<P> Alabama, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, West Virginia and Tennessee allow individuals to take the bar exam upon graduation from law schools approved by state bodies but not accredited by the American Bar Association . The state of New York makes special provision for persons educated to degree - level in common law from overseas, with most LLB degree holders being qualified to take the bar exam and, upon passing, be admitted to the bar . But in certain states (e.g., Arizona), one may not be allowed to actually take the bar exam unless one's law school is accredited by the ABA, and this requirement has withstood constitutional attack: thus, graduates of a law school without ABA accreditation may not sit for the Arizona bar, although they may take the bar in other states . </P> <P> In California, certain law schools are registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners of The State Bar of California . Such schools, though not accredited by either the ABA or the Committee on Bar Examiners, are authorized to grant the Juris Doctor (J.D.) law degree . Students at these schools must take and pass the First - Year Law Students' Examination (commonly referred to as the "Baby Bar") administered by the CBE . Upon successful passing of the "Baby Bar," those students may continue with their law studies to obtain their J.D. degree . Students at law schools accredited by either the ABA or CBE are exempt from having to take and pass the Baby Bar . </P> <P> In California, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming an applicant who has not attended law school may take the bar exam after study under a judge or practicing attorney for an extended period of time . This method is known as "reading law" or "reading the law". </P> <P> New York requires that applicants who are reading the law have at least one year of law school study (Rule 520.4 for the Admission of Attorneys). </P>

States where you can be a lawyer without law school