Kara Sears
Learning law is a challenging but rewarding endeavour that requires dedication and a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills. While becoming a licensed lawyer typically involves attending law school and obtaining a formal degree, it is possible to learn about the law and develop a basic understanding without pursuing a traditional legal education. Online resources, such as books, YouTube videos, law blogs, and online courses, can provide valuable insights into various legal domains, including family law, personal injury law, and wrongful death. Additionally, apprenticeships and paralegal or legal assistant courses are alternative pathways to gaining legal knowledge and skills. However, it is important to note that self-taught individuals cannot qualify as lawyers without meeting the educational and licensure requirements specific to their desired jurisdiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Study methods | Online courses, books, YouTube videos, law blogs, apprenticeships, paralegal courses, legal assistant courses |
| Study skills | Critical and analytical thinking, memory techniques (e.g. flashcards, spaced repetition, mnemonics), good study habits, active learning, time management, group study |
| Subjects | Property law, civil procedure, legal research and writing, evidence, ethics and professional responsibility, mathematics, philosophy, social sciences, foreign languages |
| Career paths | Lawyer, licensed attorney, trial lawyer, paralegal |
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What You'll Learn
Online courses and YouTube videos
YouTube videos are also a valuable resource for learning law. Channels like Zero-L from Harvard Law School offer dynamic video tutorials designed to provide foundational legal knowledge. These videos can introduce you to the U.S. legal system, statutes, bill-making processes, and legal interpretation methods. They can also explore broader theoretical questions and help you develop essential legal skills like briefing a case.
Additionally, online platforms often feature reviews and ratings for their courses, allowing you to make informed decisions about your learning path. Some platforms also offer free introductory courses or tasters, giving you the opportunity to explore different areas of law before committing to a specific program. This flexibility and accessibility make online courses and YouTube videos a convenient and effective way to learn about law.
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Apprenticeships
There are a few steps to follow when applying for a law apprenticeship. Firstly, determine the type of law you are most interested in pursuing, which will help you find the best work experience. Then, research the firms offering apprenticeships in your desired field, and check their websites for vacancies. Vacancies usually coincide with the end of the academic school year and typically require submitting a CV and cover letter. Some may also require filling out an application form, so it is important to read the job advert carefully.
As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience and handle a variety of legal matters, such as reading client cases, compiling evidence, and conducting legal research. You will also learn about public policies, court cases, legal proceedings, and client defence. The prospect of learning while getting involved in practical work is appealing to many. However, it is important to note that law apprenticeships require discipline and self-motivation.
There are also government-backed, employer-designed 'trailblazer' schemes, catering to apprentices working towards three broad levels: legal administration/support, paralegal, or solicitor. There is also a specialist pathway to qualify as a chartered legal executive. Each can be taken as a standalone apprenticeship or linked for those who want to progress between roles.
In conclusion, law apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and qualifications in the legal field while earning an income. They provide an alternative route to becoming a lawyer without incurring university tuition fees.
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Paralegal courses
One example of a paralegal course is the Paralegal Certificate Course©, which is offered online through legalstudies.com. The course is available to students worldwide with internet access and can be completed in 14 weeks (7 weeks for Paralegal I and 7 weeks for Paralegal II). The course fee covers both halves, and students benefit from direct interaction with the instructor and other students. The course teaches the fundamental skills needed to succeed in the world of paralegal professionals, and 95% of students found it more flexible than other paralegal programs.
Another example is the UCLA Extension Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, which is ABA-approved and recognised by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond. This course is taught live online and offers an 11-month evening program, with classes held twice a week from 6:30-10 pm PT. The program prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal and helps them develop a practical understanding of the role, functions, and ethical responsibilities of paralegals.
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Critical thinking and memory techniques
Critical thinking is a higher-order thinking skill that goes beyond the mere observation of facts and their memorization. It involves evaluation, creativity, and innovation. According to Paul and Elder (2007), critical thinking is about distinguishing fact from fiction, synthesizing and evaluating information, and clearly communicating, solving problems, and discovering truths. It is the foundation of a strong education.
