Can Law Be Self Taught?

Can Law Be Self Taught? (Must Read)

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Do you want to learn how to practise law?

Perhaps you want to avoid Law School, or perhaps you simply want to learn more about the law.

In this article, we’ll discuss Law being self-taught. 

So is it possible to be a self-taught Lawyer?

Yes, you can be a self-taught Lawyer through self-teaching, but studying law yourself won’t equip you to be a Lawyer. Obtaining a full appreciation of Law is a skill set acquired through practice and experience, ideally through Law School.

If you are wanting to become a Lawyer by avoiding the traditional cost and path of going to Law School, including avoiding sitting bar exams I think you are going to be disappointed.

To become a Lawyer, there is no other way than following the traditional path of studying to become a Lawyer,

A path that takes many years of hard work and practice.

“Practice of law” is defined as involves giving legal advice to clients, drafting legal documents for clients, and representing clients in legal negotiations and court proceedings.

Can You Teach Yourself Law? (Solved & Explained)

Yes, you can teach yourself Law, ideally through a reputable course. Some many online courses and books can be read for self-teaching. 

The best way to teach yourself Law is to read some introductory law books or courses in areas that interest you. This will give you an understanding of Law, it won’t qualify you as being a Lawyer. 

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Best Way To Teach Yourself Law (Solved)

Online Courses are the greatest approach to learn the law. They are designed for those who are short on time and must balance job, home life, and education.

Shorter, more intensive eight-week terms, as well as self-directed, immersive online learning, allow students more freedom in terms of when, when, and how they study.

Are you looking for some quality law courses that actually teach you something?  Not just some over priced course that makes false promises? If so, I have spent time researching some of the best and affordable courses going around which will teach you introduction to law. 

With any subject its always best to get a firm understanding of the foundations before moving on to more complex stuff

University of Pennsylvania
4.8 Star Rating
144,751 already enrolled

This course was both informative and enjoyable, which I appreciated. The speakers were well-informed and easy to understand. It was well worth the time.

This course will give you a glimpse into six different areas of American law: Tort Law, Contract Law, Property, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Procedure.

You will gain insight into the complexities and dilemmas that arise from the application of law in different settings, and what is distinctive about American approaches.

What Are The Reviews Saying?

A great first step on understanding the basic principles of American Law, providing an insight into impact on the systems we encounter on a daily basis and how these systems have developed over time.

Source: Coursera

It is an excellent course, from which i learnt about tort law, contract law, criminal procedure and as such in general. The tutors were delivering lectures quite clearly. It’s a very helpful course.

Source: Coursera

I’m starting law school soon but don’t have a pre-law background. This course has been very helpful in getting me acquainted with some of the general areas of law to which I’ll be exposed in school. Being taught by law professors helped me to get a basic understanding of many of the principles of the law as well as many of the terms that I will need to be familiar with once I’m thrown in the deep end.

Source: Coursera

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University of London
4.8 Star Rating
63,810 already enrolled

The common law of England and Wales is one of the major global legal traditions.

This course will give you an introduction to this influential legal system including its history, constitutional background, sources and institutions.

You’ll learn about the different ways in which laws are made and interpreted, the English court system and the increasing importance of European Union and human rights law.

Now is an especially exciting time to be learning about English common law, given the potential changes that lie ahead in today’s political, economic and social environment – all these pose challenges to and opportunities for the law.

What Are The Reviews Saying?

It was very informational about the English common law. I really didn’t know that the laws that are used in the United States are the same or somewhat laws that the United Kingdom use also.

Source: Coursera

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Yale University 
4.8 Star Rating
63,810 already enrolled

American Contract Law I (along with its sister course Contracts II) provides a comprehensive overview of contract law in the United States.

The course covers most of the key concepts found in a first-year law school class.

Each lecture is based on one or more common-law cases, integrating legal doctrines with policy discussions.

The course also covers key sections from the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs the sale of goods.

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to understand: Formation: how a valid and enforceable contract is created, including concepts such as offer, acceptance, consideration, and promissory estoppel.

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What Do I Need To Become A Lawyer? (Solved & Explained)

To become a Lawyer will take many years of hard work, studying and practising Law.  It is no walk in the park!

In the United States becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school.

Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA accreditation signifies that the law school—particularly its curricula and faculty—meets certain standards.

A bachelor’s degree is required for entry into most law schools, and courses in English, public speaking, government, history, economics, and mathematics are useful.

Almost all law schools, particularly those approved by the ABA, require applicants to take the  Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test measures applicants’ aptitude for the study of law.

A J.D. degree program includes courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing.

Law students may choose specialized courses in areas such as tax, labor, and corporate law.

Practising Law In Australia

To become a Lawyer in Australia you will need to have completed a  Bachelor of Law (LLB) undergraduate degree or a Juris Doctor (JD) postgraduate degree.

Both courses are 3 or 4 years long. need to apply to the local Law Society for a Practising Certificate.

You’ll then need to complete 18 to 24 months of supervised practice at a law firm.

Pathways to becoming a practising Lawyer typically require a combined 5-6 years of education and training.

Practising Law In Canada

To become a practising lawyer in Canada, you need two to four  years of a university program and a Juris Doctor/Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized law  school.

Next, you must complete a period of articling, a bar admission  course and exam, and be licensed in the province/territory where you plan to work.

Practising Law In United Kingdom

According to www.prospects.ac.In the UK to become a lawyer through the traditional route, you’ll first need to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) at university, or study another subject at the undergraduate level then take the one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course.

At this point, the pathways for aspiring solicitors and barristers diverge.

If you want to be a solicitor you must complete the vocational Legal Practice Course (LPC) before undertaking a training contract with a law firm – as part of which you’ll have to pass a Professional Skills Course.

You can then apply for admission to the roll of solicitors.

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Final Thoughts

If you are wanting to get an understanding of Law, then sure you can self-teach the basics of Law.

Whilst you can teach yourself Law, it does not mean reading books or taking Law courses equips you to be a Lawyer.

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to being a Practising Lawyer.

Being a Lawyer takes years of hard work studying and practising Law.

Then there are the intense exams that you have to pass to be able to Practice Law.

However, if you are wanting to improve your knowledge of Law then sure you can teach yourself Law. 

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