> was sworn to the bar without actually going to any sort of law school.
It can still be done today in most US states.
Also, note that even the self-represented can take on a government and win. See Jim Pattison's (Canadian billionaire) tax hearings vs. the Crown (Canada), which he won after a decade of litigation. Multiple prosecutors and judges retired during that time period.
Besides developing further tax filing methods for his empire, you can bet he wasn't sued again by the government - they hate taking a loss. (The US SEC infamously tries to undermine defendants today by going after their ability to pay lawyers before trials.)
If by "most" you mean 4 or 5 US States (California, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and maybe West Virginia). That's 10% of states, although more than 10% of the US population (but still a very small minority).
Meanwhile, anyone can represent themselves in court, and with sufficient facts on their side have won. However, the Supreme Court no longer allows people to represent themselves. This means, in the US there are many cases where you cannot take on the government yourself and win.
Even in those states, you can't just show up to the bar exam and ace it.
Thost states all requires you to spend four years (i.e., even longer than law school) working/studying under an attorney. Washington even charges "tuition" of $2000/year.
> Thost states all requires you to spend four years (i.e., even longer than law school) working/studying under an attorney. Washington even charges "tuition" of $2000/year.
I did try to to explain that in my OP:
>>>> (some states have just as lengthy apprenticeship periods replace that)
It can still be done today in most US states.
Also, note that even the self-represented can take on a government and win. See Jim Pattison's (Canadian billionaire) tax hearings vs. the Crown (Canada), which he won after a decade of litigation. Multiple prosecutors and judges retired during that time period.
Besides developing further tax filing methods for his empire, you can bet he wasn't sued again by the government - they hate taking a loss. (The US SEC infamously tries to undermine defendants today by going after their ability to pay lawyers before trials.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Pattison