Bloom's Taxonomy of thinking skills is a useful tool for setting learning outcomes and preventing vague, non-evaluative expectations. It provides a structure for students to move from lower- to higher-order thinking: from knowledge (information gathering) to comprehension (confirming) and application (making use of knowledge) to analysis (taking information apart), evaluation (judging the outcome), and synthesis (putting information together).
The Socratic style of questioning is a systematic method of disciplined questioning that encourages critical thinking by exploring complex ideas, uncovering assumptions, analyzing concepts, and distinguishing what we know from what we don't know.
Memory techniques are essential tools for law students to excel in their studies and effectively apply their knowledge. Here are some effective memorization techniques:
- Self-testing: Flashcards are a simple and effective way to test your knowledge and identify areas that require further study.
- Mnemonics: Creating catchy stories or associations can aid in remembering key terms and definitions.
- Simplifying concepts: Breaking down complex ideas into concise takeaways improves understanding and retention.
- Visual aids: Mind maps and diagrams help visualize relationships between concepts and are particularly beneficial for visual learners.
- Active recall: Interacting with the material in various ways, such as listening to lectures, reviewing notes, and practicing with flashcards, enhances memory retention.
- Explaining concepts: Attempting to explain a topic to someone else, especially a non-lawyer, helps identify gaps in your knowledge and improves your ability to connect and apply the concepts.
- Recording lectures: Recording lectures or reading your notes aloud and then listening to them allows for convenient review while multitasking.
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Elective seminars and internships
Elective Seminars
Elective seminars offer law students the chance to explore specific areas of law that interest them or complement their career goals. For instance, the University of Virginia School of Law suggests that students interested in a particular field should consider taking a survey course in that area, such as Bankruptcy, Trusts and Estates, or Environmental Law. These courses provide overviews of important legal topics, giving students a solid foundation for further exploration.
Additionally, short courses, seminars, and courses on diverse topics can expose students to new areas of law and enrich their educational experience. For example, the University of Virginia School of Law encourages students to take courses or follow instructors that interest them, even if they fall outside their planned field of practice.
Internships
Internships are a crucial component of legal education, providing students with hands-on training and experience in legal settings. The University at Buffalo's School of Law offers its Clinical Legal Education Program, where students can gain practical experience under the guidance of professionals in a law-related work environment. The number of credits earned is based on the number of hours worked, with students earning either 3 credits (135 hours worked) or 4 credits (180 hours worked) of LAW 496.
Additionally, the University at Buffalo also offers study abroad programs where students can earn credits towards their Law BA while gaining international experience. Similarly, the SUNY Washington, D.C. Internship Program allows students to spend a semester or summer in the nation's capital, studying, working, and earning academic credits.
For high school students, several universities, including Georgetown University, Yale University, and the University of Michigan, offer the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Law & Advocacy Program. This program introduces students to the law through interactive workshops, courtroom simulations, and mock trials, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal field.
Another notable internship program is the Baltimore Law Links internship program, hosted by the University of Baltimore School of Law. This seven-week program combines full-time work in law offices and agencies with participation in the Law & Leadership Institute, a 50-hour course at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
The US Department of Justice Internship Program is also worth considering, as it educates high school students about the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and other federal agencies through a combination of fieldwork and academics.
These elective seminars and internships provide a well-rounded legal education, allowing students to develop critical thinking, communication, and practical legal skills that will benefit them in their future legal careers.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to learn about law without going to law school:
- Online courses
- Apprenticeships (in some states, apprenticeships can be a prerequisite to taking the bar)
- Paralegal courses
- Legal assistant courses
- Books, YouTube videos, law blogs, etc.
Studying law is challenging and requires good study habits, active learning, and critical thinking. Here are some tips for studying law effectively:
- Create a consistent study schedule and work on your time management skills
- Find a study group to discuss complex legal concepts and deepen your understanding
- Focus on developing critical and analytical thinking skills
- Use memory techniques such as flashcards, spaced repetition, and mnemonics to retain information long-term
- Attend interesting lectures, seminars, and workshops, and apply for internships to get hands-on experience
In addition to the traditional legal curriculum, there are several subjects that can be beneficial for aspiring lawyers. These include:
- Mathematics to develop thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Philosophy and ethics to navigate ethical dilemmas in legal cases
- Social sciences such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology to gain insights into human behavior and societal dynamics
- Foreign languages if you plan to provide legal services to clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
