Becoming a Top Attorney with no Law Degree or Undergrad Michael Ehline’s Journey

All lawyers go to college and attend law school. Believe it or not, that was not and still is not so. Even some founding members of our Supreme Court and founders didn’t go to law school. (John Marshall could be considered a hybrid.) Even founder Patrick Henry, Esq., was self-taught. I am Michael Ehline, a personal injury lawyer in Texas and Los Angeles, California. I am the author of the original, “Becoming a Lawyer Without Law School,” in 2005.

I am one of a few people in American history to have been on a program that allows specific individuals to become lawyers with no undergrad or law school. I took on jobs as a law clerk and did pretty much anything I could to get into the Law Study Program, and I have been practicing law since 2005.

I enjoy American Common Law and its relationship to the Knights Templar. I have written extensively on this topic and have the leading expert credentials.

So, for those of you who attended law school, you may think it’s unfair to study law outside of an expensive school. But in reality, it is that traditional method and a very exhausting process, and you still have to have a good moral character and pass the bar. Perhaps you’ve been pondering How one becomes a lawyer without attending law school or earning an undergraduate degree. Though it may seem paradoxical, there is a way to achieve this.

The technique— known as ‘reading the law’— is old-fashioned but still functional in a few states in the USA, much to the chagrin of cash-hungry law schools. For now, I will turn this article over to Robert Hammond to break down the methodology and history, reading law basics, and the Baby Bar Exam (Contracts, torts, criminal law – a little crim pro and remedies, too.)

“Reading the law” is an extraordinary pathway towards legal practice that bypasses traditional education avenues such as law school or gaining an undergraduate degree. Still very much available in a few states, it presents an unconventional, yet effective ladder into the world of legal practice to study law as a “law reader.” Remember, you still have to pass the general bar exam, and there really isn’t any reciprocity with other states till you hve been in practice for at least 5 years.

This article will take law enthusiast Michael Ehline’s journey toward becoming a successful California injury attorney as a case in point. Law reader Michael Ehline followed this unique process, proving its viability in the modern legal world. 

• Michael Ehline: A living testament to the efficacy of “reading the law.”
• The way forward: The guide for prospective lawyers considering this alternative pathway

Are you excited to find out more about this seldom-trodden path? Let’s dive in!

An Unconventional Route: Opportunities Without a Degree 

Yes, you read that right! Becoming a lawyer without going through the traditional law school or undergrad route is a reality that requires immense dedication, time, and focus. The State Bar of California offers an unusual law office study program. This program enables aspiring individuals to become practicing lawyers simply by mastering the raw materials under the supervision of a practicing attorney and successfully passing the California bar exam. 

It is not identical to some of the old ways; for example, the Inns method often meant an oral examination by a judge or panel of judges, as there were no written bar exams or law schools, which came along much later. Abraham Lincoln became a practicing attorney with no law school, for example.

Legal Apprentice Michael Ehline: Pathbreaker in Legal Education 

I am interested in seeing how this method works in practice. Michael Ehline, a highly successful California injury attorney, is a case in point. This unique journey offers a holistic understanding of the law field for Ehline, who became a lawyer without a formal law school degree or an undergraduate degree. 

Michael says the Marine Corps mentality made it mandatory to ge through it. He says “You get to live the law, it’s like you’re not studying, you’re actually doing it.”

In most places in the US, obtaining a Juris Doctorate (JD) or a legal degree from a state-accredited law school or ABA is now a must before practicing law. The United Kingdom, including the commonwealth, is following a similar path. Although I studied law under the CA State Bar Law Office Study Program guidelines, a few states have their own legal apprenticeship programs. Several people believe there are benefits to attending a typical, expensive law school if they can withstand legal education…

The Journey to Becoming a Lawyer: Ehline’s Approach 

Michael did not embark upon this journey lightly, and he never envisioned he would create the multi-million dollar Ehline Law Firm. His rigorous preparation involved daily, multi-hour study sessions, intense review of court documents, case studies, and in-depth discussions with his mentor. His journey, like the many legal apprentices before him, exemplifies the dedication and commitment required to become a top injury lawyer using this route. 

Ehline’s relentless passion and hands-on, immersive legal education gave him a comprehensive understanding of the law. This made him more than qualified for his law license and work as a practicing lawyer. 

• Step 1: Obtain a job or internship with a practicing attorney
• Step 2: Pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, or “Baby Bar”
• Complete four years of law office study
• Step 3: Prepare for and pass the California Bar Examination.

While not the typical trajectory, this process demonstrates how to become a lawyer without the traditional degree pathway. It’s a challenge, but for those willing to dedicate the time and effort, like Ehline, it can be a gratifying endeavor.

Let’s dig deep into the detailed steps Ehline undertook towards his remarkable journey. It’s important to note here that these steps may not perfectly apply or guarantee the same results for everyone. Instead, mold this as a roadmap to fit your unique circumstances. 

Bypassing Law School: Key Steps Taken by Ehline 

The first step in Ehline’s unusual journey was to clerk for a judge. This allowed him to gain practical legal experience and begin understanding the intricacies of the law firsthand. Remember, while the conventional route to becoming a lawyer typically involves law school, such alternatives exist. 

Following a stint as a judge’s clerk, Ehline proceeded to the State Bar of California, where he was allowed to study the law through an accredited law office study program. This helped him build a deeper understanding of the law, honing his knowledge without sitting in a traditional classroom. 

Last but not least, he had to pass the California Bar Examination. This is a crucial step, as this test determines whether you can practice law in the state. Despite his unorthodox path, Ehline passed the bar, proving that hard work and determination can pay off regardless of your path. 

Throughout this unusual route, Ehline had mentors who guided him, and he put in countless hours of study and work. Remember, there’s no shortcut to becoming a lawyer, even when bypassing the traditional route. 

You, Too, Can Practice Law With No Undergrad or Law School

In conclusion, becoming a lawyer without a law school or degree is not familiar. It’s far from easy, but as Ehline has shown, it’s not impossible. The key is dedication, patience, perseverance, practical experience, and the willingness to learn in unconventional ways. 

Hopefully, Ehline’s journey has inspired you. Whether your path follows the beaten track or branches off into unknown territory, if you’re committed and diligent, you, too, can achieve your goal of becoming a legal professional.