Is it possible to be a self taught lawyer?

Asked by: Kaela Mohr  |  Last update: November 7, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (60 votes)

In four states, you can still take this non-law-school route to becoming a lawyer. Vermont, Washington, California, and Virginia all allow people to become lawyers by “reading the law,” which, simply put, means studying and apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge.

Can someone study law on their own?

While California allows students to follow this path, it's not encouraged. The formal education system frowns upon this practice, so most students don't hear about this opportunity.

Can you be your own lawyer without a degree?

Technically, yes. California is one of only four states that lets lawyers forgo law school—but specific requirements must still be met. As one alternative path, students can work under the supervision of a California judge or an attorney in a law office for 18 hours a week for four years.

Can you be a self employed lawyer?

Many lawyers freelance

Because freelance lawyers work on an as-needed basis, they can work as much or as little as they want. This flexibility is central to why so many attorneys are starting to look for freelance opportunities.

Is 30 too old for law school?

The pursuit of a law degree has no age limit. Whether you're considering a career change later in life or you've always had a lingering interest in the law but circumstances led you down a different path initially, it's never too late to pursue a law degree.

Sam Zell: Get a Law Degree

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Is it worth going to law school at 40?

You absolutely can go to law school and be very successful if you're over 40. It's never too late! First, and most importantly, you have had time to get to know yourself. You have gained perspective and know what is important to you.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

Can you be a lawyer at home?

For the most part, yes—it's entirely possible to work from anywhere as a lawyer. Many lawyers and law firms around the world are already operating on a fully or partially remote basis. Depending on your practice area, you may still need to go to court or meet clients in person, which does impact your remote work plans.

Can you be a lawyer and have a side hustle?

By choosing a side hustle in legal, lawyers can develop legal skills, build their brand, and further their expertise. Alternatively, a side hustle that's not legal specific can be a good way to earn additional income while allowing you to apply different skills.

Can you be a self made lawyer?

California. An apprenticeship in California must contain four years of studying in a law office with a supervising attorney that has at least five years of active law practice in California. You will need to study a minimum of 18 hours a week, with five of those hours being under the direct supervision of the attorney.

Can I self study to become a lawyer?

In four states, you can still take this non-law-school route to becoming a lawyer. Vermont, Washington, California, and Virginia all allow people to become lawyers by “reading the law,” which, simply put, means studying and apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge.

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

What is the easiest lawyer to become?

What Areas of Law Are Least Stressful to Practice? Real estate, estate planning, and intellectual property rights law are often referred to as the least stressful areas of law to practice.

Can you be your own lawyer in Canada?

Yes. You have the right to represent yourself in the Supreme Court of Canada. Whether you hire a lawyer is a personal decision.

Can you be a lawyer without going to law school suits?

If you meet the study requirements, you can skip law school and go straight to take the California bar exam.

Can you study law and not be a lawyer?

It's true: you can go to law school even if you don't want to be a lawyer. A JD can turbocharge your career prospects and teach you incredibly versatile and in-demand skills. Just ask Dina Megretskaia '23, a full-time financial planner and now part-time student at New England Law | Boston.

How to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

5-Step Marketing Formula Used by the Highest-Paid Lawyers
  1. High-Performance Law Firm Website.
  2. Create High-Performance Content.
  3. Optimize Legal Website Ads.
  4. Improve Reviews and Listings.
  5. Manage Your Legal Reputation.

Is lawyer job worth it?

Lucrative career

They make a national average salary of $50,979 per year . Though you may not earn this income as a new lawyer, you can work your way toward this salary with enough hard work and experience. However, finding satisfaction in your specific field may be worth more than your annual salary.

What is the closest job to a lawyer?

Alternative Careers and Related Jobs For an Attorney
  • General Counsel. Very Similar Skills. ...
  • Legal Counsel. Very Similar Skills. ...
  • Public Defender. Very Similar Skills. ...
  • Law Clerk. Fairly Similar Skills. ...
  • Judicial Law Clerk. Very Similar Skills. ...
  • Legal Researcher. Fairly Similar Skills. ...
  • Legal Director. Very Similar Skills. ...
  • Commercial Lawyer.

Can your own lawyer go against you?

[6] Loyalty to a current client prohibits undertaking representation directly adverse to that client without that client's informed consent. Thus, absent consent, a lawyer may not act as an advocate in one matter against a person the lawyer represents in some other matter, even when the matters are wholly unrelated.

Can you be a lawyer and not go to court?

There are many types of lawyers that rarely (if ever) go into court, as the scope of their work does not require it.

Can you work remotely as a lawyer?

However, they noted that they have to maintain their license in the state of California, which means maintaining legal residence there, despite almost never being there. So, the verdict is that you can be a digital nomad lawyer, but it does restrict the type of work that you can do. No high-profile criminal trials!

What field of law is most in demand?

Which Legal Fields Are in Demand?
  • Intellectual property law. ...
  • Family law. ...
  • Immigration & naturalization law. ...
  • Real estate law. ...
  • Contract management. ...
  • Compliance. ...
  • Labor and employment. ...
  • Corporate transactions. Also known as mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, this work navigates the buying and selling of companies and their assets.

Do lawyers make 200k a year?

The median starting salary is $215,000 in 11 cities and geographic areas. They are Austin, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Houston; Los Angeles/Orange County, California; New York City; San Diego; San Francisco; Silicon Valley in California; and the Washington, D.C., area.

What is the highest paying job in the world?

Topping the list, being a CEO gets you the highest paying job in the world, no matter where you work. A CEO is the highest-ranked position in any organisation's structure. Irrespective of the company's size, a CEO handles all its day-to-day corporate affairs, manages resources and handles all managerial processes.