How did one obtain a license to practice law in colonial America?

Question

I'm currently researching a potential ancestor who shows up in a few county courts, 1730's, displays his license to practice law and takes the oaths, etc, to be granted permission to practice law in those counties. Two are VA and one is NC (the NC one just mentions he's an attorney, the VA ones he's actually requesting permission from the courts). I understand one had to study and apprentice since there were no actual law schools back then. My question is, does anyone know how did one actually obtain the license in the first place?

Comments

Hmm, now you got me thinking about my grandfather. He was a self-taught lawyer and county judge in the 1950's North Dakota. I wonder what kind of steps he had to take, and if he actually attended college.

Answer 1

In Virginia you had to pass an examination by three judges to be admitted to the bar.

Comments

Thank you, Kathie!