>That ship has sailed long long ago...like, 1890 long ago.

In California, at least, that is still the only way become a lawyer without a law degree (called the "Law Office Study Program"). If you forgo law school, you are required to do an apprenticeship in a practicing attorney's office for 4 continuous years (18 hours/week, 48 weeks/year), along with taking various exams and reporting your study progress.

Details here: https://california.lawi.us/law-office-study-program/

California Bar (Section 4.29): https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rules_Ti...