New York Lawyer Professional Licensing Guide — Upwardly Global 1. How the Profession Is Organized in New York Regulation Attorneys and the practice of the legal profession are regulated at the state level and generally not by the federal government. The New York State Board of Law Examiners has the power to license attorneys to practice law in New York and operates under the auspices of the New York State Court of Appeals. Once you receive a license to practice law in New York you will need to renew it every 2 years by registering with the New York State Unified Court System and paying fees ($375). The New York State Board of Law Examiners ("the Board") administers the New York Bar Exam. This is the set of three exams any lawyer must pass before being eligible to practice law in New York. You must receive the New York State Board of Law Examiners' permission to take the New York Bar Exam.

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) develops two of the tests that make up the New York Bar: New York Bar Examination, which contains 5 essay questions, 50 multiple choice questions prepared by the New York Board, and one Multistate Performance Test question, which is developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Multi-State Bar Examination (MBE), a multiple-choice exam containing fundamental and federal legal content NCBE develops one more exam required for licensure and administers it directly in a separate testing session. This exam is usually taken by law school students before graduation, but you can sit for it after receiving special approval: Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), a professional conduct exam The American Bar Association (ABA) is another important organization that influences the practice of law in New York and nationally. It is a professional association which accredits U.S. law schools and provides continuing legal education, among other activities. Licensing options for foreign-educated attorneys This guide assumes that you: Are a graduate of a foreign law school or degree program Already have professional experience as a lawyer in your country of origin Do not already have a license to practice law in any U.S.

jurisdiction Wish to pass the New York Bar so that you can practice law in the state of New York You have three options to take the New York Bar: 1. Earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an LL.M. from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) The JD is the basic three-year degree that students in the US earn after completing a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. A few law schools have accelerated JD programs that can allow foreign degree holders to receive partial credit and complete a JD in two years of full-time study. Earning a JD is usually very expensive and can easily reach $100,000 for 3 years, not including living expenses. If you have a foreign equivalent of a JD and prefer to earn an LL.M. (master of laws) degree as the basis for licensing eligibility, you will need to find a year-long LL.M. program at a law school approved by the the New York State Board of Law Examiners. As a permanent resident, refugee or asylee, you may qualify for financial aid grants and loans. 2.

Study law through the New York State Bar Law Office Study Program This program allows New York residents to become attorneys in New York without graduating from law school. You will have to study under a judge or lawyer for four years and you must have one year of academic study at an approved law school before being eligible to take the exam. However, this is not the recommended course of study by the ABA. 3. Be a licensed attorney in a foreign country Foreign attorney applicants do not have to comply with the requirements above, but you should check with Board to make sure that you have met the prerequisites for admission. Foreign-educated lawyers with at least 3 years of formal education in the common law can take the Bar exam in New York. Attorneys with 2 years of common law training or 3 years of civil law training must complete a 1 year LL.M. program at an ABA accredited institution before taking the Bar. After completing either option 1, 2, or 3 you will still need to apply for and pass examination and other licensing requirements before you become licensed to practice law in New York. Important notes: There is another license available to foreign-educated lawyers in New York: the Foreign Legal Consultant.

It is a very restricted license to "render legal services and give professional advice within the State only on the law of the foreign country where the foreign legal consultant is admitted to practice." It does not allow you to interpret or practice any New York or US law. More information is available on the Board website . There are many differences in legal requirements for Bar examination and law practice from state to state. You may want to research if other states consider foreign law degrees sufficient to sit for their Bar, or if a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from an ABA-approved school without a JD can make you eligible. New York, Alabama, California, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Virginia all allow some form of foreign degree recognition. You will need to do your own research to see if you qualify under their processes; also, if earning a license in these states can be the basis for applying to practice law in other states (this is not always allowed). New York allows admission on motion to applicants who have practiced at least 5 of the last 7 years in one of the 36 states that allows reciprocity to applicants from New York. Employment Job competition in the legal field can be very high, and lawyers also often work long hours.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 37% of full time lawyers work 50 hours a week or more. This is especially true for traditional large law firms where Associates may work very long hours for several years in pursuit of being named partner, part-owner of a firm. Most attorneys are employed in legal services, in business, or in government. In 2011, average salaries for these sectors are as follows: Management of companies and enterprises, $161,570; legal services, $137,170; federal government, $129,430; local government, $93,070; state government $81,960. Nationally, 27% percent of lawyers are self-employed in their legal practice (this includes partners of corporate law firms). It is common for trained lawyers to work in other fields as well, such as adjunct or other teaching jobs or politics, not necessarily practicing law. Additionally, keep in mind that some firms hire attorneys with foreign language skills on a temporary basis.

