Keith Mack
In the United States, the traditional route to becoming a lawyer involves obtaining a law degree from an accredited law school and passing the bar exam. However, an alternative method known as reading the law or becoming a law reader exists, where aspiring lawyers can study under the supervision of an experienced attorney or judge for a specified period, typically four years. This method combines apprenticeship with self-study and offers a unique pathway into the legal profession. Only a few states allow this, including California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, where aspirants can take the bar exam after reading the law without attending law school. In New York, Maine, and Wyoming, aspiring lawyers can study in a law office combined with some period of time in law school. This method can help avoid the costs of law school, but the path to a law license is difficult, with lower pass rates compared to graduates of ABA-approved law schools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States that allow reading the law | California, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, New York, Maine, Wyoming |
| Requirements | Studying under the supervision of an experienced attorney or judge for a specified period, typically four years |
| Study Plan | Rigorous study plan, periodic assessments, and bar exams |
| Bar Exam Pass Rate | 28% for law readers, 73% for students of ABA-approved law schools |
| Benefits | Avoids law school tuition costs, more flexible, allows for direct mentorship |
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What You'll Learn
Alternative to law school
In the United States, a few states allow people to take the bar exam without attending law school. New York is one of them. Here are some alternative routes to taking the New York Bar Examination:
Apprenticeship
In New York, an applicant must complete one year of law school and three years of study in a law office. During the study period, supervision by an attorney who is admitted to practice law in New York is required. After the completion of four years of study, the person may take the New York Bar.
Law Office Study/Clerkship
Section 520 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law provides four routes for an applicant to qualify to take the New York bar examination, all of which require at least some form of classroom study in a law school. One of the routes is Law Office Study/Clerkship. The applicant must study law in the law office for a period of four years under the supervision of an attorney. Credit toward this four-year requirement is given for successfully completed semesters in an ABA-approved law school. Once the required period of law office study is completed, the applicant is eligible to apply for the New York State bar examination.
Graduates of non-ABA-approved law schools
Rule 520.5 sets forth the requirements that must be met by graduates of non-ABA-approved law schools seeking to take the New York bar examination. The requirements include:
- The applicant has studied law in any law school in any other state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, other than a law school that grants credit for correspondence courses.
- The applicant has received a degree from such a law school, which qualifies them to practice law in such a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- The applicant's course of study complies with the instructional and program requirements of section 520.3(c) through (e) of the Rules of the Court of Appeals.
- While admitted to the bar in the highest court in any other state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, the applicant has actively practiced for at least five of the seven years immediately preceding the application to sit for the bar examination.
Alternative Law Schools in New York
If you are thinking of eventually practicing law in New York, here are some alternative law schools to consider:
- Brooklyn Law School: Listed for five years in a row on The National Law Journal's ranking for the highest percentage of graduates hired as first-year associates at the nation's 100 largest law firms.
- New York Law School: Offers full-time and part-time J.D. programs, as well as a wide range of clinics, competition teams, and journals.
- Columbia University: Ranked as the 8th-best law school in the nation, with a highly selective acceptance rate of 11.75%.
- Cornell: Ranked 14th in the nation, with a diverse range of externship and simulation courses.
- Cardozo Law School: Ranked 61st in the nation and 5th for its part-time program.
- SUNY Buffalo: Offers more cost-effective options for New York residents and unique cross-border learning opportunities.
- CUNY: Offers less expensive tuition options for New York residents.
- Deane School of Law: Located on Hofstra's Long Island campus, a commute away from New York City, making it possible for students to complete externships at large NYC firms and corporations.
- Pace University's Haub School of Law: Ranked #1 for Environmental Law.
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Requires apprenticeship
In New York, aspiring lawyers can become "law readers" and study in a law office under the guidance of a practising attorney or judge. This method, known as "reading the law", combines apprenticeship with self-study. It is an alternative route to a legal career, allowing candidates to bypass law school and the associated costs.
The path to a law license through reading the law is challenging. It requires dedication and a strong commitment to learning. Law readers in New York must complete their studies under the supervision of an experienced attorney or judge for a specified period, typically four years. During this time, they need to follow a rigorous study plan and periodically pass assessments or bar exams as required by the state.
The benefits of this route include avoiding the significant debt of law school tuition and gaining practical, hands-on learning experiences through close mentorship. It also offers flexibility, allowing for a personalised study schedule and the possibility to work while studying.
However, there is some skepticism about the rigour of preparation and the breadth of legal training for law readers compared to traditional law school graduates. The pass rate for readers who took the bar exam was 28%, significantly lower than the 73% pass rate for students from ABA-approved law schools. This lower pass rate is often attributed to the lack of structured educational support in the apprenticeship model.
Despite the challenges, the perception of law readers is gradually improving as more people seek alternative education methods. Notable law readers have successfully entered the legal profession, proving that reading the law in New York can lead to a rewarding legal career for those dedicated to their craft.
