Cameron Miranda
While it is possible to teach yourself the basics of law, it is important to note that self-study does not qualify you to become a licensed lawyer. If your goal is to practice law, the traditional route of attending law school, passing the bar exams, and gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or internships remains the standard path to a legal career. However, for those seeking to improve their understanding of legal principles and the impact of the law on their daily lives, there are now various resources available, including online courses, textbooks, and bar exam review books, that can provide a solid introduction to the field of law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States that allow apprenticeships in lieu of a law degree | California, Virginia, Vermont, Washington |
| States that require a combination of law school and apprenticeship | New York, Maine, Wyoming |
| Online courses | Shorter, intensive 8-week terms, self-directed immersive online learning |
| Books | Constitutional Law: Principles and Policies, by E. Chemerinsky; Bar exam review books |
| Websites | SCOTUSBlog; Coursera |
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What You'll Learn
Online courses
Coursera, for example, offers courses in a wide range of legal topics, including business law, common law, international law, contract law, immigration law, and intellectual property and copyright law. Coursera also offers professional and specialised course certificates that can help prepare you for advanced roles in legal practice, policy-making, or academia. Similarly, edX offers a variety of law programs, including free online courses, bachelor's and master's degrees, and executive education. edX's courses cover topics such as intellectual property law, international human rights law, European Union law, asylum and refugee law, and media viability.
FutureLearn also provides a range of online law degrees from world-class universities, including online law master's degrees. Their short online courses cover topics such as legal ethics, forensic science, migration control, and human rights. Class Central offers over 1400 free law courses and certifications, including environmental law, business law, and constitutional law.
For those looking for a more intensive online course, Harvard Law School offers the Zero-L programme, which provides foundational legal knowledge and an understanding of how the US legal system works. The course is designed to prepare students for law school and costs $200.
In addition to these platforms, there are also free and low-cost online courses available on websites like Alison.com and 7Sage, which offer LSAT prep and virtual career training.
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Law apprenticeships
While it is possible to teach yourself the basics of law, it does not qualify you to be a lawyer. You can get an understanding of the subject by reading introductory law books or courses in areas that interest you. Online courses are a great way to learn the basics of law, as they are designed for those who have time constraints and have to balance work and home life with education.
To get a law apprenticeship, the first step is to determine the type of law you're interested in pursuing. For instance, if you want a career in child and family law, searching for those kinds of law firm apprenticeships may be the best way to gain relevant work experience. You can then research the apprenticeships available to you.
In the US, some states allow apprenticeships as a prerequisite to taking the bar and practicing as a licensed lawyer. These include California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington. In New York, Maine, and Wyoming, a combination of law school and apprenticeship is required.
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Law books
While it is possible to teach yourself the basics of law, it is important to note that this will not qualify you to be a practising lawyer. However, if you are interested in improving your knowledge of law, there are many books that can help you gain a solid understanding of the subject.
One recommended book is "Letters to a Law Student" by McBride, which covers a range of relevant topics for aspiring lawyers, such as writing like an attorney and adapting to new learning methods. Another book, "1L of a Ride: A Well-Traveled Professor's Roadmap to Success in the First Year of Law School" by Andrew J. McClurg, offers step-by-step guidance for navigating the first year of law school and includes insights from both professors and students.
For those interested in business law, "Corporate Law (Concepts and Insights)" by Stephen Bainbridge provides a reader-friendly explanation of state and federal corporate law. "Business Law (Barron's Business Review)" by Robert W. Emerson J.D. is another excellent resource that covers a wide range of legal topics in the context of the business world, including tort responsibility, government regulations, and intellectual property.
In addition to these, there are also fiction books that can provide valuable insights into the legal profession and the English legal system. Charles Dickens' "Bleak House", for example, revolves around a court case and offers a glimpse into the character and tradition of the legal world.
Online courses are also a great way to learn about the law, offering flexibility and immersive learning experiences for those with busy schedules.
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Law school alternatives
While it is possible to teach yourself the basics of law, reading books or taking courses will not equip you to become a lawyer. There are no shortcuts to becoming a practising lawyer. It requires years of hard work studying and practising law, as well as passing intense exams. However, there are alternatives to becoming a lawyer that do not require a law degree.
