To qualify for admission, applicants must pass the three day California Bar Examination and a one day Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination. Applicants must be of good moral character and be at least 18 years old. In addition, applicants should have completed at least two years of preparatory college work, or its equivalent and have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association or the California State Bar Examiners. An Attorney's most fundamental activity is the interpretation of case law and its application to specific issues in cases. This requires case research of previously applied laws handed down in judicial decisions called precedence.
Attorneys also have to interpret and apply statutes to cases or business transactions.
Attorneys should have the ability to deal effectively with all kinds of people such as clients, other Attorneys, witnesses, judges, and jurors. They need the integrity to uphold strict rules of professional responsibility to the client and to the tribunal. Excellent writing skills are essential to write clear and concise briefs and strong communication skills are necessary to represent a client's interests. Attorneys often work under pressure and tension to meet important court filing deadlines and may use evenings and weekends to prepare for a trial. They must keep up with the latest court decisions and other developments within their profession, especially within their field of practice.