Students interested in becoming lawyers who don't have the time or funds to attend law school may have new opportunities toward reaching that goal. After earning a degree in criminal justice, with a specialization such as paralegal studies, and working in the field, students may enroll in the law clerk program.
This program, which is offered in ten states, including Washington, enables individuals to take the bar exam and practice law. In order to be eligible for the program, participants must have a bachelors degree and be sponsored by an attorney for whom they work for full-time.
In addition to their studies, students are also given monthly tests by a tutor.
Talia Clever, a program coordinator for the state bar in Washington, stated that the Board of Governors supports this program because "it provides a way for more people to become attorneys." She added that "those in the law clerk program will likely have more practical experience when they sit for the the bar exam."
While studying in the program takes four years as opposed to full-time law school, which can be finished in three years, the expenses are much lower than fees for part- or full-time law school programs.
By 2018, employment of lawyers is projected to increase by 13 percent, which is higher than the 10 percent average growth in other occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
