Culture

Challenges Faced in Becoming a Lawyer Without Law School

by panzerlawyer | November 22, 2008 at 10:49 pm

1003 views | 9 Recommendations | 6 comments

In my never ending quest to fight socialism, which simply devalues people, makes them dependent upon the "nanny state", and creates class warfare against those people who actually desire to create better lives and wealth, I try and help people fish by giving them the pole rather than the fish. In this e-mail response to Latasha, I discuss the challenges faced in becoming a California lawyer with no law school degree or college. Enjoy.

Below is a recent e-mail from Latashaseeking information about the challenges in becoming a lawyer with no law school degree. I will respond at the end as best as I can. Obviously, this response is exclusive to California, as I have no real knowledge as to other state's offering apprenticeship methods with respect to "reading for the law".

Ms. Carter
to michael

Hi MIchael my name is Latasha Carter and I'm currently taking the CLEP test because I won't (sic.) to be a lawyer its my dream and my goal to help change the world and fight for people who do not have a voice or the will to fight my area of practice that I am highly interested in is criminal defense but I also want to be a prosecutor.

My question for you is what are the challenges you faced becoming a lawyer without law school, can a laywer (sic.) be a prosecutor and a defense attorney is it possible, can a lawyer without a degree be just as successful as a lawyer with a degree, what study books can I read to prepare myself for the baby bar and the big bar.

Thank you , I know you get a lot of questions but this is something very dear to my heart I've never wanted something so much and to be a lawyer is something I have my heart set on
once again Thank you

Q: what are the challenges you faced becoming a lawyer without law school?

A: Let me qualify this a little. I became a lawyer with no law school degree. I was admitted into law school without having to take the LSAT because I had passed the Baby Bar with no formal legal education.

That having been said, the biggest challenge I had was the ordeal of having to clerk for an attorney and not get paid, and then working in a Home Depot. at night for 10 bucks an hour. Other challenges were all the naysayers who kept telling me how I would never get a job, that I couldn't possibly be smart enough to pass the Bar with no law school degree, etc.

The funny thing is, I make more than those very same people who still work for firms like Lewis Blah Blah and Gibson Dunce and Blah Blah, so my revenge was proving them all wrong. There were more challenges, but being a Marine, it was nothing compared to basic training.

Q: can a laywer (sic.) be a prosecutor and a defense attorney?

A: Not simultaneously as far as I know. I think most City, District, State and Federal Prosecutors would not be too thrilled about a prosecutor defending alleged criminals. I am sure the State Bar would not be too thrilled either.

Q: can a lawyer without a degree be just as successful as a lawyer with a degree?

A: Absolutely. In fact, there are many famous people who became lawyers with no law school.

Q: what study books can I read to prepare myself for the baby bar and the big bar?

A: I used the Conviser Mini Review, the PMBR audio CD's, West's "In a Nuthshell", and a few others I cant remember. But even more important, was seeing Paul Pfau at Cal Bar Tutorial Review. He was a life coach, not just a tutor. Don't even waste your time with Bar Bri and what not. Just buy the books and learn the black letter law. Then see Pfau to learn how to write and spot issues. It's a problem solving speed exam, so learn from the best.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

panzerlawyer

at 23:04 on November 22nd, 2008

Thanks. In this new era of the "nanny state", I hope a few people will see the value of hard work, rather than having their hands out sucking the nipple of people who work hard. Politicians need to end class warfare and let people keep more of their own money. Dont just assume because someone is rich, they got there because of corporate greed.

Uwe Paschen

at 23:04 on November 22nd, 2008

Interesting Post.

panzerlawyer

at 15:01 on November 25th, 2008

Thanks for all the great comments

Beaulieu

at 11:13 on November 30th, 2008

There are few part time evening legal courses too. Most of the courses in my area are about engineering or hairdressing! Law is something everyone should study at some point.

panzerlawyer

at 11:26 on November 30th, 2008

Agreed

Sergiodeathstar (not verified)

at 02:30 on June 25th, 2009

Firstly, well done on becoming a lawyer without law school, a route that should be open in every country, but is sadly not.

Class warfare cannot be brought to an end by an end to taxes and/or government involvement. We would quickly revert to modern feudilsm by the condensation of capital. In a perfect free market where everyone starts with the same money and opportunities, sure that's fair. But after 10 generations, we are left with a powerful elite who live from their wealth, and a majority who live hand to mouth. Thus 80% of wealth in the US being controled by less than 20% of the population.

It's not a question about "getting ahaead in life", thats fine, it's about those who have far more than they could ever need, using their wealth to generate even more. Class mobility is reduced becuase the poor have no excess from which to create wealth. It's not that it can't be done, but its very hard. That becomes unfair. Call it survival of the fittest, or the most well educated, or the most priviledged if you like, but this kind of outdated social-dawinism is not the way to a better humanity for all.