Two different questions
Wisconsin diploma privilege
Under Wisconsin's diploma privilege, graduates of the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School may be admitted without the bar exam by complying with the court's rule, SCR 40. It is not a blanket exemption for all law graduates. Graduates of other schools take the exam or another route.
Oregon's Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination
Oregon offers a route that replaces the bar exam through supervised practice and a portfolio examination. Candidates practice under supervision and submit work for assessment, and the state has rules on eligibility, supervisor qualifications and portfolio review.
New Hampshire's Daniel Webster Scholar Honors Program
The program at the University of New Hampshire School of Law lets a participating graduate be admitted without an exam under Rule 42(XII). It is tied to a specific law school program, with assessments during school.
Washington and the APR 6 Law Clerk Program
Washington accepts a JD from an ABA-accredited school or completion of the APR 6 Law Clerk Program, an apprenticeship, as a path to sit for its exam. Its published pass rates for this route are separate from the general rate, so ask the board for the most recent data.
Arizona, Nevada and Delaware
Arizona lists five routes to admission, including the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program. Nevada has a comprehensive licensing plan built from four components: the MPRE, a Foundational Law Examination, a Lawyering Performance Examination and a Supervised Practice Program. Delaware requires a clerkship with a Delaware attorney, called a preceptor, which is an admission requirement more than an alternative.
California, Vermont and Virginia
California lets some candidates study law in a law office under a supervising attorney. Vermont's Law Office Study Program involves four years of work under the supervision of an experienced Vermont judge or attorney following a systematic course of study. Virginia has a Law Reader Program. These are education alternatives, and candidates typically still take an exam.
Portability and how to find a supervisor
A license obtained through an alternative route is often limited to the issuing state, and other states may not accept it. Before choosing, ask whether you may later move. For supervised routes, ask the state agency for a list of approved supervisors or its guidance, and be sure the supervisor meets all requirements before you start.
Common questions
Which states let you become a lawyer without taking the bar exam?+
Wisconsin's diploma privilege for graduates of its two law schools, Oregon's supervised practice portfolio route, and New Hampshire's Daniel Webster Scholar program are the best known, each with strict conditions.
Can I become a lawyer without law school?+
In a few states, through law office study or a law clerk program, including California, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Each has strict requirements and a license may not transfer.
Is a license from an alternative pathway valid in other states?+
Often not. Many are limited to the issuing state, and other states may not accept them, so ask before committing years to the route.
What to do next
- 1
Decide whether you need an alternative to law school or to the exam.
- 2
Read the state's current rule for the route, not a summary.
- 3
Ask about portability before committing years to the route.