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Lower pass rates
In New York, aspiring lawyers can become licensed without attending law school by studying in a law office combined with some period of time in law school. This method, known as "reading the law," was the only way to become a lawyer before law schools emerged in the 1870s.
While this path can help aspiring lawyers avoid the costs of law school, it is significantly more challenging. For example, in one year, only 17 out of 60 readers who took the bar exam passed, resulting in a 28% pass rate. In contrast, students who attended ABA-approved law schools had a much higher pass rate of 73%.
The low pass rates for readers may be due to several factors. One factor could be the lack of structured education and guidance that law schools typically provide. Law schools offer a comprehensive curriculum taught by experienced professors, which can better prepare students for the bar exam. Additionally, law schools often provide resources such as practice exams, study groups, and mentorship programs that can enhance students' understanding and performance.
Another factor contributing to the lower pass rates for readers could be the time constraint. Reading the law while working in a law office may not provide sufficient time for comprehensive study. Law school students, on the other hand, can focus solely on their studies and have dedicated time for classes, lectures, and exam preparation.
Furthermore, the bar exam is known for its rigorous standards and complex material. The exam covers a broad range of legal topics, and the questions are designed to test not only knowledge but also analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to apply legal principles to hypothetical scenarios. Without the structured curriculum and support of law school, readers may struggle to acquire the depth and breadth of knowledge required to pass the exam successfully.
While it is possible for readers to pass the bar exam and become licensed lawyers, the lower pass rates highlight the challenges and difficulties of this path. Aspiring lawyers considering this route should be aware of the commitment and dedication required to succeed in a field that demands excellence and a strong understanding of the law.
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Few states allow it
The path to a law license without formal education is difficult. Only a few states, including California, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, allow aspiring lawyers to take the bar exam after reading the law without law school. In three other states—New York, Maine, and Wyoming—individuals can study in a law office combined with some period of time in law school. This method, known as "reading the law" or becoming a "law reader," combines apprenticeship with self-study under the guidance of a practicing attorney or judge.
Law readers must follow a rigorous study plan and pass periodic assessments or bar exams as required by their state's law. While reading the law avoids the significant debt associated with law school tuition, it requires a considerable commitment. Last year, only 17 out of 60 readers who took the bar exam passed, a 28% pass rate compared to a 73% pass rate for students who attended ABA-approved law schools.
The perception of law readers has gradually improved as more people seek alternative education methods, and several notable law readers have successfully entered the legal profession. However, some skepticism remains regarding the rigor of preparation and the breadth of legal training compared to traditional law school graduates. Law readers may face challenges in finding job opportunities, as most law firms avoid posting jobs on popular platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn due to high costs, opting instead to publish them on their websites, bar association pages, and niche legal boards.
While reading the law provides a unique pathway into the legal profession, it is essential to consider the potential challenges and ensure a rigorous preparation process to increase the chances of success in passing the bar exam and finding employment in the legal field.
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Pros and cons
In the state of New York, it is possible to pursue a legal career through the path of "reading the law", which involves a combination of law school study at an ABA-approved law school and law office study under the supervision of a practising attorney or judge. This method, also known as the apprenticeship path, offers a unique way to enter the legal profession without attending a traditional law school. Here are some pros and cons of choosing this route in New York:
Pros:
- Cost savings: Reading the law can be a more affordable option compared to the high cost of attending law school for the entire duration of legal education.
- Personalised mentorship: This path offers the opportunity to learn directly from experienced legal professionals, providing personalised guidance and mentorship.
- Flexible and accessible: Reading the law allows for more flexibility in terms of study timing and location, making legal education more accessible to those who may not be able to attend a traditional law school.
- Historical credibility: The path of reading the law has a long history in the United States, with notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson becoming lawyers through this method.
Cons:
- Limited geographical licensure: Reading the law may limit the geographical scope of practice, as some states have specific requirements for bar examination eligibility.
- Lower success rates: Law readers generally have lower pass rates on bar examinations compared to graduates of traditional law schools, due to the lack of structured educational support.
- Self-discipline and commitment: This path requires significant self-discipline, motivation, and commitment. Candidates must independently manage their studies, prepare for examinations, and navigate the challenges of finding a suitable mentor.
- Additional requirements: In New York, applicants who have studied law in a foreign country may face additional requirements and restrictions for bar examination eligibility, as outlined in Section 520.6 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals.
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Frequently asked questions
Reading the law is an alternative path to becoming a lawyer that combines apprenticeship with self-study under the guidance of a practising attorney or judge.
No, only a few states allow this path to the legal profession. In addition to New York, they are California, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Maine and Wyoming.
Reading the law avoids the significant debt associated with law school tuition and allows for a more personalised study schedule and the possibility to work while studying.
Law readers tend to have lower pass rates on the bar exam compared to traditionally schooled peers, which is often attributed to the lack of structured educational support.
