How To

How to Become a California Lawyer Without a Law Degree

Law School
Law School
Member
By risandoval
eHow Community Member
(5 Ratings)

California law provides several methods to becoming a lawyer. This short article will tell you how to become a lawyer without a law degree.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    The State Bar of California is the regulatory agency in California that licenses and oversees lawyers. Pursuant to the State Bar rules, you must have an approved legal education prior to sitting for the California Bar Exam and becoming licensed to practice law.

  2. Step 2

    The Bar rules specify that a legal education must take place in a program that is (1) accredited by either the American Bar Association or the Committee Bar Examiners, or (2) is approved by California Bureau for Private Post Secondary Education and registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners, or (3) provided in a lawyer's office or judge's chambers.

  3. Step 3

    The third choice is the non-law school choice. It is an old law and allows an individual to do a work-study type apprenticeship program. It is important to spend some time researching the details on the State Bar website to be sure that you comply with all of the rules. If you want to be in business for yourself, this is an amazing opportunity for many of you. In the resource section below, I have provided links to many guides that will help you on your way.

Tips & Warnings
  • Research the rules on the California State Bar Website

Comments  

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on 8/24/2008 This is a good idea for people who have worked in the field but can't afford to college just to take the Bar Exam.

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