What happens to people who earn a law degree but are unable to pass the state bar?

Answer 1

I have earned my law degree about 9 years ago but never had the chance to take the bar exams due to time constraints at work. Nevertheless, though am still "under bar", I make used of what I have learned from law school. What matters most, you're not ignorant of the law :-)

Answer 2

This happens all the time -- perhaps more often today than in the 1960s and 70s when some state bar exams were notoriously easy to pass. (But remember Vinnie -- as in My Cousin Vinnie -- who passed on his 6th attempt?)

In Europe and the Far East only a minority of law graduates ever practice law. There are several bottlenecks besides exams -- in England, getting a pupillage or a clerkship is notoriously hard and nobody can practtice would having spent a year at one or the other.

The Wall Street Journal some years ago had an article following several law grads who never passed the bar, and whom that fact shadowed them throughout their lives.

Many law grads who do pass the bar go into business and not the law. That is what the failures do also. Some states limit the number of times you can take the exam, but I think most don't; and knowing the number of less-than-bright lawyers that I have, I wonder how smart the failures can be.

Answer 3

Many never take the bar since they have no reason to try cases in courts. Others get into workes comp and other areas where you can practice as a non attorney but rep people under thier specific rules.

Also they become law clerks for judges at times. But many will work in the legal field for corporations that do not require bar membership.

I never took the bar exam and never wanted to, there are many that don't take it by choice. But again depending on states about 1/2 fail the first time, but they take refreshers course and take it again and again, most past after 3 or 4th attempt.

Answer 4

Remain as law graduates but some are better than those who passed the bar.

Answer 5

Well, they'd probably make a good legal clerk, or a paralegal. If they have no morals or scruples they could become a politician. Once they make it to the legislature they could change the law and practice law without a bar exam.

Answer 6

This happens sometimes. Its important to stay focused on still obtaining some type of professional employment as the blow to your self-esteem can be severe. Some people can let it destroy their careers. Don't. I knew one guy who took it 13 times and never passed and continued to drive a cab full time. I would make sure you still have a decent job, and continue to take the exam, eventually you'll probably pass.

Answer 7

They becom bureaucrats in a federal or state agency, usually performing non-sworn regulatory tasks. Either that or they go into politics. Frightening, isn't it?

Answer 8

They get jobs working at brothels, collecting garbage, cleaning up dog crap, etc. You know... honorable work, one step above being a lawyer.

Answer 9

They end up at the french fryer at McDonalds

Answer 10

You get a job at McDonald's flipping burgers.