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I read an article today comparing malpractice carriers. There was a ton of information. However, one of the most important things was just glanced over: AM Best rating.
DO NOT SHOP INSURANCE ON PRICE ALONE!
Wheh, I hope that made a point. When you buy insurance, you are buying their promise to pay. If they are not there to pay, you have wasted your premium. You MUST buy malpractice coverage from an A rated carrier. Anything else will be a waste of your time.
California Lawyer magazine has an interesting article on California's Law Office Study Program. It is an alternative to law school. It requires 4 years of study under the personal supervision of a judge or California attorney. Of the 436 people who signed up for this program since 1980, only 64 had earned their license this way.
Now, I am all in favor of alternative forms of education. I went to night law school. I have a friend who works at an internet law school. I know the ABA approved law school route is not the way for everyone. But, this program seems to be pushing the envelope.
Face it - law school does not teach you how to be a lawyer. It teaches you how to think like a lawyer. Heck, law school doesn't even teach you how to file a complaint!! But, the experience of being in a class, of the socratic method, etc... has some value.
I don't know where I come out on this, but with a success rate that is about 15%, maybe this is a program that needs to be rethought. (Apparently, you can do this in NY too.) If any of you have done this type of program, please let me know. I would love to hear your experiences!
