practicing attorney or judge and may become eligible to take the bar exam and—if successful—earn licensure.
In this article, I will explain:
- Can you become a lawyer without going to law school?
- Which state allows you to take the “reading the law” path to become a lawyer?
- What is the cost that goes into becoming a lawyer without going to law school?
Additionally, I will also explain whether it is disadvantageous to become a lawyer without going to law school. So, if these are some of the things that you want to know, keep on reading till the end…
Can You Be A Lawyer Without Going To Law School?
In most states, attending law school is required to sit for the bar exam. However, four states currently permit aspiring lawyers to bypass law school entirely by participating in structured legal apprenticeship programs. These are:
- California.
- Vermont.
- Virginia.
- Washington.
Business Insider presented data showing that in 2013, 60 people qualified to sit for the bar exam by reading law, as opposed to 83,926 who qualified through law schools. Of those 60, 17 passed on their first attempt.
According to Juris Education, these alternatives, rooted in the historical practice of “reading law,” require rigorous study and supervision but offer a non-traditional path to licensure.
What Is The Bar Exam?
The bar exam is a high-stakes professional test that assesses competency in legal knowledge, reasoning, and ethics. It typically includes:
- Multiple-choice questions (e.g., the Multistate Bar Exam).
- Essay questions.
- Performance exams like the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
Passing it is a mandatory step for licensure in each state. Most applicants prepare through law school coursework or supplemental bar review courses.
How To Become A Lawyer Without Going To Law School?
If you are planning to become a lawyer without going to law school, the journey might sound challenging to you. Which is why having a guide can make things a little easier for you.
Here are a few things:
- Ensure Eligibility: Confirm you have the required education (usually at least a college bachelor’s degree, or two years for California).
- Find a Qualified Supervisor: Locate an attorney or judge who meets state criteria (e.g., minimum years of practice).
- Register Your Apprenticeship: States often require formal enrollment or registration in the apprenticeship program.
- Follow Study Requirements: Maintain weekly study hours (e.g., 18–32 hours/week), undergo periodic exams, and document progress.
- Complete the Required Duration: Typically 3–4 years.
- Fulfill Additional Milestones: For example, California’s Baby Bar or completion notices in Vermont.
- Sit for the Bar Exam: Once requirements are satisfied, you become eligible to take the bar.
- Pass the Exam and Apply for Admission: If successful, you can be admitted to practice in the state.
Which States Allow You To Take The Bar Without Going To Law School?
When it comes to becoming a lawyer without going to law school,
| State | Law School Required | “Reading Law” Time | Notes |
| California | No | 4 years | Rule 4.29; includes Baby Bar |
| Virginia | No | 3 years | Law Reader Program |
| Vermont | No | 4 years | Law office study program |
| Washington | No | 4 years | Law Clerk Program |
1. California
Under Rule 4.29, candidates with at least two years of college can complete legal training in a law office or judge’s chambers for four years.
The requirements are as follows:
- At least 18 hours/week of study, for 48 weeks per year.
- Supervision by a practicing attorney or judge with 5+ years of active bar membership.
- The supervisor must provide bi-annual reports and monthly exams.
- Applicants must pass the “First-Year Law Students’ Exam” (FYLSE)—often called the “Baby Bar”—after the first year to continue.
2. Vermont
Offers a law office study program requiring a bachelor’s degree and four years of supervised study at 25 hours/week.
Upon completion—and successful submission and acceptance of a Completion Notice—applicants may take the bar.
3. Virginia
The Law Reader Program allows candidates with a bachelor’s degree to study under an attorney/judge for three years, 25 hours/week over 40 weeks each year. After program completion, the candidate can sit for the Virginia Bar.
4. Washington
The Law Clerk Program mandates a bachelor’s degree, full-time work (32+ hours/week) under a licensed attorney or judge with 10+ years’ experience, and program fees (~$2,000/year). Completion of this highly structured program qualifies applicants for the bar exam.
What Is The Cost Of Law Apprenticeship Vs. Cost Of Law School?
According to Indeed, “legal apprenticeship program does not have any costs associated with it,” while the “average cost of law school in the U.S. is between $27,591 and $49,095 per year, which includes tuition and fees.”
However, participants who are willing to start their journey should be aware that they will need to cover the costs of their study materials and registration fees, which are required to prepare for the Bar Exam.
| Path | Cost Estimate | Notes |
| Law School (Public) | ~$92,000 total (tuition only) | In-state, 3 years |
| Law School (Private) | ~$168,000 total | Tuition only |
| Total Law School Cost | ~$217k–$230k with expenses | Education + living costs |
| Apprenticeship | Low—materials, fees, bar prep | No tuition; Washington ~ $2k/year fee |
Therefore, apprenticeship routes can slash your education-related expenses by hundreds of thousands of dollars—though they require equivalent time and motivation.
Are There Disadvantages To Becoming A Lawyer Without Going To Law School?
While the option to become a lawyer without going to law school might sound appealing to you, it might not always be the best option. There are a few drawbacks that you should keep in mind.
These are as follows:
- Bar Passage Risk: The bar is notoriously difficult. Law schools provide structured, tested curricula and bar-focused preparation. Apprentices lack that systematic academic structure—raising the stakes for disciplined self-study.
- Limited Mobility: Apprenticeship-trained lawyers may face licensing barriers in other states. Most jurisdictions require a J.D. from an accredited law school for bar reciprocity or admission-on-motion.
- Perception & Employment Hurdles: Employers—especially large firms—often prefer (or require) candidates with law school credentials and networks. Clients, too, may hold law school graduation in high regard, potentially limiting career opportunities.
- Variability in Quality: The effectiveness of your training depends heavily on your supervisor’s ability and dedication—and there’s no uniform curriculum across apprenticeships.
- Jurisdictional Limitations: Only four states currently permit this route, so geography matters. If you plan to practice elsewhere, law school may be inevitable.
Should You Become A lawyer Without Going To Law School?
While you can become a lawyer without attending law school in certain states, it demands serious commitment, self-discipline, and strategic consideration.
Apprenticeships dramatically cut costs—potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars—but with trade-offs in mobility, preparation, and long-term career flexibility.
If you’re suited to self-directed study and plan to build your career in an apprenticeship-friendly state, this path can be both feasible and appealing
But if you aim to maximize mobility, employer options, and structured support, law school remains the most conventional—and accessible—route.
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