Here’s a fun fact: Abraham Lincoln didn’t go to law school. He independently studied the law, registered with the Sangamon County Court in Illinois and passed an oral examination by a panel of attorneys. He was then given his license to practice law.

In five states, you can still take this non-law school route to becoming a lawyer. Vermont, Washington, California,Virginia and Wyoming all allow people to become lawyers by “reading the law,” which, simply put, means studying and apprenticing in the office of a practicing attorney or judge.

The Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) is taking the lead in educating people about legal apprenticeships. LikeLincoln, a website SELC created, offers a big picture glimpse into the legal apprenticeship movement with information, resources, advice and first-hand accounts from both supervising attorneys and apprentices. Click HERE to learn more.