When you think of becoming a lawyer, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, images of grueling years in law school, a mountain of debt, and late nights prepping for finals and, eventually, the bar probably pop up. But what if we told you there’s more than one way to earn your spot in a courtroom? And, yes, you might even be able to bypass the LSAT.
Let’s explore both the traditional path and some lesser-known paths to a legal career.
The Traditional Path
For aspiring attorneys, the typical route involves completing a bachelor’s degree, taking the LSAT, successfully getting into law school, and spending three years earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.). From there, you’ll need to take and pass the bar exam to officially begin practicing law.
This path is as well-trodden as it is demanding. Top law schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale are highly competitive and promise prestige and top-tier networks. But as you already know, this route comes with enormous student loans, intense academic rigor, and a relentless schedule. It’s no wonder some folks start looking for innovative alternatives.
Alternative Paths to Becoming a Lawyer
Truthfully, you don’t have to go to law school to become a lawyer. If law school feels intimidating—or simply isn’t feasible—there are other ways to achieve your legal dreams. Let’s talk about some of these non-traditional paths.
1. Legal Apprenticeships
Imagine learning the law while working directly under a seasoned attorney instead of sitting behind a classroom desk. That’s exactly what legal apprenticeships promise. Ideally, they offer a hands-on experience with theoretical learning.
California, Vermont, Washington, and Virginia allow aspiring attorneys to sit for their bar exams after completing apprenticeship programs without attending law school. A [notable] legal apprentice you might have heard of is Kim Kardashian. Kim successfully completed a four-year apprenticeship and passed the baby bar, but her legal journey appears to have been paused since then.
2. Shorter Law School
If dedicating three years to studying the complexities of law doesn’t appeal to you, it’s still possible to take the bar exam with partial completion of law school. In Wyoming, New York, and Maine, aspiring lawyers can take the bar exam without obtaining a J.D. degree, though some law school experience and an apprenticeship are still required.
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Is Not Going to Law School Worth It?
Alternative paths aren’t any easier than going the law school route. The bar exam is notoriously difficult, and those who don’t attend law school typically face lower passage rates. Take California, for example. California has one of the toughest bar exams in the country. In the July 2024 administration, just under 17% of test takers who completed a four-year legal apprenticeship passed, compared to 72.9% of graduates from California ABA-accredited law schools.
And once you do pass the bar, remember that you’ll have to compete with graduates from top law schools who may have been networking for the past three years. This can make it difficult to land a job at a prestigious law firm or secure high-paying legal positions. Additionally, without the support and guidance of professors and classmates, you may find yourself struggling to navigate the complex world of law.
Plus, there’s the challenge of securing mentorship. Finding a qualified attorney (or judge) willing to take you on as an apprentice isn’t easy. There’s also no guarantee of the quality of your experience.
Why Are People Skipping Law School?
What’s driving people to explore ways to become a lawyer without going to law school? Let’s get real for a second and address some of the common fears and hurdles keeping people away from law school.
1. The Financial Burden
The cost of attending law school is a massive roadblock. With the average cost of law school sitting at $230,163 and student loan debt for law graduates hovering near $145,000, it’s no surprise some are looking for a more affordable way to reach their dreams.
Law school scholarships, including full-tuition awards, do exist, but they are highly competitive and typically reserved for applicants with outstanding GPAs and LSAT scores. This leaves many potential law students with limited options for financial aid.
2. The Time Commitment
For those with families, full-time jobs, or other significant commitments, spending three years in law school may not be practical. Beyond core classes, law school often requires additional time dedicated to extracurricular activities, networking, and internships—all of which can be challenging to balance with other responsibilities.
Legal apprenticeships, on the other hand, offer a compelling alternative. These programs are sometimes paid while providing hands-on experience, allowing you to manage your obligations more effectively while building your legal career.
3. Desire for Practical Experience
To put it plainly, some people prefer to learn by doing. Thus, the traditional, theoretical academic approach of law school may not appeal to everyone. Apprenticeships provide a deeply practical and “real-world” understanding of the field.
4. Fear of Failure
For some, the fear of being unable to keep up with rigorous coursework keeps them from applying to law school. While alternative paths come with their own challenges, they often allow for a hands-on, gradual learning curve that can feel more manageable.
For others, the Imposter Syndrome can creep in a little earlier, exasperated by the LSAT. As one of the toughest hurdles on the path to law school, the LSAT can feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for pre-law students to feel disheartened and consider giving up after the first practice test or two.
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The Final Verdict
Becoming a lawyer without going to law school is entirely possible, but it’s not necessarily easier. When you’re counting the costs of how to approach your legal journey, keep in mind bar passage rates, as well as your potential job prospects in the future. Our advice? Stick with law school. It provides the structure, resources, and networking opportunities that can greatly increase your chances of success in the legal field.
Need help figuring out your next steps? Download our free ebook, the Blueprint to Becoming a Lawyer, for expert advice on navigating law school and the legal profession.
