Do You Have to Go to Law School to Take the Bar?

In the United States, the standard way to become a licensed attorney seems simple enough: go to law school, get a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and pass the bar exam. But this isn’t the only way to go. In fact, there are states in the U.S. where you can take the bar without going to law school.

This path, known as “reading the law” or law office study, is rarely mentioned, but it has historical precedent and, dare I say, relevance today. Whether you’re exploring alternative education options, evading student debt, or simply interested in the flexibility of legal licensing, this topic deserves a look.

Understanding the Bar Exam

What Is the Bar Exam?

The bar exam is a demanding licensing exam that assesses if a candidate is eligible to practice law in a given jurisdiction. It’s usually made of the following parts:

MBE (Multistate Bar Exam): A multiple choice section

Essay Questions – State vary

Performance Test (MPT) — Simulates actual legal tasks

Becoming a practicing attorney requires passing the bar exam, but the eligibility requirements vary by state.

When You Go to: Law School (Traditional Route to the Bar)

The Law School Experience

Law school takes three years of full-time study, granting the JD. Students begin with courses on foundational legal principles and the analysis of case law, legal writing, and specialized areas (such as criminal law, contracts, torts, etc.).

Benefits of Going to Law School:

• Structured curriculum
• Opportunities to do internships and network
• Career services and support
• Preparing for the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) or state bar exam

The downside, however, is huge: a huge tuition $100,000+ and massive student debt. This has prompted many to wonder whether law school is the sole path to enter the legal profession.

But most states do not require them to attend law school before taking the bar

Where You Can Take the Bar Without a JD

In some states in the U.S., you can become a lawyer without going to law school through legal apprenticeship programs. These include:

• California
• Virginia
• Vermont
• Washington

These include states that allow bar applicants to qualify through law office study or apprenticeship under a licensed attorney or judge.

California

Maybe this state is most famous for this route, California will let you become a lawyer by reading the law. Notable figures like Kim Kardashian have pursued this route. According to California’s guidelines, you need to:

Get four [4] years experience working in a law office

Study 18 hours a week or more.

Work under the supervision of an attorney with at least five years of experience

After your apprenticeship, you’ll also need to take the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (Baby Bar), and then the California Bar Exam.

Virginia

Virginia also allows for reading the law under its Law Reader Program. The program is very prescriptive, demanding:

Three years of law office study

Weekly lessons and exams

A mentor who is an attorney or judge with a minimum of 10 years of experience

Virginia’s program, notably, does not offer online or part-time apprenticeships.

Vermont

Vermont’s Law Office Study Program (LOS) is more malleable. There is no requisite undergrad degree, but you must:

You have to do four years of supervised study

Work under the supervision of a licensed attorney

Reports to Board of Bar Examiners

Vermont has a long tradition of legal apprenticeship, and still recognizes non-traditional education in law.

Washington

Washington has a very structured Law Clerk Program. To qualify:

You should already have a bachelor’s degree

You have to work in a law office

You are required to apprentice for another four years, studying law under a mentor

This program qualifies its graduates for the Washington State Bar Exam.

Advantages and Disadvantages of not Going to Law School

Advantages of the Apprenticeship Route

There are some distinct advantages to reading the law instead of going to law school:

No student debt: Apprenticeships are practically free

Practical training — work in a real law office from day 1

Self-paced: You can adjust your study schedule according to your needs

One-on-one mentorship: This is your chance to learn from an attorney

This route is great for hands-on learners, those who want to avoid loans and those switching careers later in life.

The Cost of Not Attending Law School

But this path isn’t for everyone. Here are some challenges:

No structure: There are no lessons or lectures

Lack of support: No access to law school resources, libraries, or alumni networks

Low bar passage rate: Apprentices historically have lower pass rates on the bar exam than law school graduates

Isolation: Unless you are in a study group, self-study can be isolating and demotivating

Credibility: Some employers or clients may doubt your credibility

You’re going to need an extraordinary level of discipline and self-motivation (and a good mentor) to make it outside the system.

Do You Take the Bar Exam Harder Without Law School?

Bar Exam Pass Rates

Trends in California and other states show that apprentices pass the bar at a rate far lower than law school graduates. Nevertheless, this might have little to do with intelligence or skill, rather the absence of structured preparation.

For example:

ABA-accredited law school graduates pass California’s bar exam at a 60-70% rate on average

For apprentices, that pass rate can drop to below 30%

That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It only means that you have to be very committed and well-prepared.

Historical Perspective: The Lawyers Before the Law Schools

Law schools actually didn’t even exist in early America. For centuries, American lawyers were trained in reading the law, clerking in law offices and studying legal texts with mentors.

Many of the most important American lawyers of all time — including Abraham Lincoln — did not go to law school. For decades, apprenticeships were the rule, not the exception.

The ABA and Instead of Law School Accreditation

What Is the ABA?

The American Bar Association (the ABA) is the national accreditor of law schools. Most states require graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school to sit for the bar exam, though not all do.

Some states, including California (which we mentioned before), permit law office study or graduation from unaccredited schools.

For example, the ABA has been criticized for being too rigid and expensive, meaning less access to the law for low income and minority students. Some view apprenticeship pathways as a way to democratize legal education.

What If I Didn’t Pass the Bar—Can I Practice Law?

The short answer is no. You still need to take the bar exam and get licensed, even if you don’t go to law school. In all 50 states, passing the bar is a must.

But there are related legal roles that aren’t barred from entry, including:

• Paralegal
• Legal consultant
• Mediator
• Legal tech specialist

But if you want to argue cases in court, write legal opinions or represent clients, passing the bar is important.

Conclusion: So do you really need law school?

Do you need to go to law school to take the bar exam? It depends on where you live. In several states, you can indeed become a lawyer without ever entering a law school classroom. But this alternative route does not have an easier navigation — it’s just a new one.

It demands:

• More personal initiative
• Self-directed learning
• Strong mentorship
• Long-term commitment

If you’re motivated, disciplined, and passionate about the law, then law school might not be necessary for you. But you should research your state’s rules, know the risks, and be honest with yourself about your learning style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which States Allow You to Skip Law School and Take the Bar?

California, Virginia, Vermont and Washington permit apprenticeships or law office study in lieu of law school.

Usually, it is less expensive to avoid law school altogether.

Yes, dramatically so. The study of law can be almost without cost, other than the fees and materials for taking the following bar exam.

Can You Get Employed After Taking the Bar Without a Law Degree?

Yes, although some employers may be skeptical. Many solo practitioners and small firms prefer experience to formal education.

Is It Possible to Get a Job in a Gym Without A Personal Trainer Course?

It depends on the firm. Most larger firms have ABA (American Bar Association) requirements for a JD (Juris Doctorate) from an ABA-accredited school. Smaller companies might have greater wiggle room.

Is This Route Accepted From All States?

No. Most states still require that you graduate from an ABA-accredited law school. Very few permit apprenticeship-based bar eligibility.