This is a very insightful comment. In my opinion one of the largest shortcomings of our system of minting new lawyers is a lack of practical training. While doctors generally must both go to medical school and complete an internship and/or residency in order to treat patients, a freshly licensed lawyer can represent someone without previously having ever entered a courthouse, drafted a will, or taken a deposition. I think most recognize this is a problem and there are some law schools that are doing an excellent job of addressing the issue by requiring 3rd year practice court, externships, or clinics that actually give lawyers some experience in the things they will be doing after law school. Bar associations are trying to address the issue through mentor programs and CLEs aimed at new lawyers. No longer can the profession depend on mid to large law firms to bring lawyers up through the ranks, both because their clients aren't really interested in subsidizing it and the firms cannot or will not put in the resources to train all those entering the profession.
Thanks. Agreed that it's a problem. I was active in leadership in the local bar association and often ran into attorneys straight out of the local law schools (e.g. <6 mos.) who had opened their own practice due to a lack of other options and need to repay their student loans. The old system of training is broken.
