Cut law school down to 2 years. Let’s face it, 3rd year is a cruise. At least it was for me.

Instead, add a year or two of some sort of college-type practical program that teaches young lawyers the practical skills that they need to succeed. It has the added bonus of punting off of their high horses as well and grounding them in reality.

Then do a Bar Admissions program that tests lawyers not just on legal principles but on practical job-related skills that they need to more immediately add value to a large firm or to practice on your own.

Or you could look at a certification program above and beyond law school to keep lawyers current and ensure that they are competent in their chosen field. The Certifications can focus on certain niche areas such as Real Estate or Trusts etc… These certifications can focus on more practical and cutting edge areas of interest. Having worked on a Certification program for a massive IT company I know that these certification programs are relatively easy to keep up to date and can flexibly change with the times.

Let’s face it. Despite the pontificating on lawyers’ very real fiduciary obligations to their clients, the practice of Law is a business just like anything else.

Having been through the traditional Legal education and then subsequently moving into a new career in IT, I can tell you that the traditional Legal education did nothing to prepare me for the workforce and for running a business.

Looking back, had I actually had a different sort of legal education, I may have actually stuck with the profession instead of losing interest and going off to chase bits and bytes for a living :)

Another model that is worth looking at is the process that is followed to certify as an accountant. But I’m no accountant and dare not speak authoritatively on that.