There are mentoring programs, at least in Ohio.  I participated in the program and I was paired with a local mentor to assit me during my first year of practice.  It was a great program and an invaluable experience.

And, I agree that "serving a residency in such an environment at an entry-level wage could help recent grads gain valuable experience while assisting folks who may not otherwise be able to afford counsel."  But I do not think it is the only way to do it.  For some, a residence would be a good solution and it would be very beneficial to the new attorney and his clients.  But, I have helped many clients in that situation by charging very little or sometimes nothing at all.  I looked at it as a learning experience for me and I was able to provide the same benefit without a formal "residency" requirement.

I like these kinds of programs as options, but I don't think it is a once-size-fits-all solution that should be mandated.

You could apply this approach to any profession.  I think abstractors should have on-the-job training and they also should be licensed.  But, any yahoo can get into this business without any training or education at all.  It just depends on your perspective.

Best,
Robert A. Franco