Why California Should Not Be Admitting Teenagers to Law Practice

California has lately been admitting teenagers to the practice of law, including two siblings who each passed the bar at age 17 after graduating from an on-line law school. This is a very bad idea for everyone involved, as I explain in my new column for The Hill.

Here is the gist:

Just because teenagers can become lawyers doesn’t mean they should

Twice in the past two years, the bar examiners announced that 17-year-old applicants had passed the bar examination, to be sworn in as lawyers upon reaching 18.

I don’t doubt the brainpower and studiousness of the teenagers, a brother and sister, born a year apart, who began their law studies while still in middle school. Nonetheless, it is simply impossible for even the most book-smart 18-year-old to have acquired the life experience necessary for the competent practice of law.

At 18, they still cannot buy alcohol or tobacco, obtain an interstate commercial driving license, become an airline transport pilot, qualify as a professional fiduciary, deal blackjack in a casino or purchase handgun ammunition. 

There are true prodigies whose unique talents benefit from intense development from an early age. But law practice is not music or gymnastics. It is basically a job. It can be rewarding, fulfilling and socially productive, but apart from transient novelty, there is no advantage to starting young. 

You can read the full column at The Hill.