By Rachel M. Allums
For most California attorneys, their journey to the law is fairly typical. College, law school, practicing attorney. For me, the journey was fairly unique. I began as an 18-year-old legal secretary. My mother had recently reentered the workforce and followed the traditional path through law school and into solo practice. Becoming an attorney didn’t really spark an interest for me then, but I continued to work as a legal assistant, ultimately becoming a certified paralegal at age 21. After getting my associate’s degree, I made the choice that so many women do: to begin a family and put my college and career aspirations on the back burner. I continued to work part-time as a paralegal while my two children were young, allowing me to focus primarily on raising my kids while continuing to maintain my professional life and contacts.
I was fortunate to work for a wonderful estate planning attorney and grew passionate about providing guidance and peace of mind to clients dealing with challenging issues such as incapacity and death. The work was interesting and challenging. I received compliments from clients and other attorneys, some of whom encouraged me to become a lawyer. In those days, people called it “challenging the bar.” Although I had embraced a career in law, taking the bar exam sounded daunting, so I waited. But as my children grew and began to make plans for their careers, my urge to fulfill my own professional desires grew stronger. I knew I couldn’t commit to the time and expense of traditional law school, so I investigated the California State Bar’s obscure path to the law, known as study in a law office or judge’s chambers.
Articles written about this program call it “learning the law like Lincoln.” Recently, it made news headlines as Kim Kardashian’s path to a law career. The program requires a dedicated mentor attorney to oversee the applicant for four years of study. The curriculum is designed by the mentor and approved by the State Bar. Study takes place for 18 hours per week with monthly written exams. Semiannual reports and grades are submitted to the State Bar for approval. After the first year, the applicant must pass the first-year law student’s exam, known as the “baby bar.” Additionally, all other requirements of admissions must be met.
With the encouragement of my family, I was fortunate that a generous colleague, Jonathan Musgrove, agreed to become my mentor. We arranged my study time around my job and family commitments. The work was intense and took extraordinary drive and self-discipline. Four years later, in May 2019, I was advised that I had met every requirement and was eligible to sit for the California Bar Exam. I took and passed the July 2019 exam on my first attempt.
Today, I’m a licensed attorney embarking on solo practice. I hang my shingle with two decades of experience in the practical running of a law firm. I am benefited by having done this work from the ground up, so I know what it takes to create success and how to avoid practice pitfalls. My journey makes me keenly aware of the remarkable impact mentorship in the legal community can have in preparing new lawyers for success.
True to my unusual path, I took my oath of office in my living room, surrounded by my family and mentors, who watched me set a goal and give it my all, supporting me as I worked through setbacks and celebrated triumphs. Through it all, what I have learned is there is no “right” way. It just takes the will to find a way.
Rachel M. Allums (rachel@allums.law) is the President of Allums Law, APC, a firm focused in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration.