Prior to the 19th century, eager would-be lawyers never set foot in a brick-and-mortar school of law. Rather, they served as apprentices to established attorneys who instructed them in the lessons of the law through observation and hands-on experience.

Over the years, this model changed: Law schools were established, providing students with a formal curriculum focused on classroom discussion. As of the early 20th century, post-graduate education became a requirement for admission to the bar.