rdlo said:
What is the name of your state? CA
Is it possible to become a lawyer with no formal education or degrees by only passing the bar?
Let's say someone has studied law on their own for many years without attending law school, then takes and passes the bar...could he/she become a licensed attorney?
Also, can attorneys work in research only as opposed to trying cases, or must they also try cases?
Reading the law for many years was how one became an attorney, A Lincoln had no formal education. Contact the Bar Association for details, there can be some exceptions, for example you can study under the tuition of a Judge, and if you can pass the examinations you may gain entry but most if not all will require formal legal education. There are many employment opportunities for legal assistants, paralegals, specialists and consultants.
Summary of Requirements for Admission to Practice Law
in California
To be admitted to practice law in California, an applicant must:
* Complete the necessary general education;
* Register with the Committee of Bar Examiners as a law student or attorney applicant;
* Complete the requisite legal education;
* File an application to take the First-Year Law Students' Examination and pass, or establish exemption from the examination;
* File an application for a moral character determination and receive a positive moral character determination from the Committee of Bar Examiners;
Admissions Bulletins:
* Statement on Moral Character Requirement for Admission to Practice Law in California
* Factors That May Be Taken into Consideration When Evaluating the Rehabilitation of an Applicant Seeking a Moral Character Determination
* File an application to take the bar examination and after eligibility has been confirmed, take and pass the examination;
* File an application, take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination with a scaled score of 79.00 or greater, which examination is administered and graded by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
* Be in compliance with California court ordered child or family support obligations.
The foregoing is a summary of the requirements for admission to practice law in California. The full text of all requirements for admission are set forth in the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California.
Separate and distinct applications are required for registration, the moral character determination, the bar examination, and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Applications for registration, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, or for a moral character determination are available anytime. Applications for the February Bar Examination are available the preceding September and applications for the July Bar Examination are available the preceding March. Applicants may Apply Online (Credit Card only), download the applications and instructions or request an application from the State Bar's Admissions Office.
Additional Sources
Rules of Court, Rules 957 and 983.2; Education Code §94361; and State Bar Act §6060 and §6061.