In some states in the US, such as California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, aspiring lawyers can study for the bar without attending law school. Instead, they can pursue apprenticeships, studying at the elbow of a seasoned lawyer. However, these programs remain underpopulated, with only 60 out of 83,986 people taking the bar exams through this route.
If you are looking for alternatives to becoming a lawyer, there are several options to consider:
- Compliance specialist: A compliance specialist ensures that a company follows all policies and legal standards. A bachelor's degree in legal studies or a Juris Doctor, along with an eye for detail, can be beneficial for this role.
- Jury consultant: Jury consultants help lawyers select a jury for high-stakes cases and evaluate human behaviour. While a law degree is not required, a background in sociology or a related field is helpful.
- Writer or blogger: Many publications and blogs focus on law and are always looking for writers with legal knowledge. The writing and analytical skills gained from a legal education can be valuable in this field.
- Government jobs: Local government offices often seek law school graduates with strong leadership and communication skills. A legal education can provide a good foundation for a career in politics or public service.
- Arbitrator: Arbitrators act as informal judges and help move cases along before they go to trial. While a Juris Doctor degree is not required, many arbitrators have a law degree.
Additionally, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and COOs often have a legal background or seek legal knowledge to gain a firmer grasp of running their companies. Law school graduates are also recruited for government jobs, including in the FBI. The skills gained from a legal education, such as writing, negotiating, and public speaking, can be valuable in various careers.
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Exams and qualifications
Law school is an intense and competitive environment, but the rewards are considerable. The work is challenging, and professors expect students to arrive at every class thoroughly prepared. Most professors give little feedback until the final examination for the course, and most course grades are determined primarily from end-of-semester or end-of-year exams.
The case method is unfamiliar to many first-year law students. It involves the detailed examination of several related judicial opinions that describe an area of law. Students may be asked questions designed to explore the facts presented, to determine the legal principles applied in reaching a decision, or to analyze the method of reasoning used. In this way, professors encourage students to relate the case to others and distinguish it from those with similar but inapplicable precedents. By focusing on the underlying principles that shape the law's approach to different situations, students learn to distinguish among subtly different legal results and identify the critical factors that determine a particular outcome.
There is no single path that will prepare someone for a legal education. Students come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. Some enter law school immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, while others study law later in life, bringing with them experiences and perspectives gained from previous careers and courses of study.
To prepare for law school, it is important to keep up good grades and GPA. While these are not the only factors that schools consider when accepting applicants, they do matter. It is also beneficial to select challenging classes that will enhance reading comprehension, writing, and analytical skills. By challenging oneself as an undergraduate, one will be better positioned to do well on the LSAT and in law school.
Additionally, it is helpful to attend summer enrichment programs, law school events, and prelaw organizations on campus. These provide opportunities to meet working lawyers, law students, and law school faculty, as well as to learn about law school and legal careers. Talking to a career counselor or a school's prelaw advisor can also be helpful in recommending courses and providing guidance on preparing for and taking the LSAT.
To succeed in law school, it is important to prepare outlines for each class, take advantage of feedback from professors, attend review sessions and workshops, take practice exams, create a study plan, and review exams after grades have been posted. Good legal writing takes time and editing, so it is crucial to start working on assignments as soon as possible. While it is possible to pass the bar exam without attending law school, as one attorney on Reddit has claimed to have done, law school provides a strong foundation in the basics of many areas of law and teaches analytical thinking skills that are valuable in legal practice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can teach yourself the basics of law. You can read introductory law books or take online courses in areas that interest you.
No. While you can teach yourself the basics of law, it does not mean that you will be qualified to practise law. To become a lawyer, you will need to follow the traditional path of studying to become one, which includes taking and passing the bar exams.
You can get an older edition of Constitutional Law: Principles and Policies, by E. Chemerinsky. You can also refer to SCOTUSBlog for insights into current supreme court cases. Additionally, Coursera offers free online law courses.
California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington are some states that allow apprenticeships in lieu of a law degree as a prerequisite to taking the bar and practising as a licensed lawyer.
"Practising law" involves giving legal advice to clients, drafting legal documents for clients, and representing clients in legal negotiations and court proceedings.