Normal job growth is expected in law, with the following areas generating an increase in demand: health care, intellectual property, venture capital, energy, elder law, antitrust, and environmental law. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is another trend that is expected to grow over time and influence the legal profession. Lawyers and others trained in ADR use mediation and arbitration instead of lawsuits to settle conflicts that might otherwise go to court. The process is used increasingly in divorce and other proceedings that may need a lawyer but can be resolved more efficiently, cheaply, and amicably through ADR. (BACK TO TOP) 2. Eligibility for Licensing This section will look at the steps that a foreign-educated lawyer needs to take to become licensed to practice law in New York. The steps to licensing are as follows: i. Get approval to take the New York Bar from the First Department’s Committee on Character and Fitness This process is managed by the First Department’s Committee on Character and Fitness or “the Committee." All attorneys in New York State are admitted to practice through one of the four Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court, based on your address. The First Department covers Manhattan and the Bronx.

To pass the Bar, you must pass through an application process administered by the First Department’s Committee on Character and Fitness . If you have the foreign equivalent of a JD or LL.M. Section 520.6 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law contains information on the eligibility requirements for foreign attorneys applying to sit for the New York State bar examination. Before applying, you should carefully review Sections 520.6 and 520.3 of the Rules of the Court Appeals and must also complete a Request for Evaluation of Foreign Academic Credentials Form, which is on the Board website. You must send the completed form to the Board office along with providing a course breakdown of your post-secondary education by a credential evaluating agency approved by the Board. A detailed list of requirements is specified in the Foreign Legal Education section of the Board website. The New York State Board of Law Examiners encourages applicants to request an evaluation of their eligibility up to a year in advance of the application filing period for the exam you intend to sit on. It will take eight to ten weeks for the board to make a decision of your eligibility after they have received all necessary documentation.

The Committee will consider all of your documentation and will either accept or deny your request to sit for the Bar. When evaluating a foreign education, number of factors are considered, including jurisprudence of your country, the curriculum and coursework you completed, the accreditation of your law school, and other legal education or practice issues. The Committee will advise you on whether returning for a JD is your only option. ii. Apply for and pass the four exams of the New York Bar plus the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination Once you receive Board approval, you must take and pass the New York Bar and its two exams: the New York Bar exam and the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). In addition you must pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). All of these exams are discussed in more detail in the section the board website. iii. Receive certification and license to practice law in New York Your scores will be forwarded to the the Board if you selected this option when registering for your exams. If you forgot to do this, you can pay a fee to have the scores forwarded to the Board. Once the Board receives your passing scores, it certifies these scores and your case to the New York State Unified Court System.

The Court awards you a license as a lawyer and swears you in as a member of the New York Bar. You must then register as a lawyer in New York through the New York State Unified Court System which you can do online. You must renew your registration bi-annually. For more information refer to their website. (BACK TO TOP) 3. Tests The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) develops all of the tests required for New York legal practice with the exception of five New York-specific essay items featured in the New York Bar. The Bar is a two-day examination administered by the New York Board of Admissions to the Bar. It consists of two exams: New York Bar exam and the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). In addition to the Bar you must also pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). This is a professional conduct and ethics exam that most law students take while still in their JD program. It is offered separate from the Bar and with greater frequency. The New York Bar - Administration The two-day Bar is offered only twice a year, the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday in February and July each year. The examination is given at the same time and day in various testing locations across the state.

Day one: Morning session: From 9:00 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. Contains 3 essays and the 50 multiple choice questions, all New York specific. Afternoon session: From 1:45 P.M. to 4:45 P.M. Applicants must complete the remaining 2 essay questions and the MPT. Day two: Morning and afternoon sessions: Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE) 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. 200 question multiple-choice examination covering contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, evidence, and real property. Registration and fees Registration and fees cover all parts of the Bar exam. The fee is $250, in addition to a $100 non-refundable technology fee and the filing deadline is: For the February 28-29, 2012 examination, the Application Filing period was November 1-30, 2011.

For the July 24-25, 2012 examination, the Application Filing period was April 1-30, 2012. To access application forms go to the New York Board. The link to this page is under Important Links. Results The New York Board combines the scores from each part of the Bar and gives them different weights: Multi-State Bar Examination: 40% Multi-State Performance Test: 10% New York Multiple Choice: 10% Actual test scores are compared against earlier tests and "scaled" to adjust your score based on whether the exam was easier or more difficult than earlier versions. Only your scaled score will determine if you pass the Bar. The minimum scaled score accepted in New York is 665. It takes approximately 7 weeks for scores to come out. Do not forget to request that your scores be sent to the New York Board or you will have to order extra reports. A note on test preparation The Bar exam is very difficult. US law students often dedicate months to full-time test preparation. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has Information Booklets for each of its tests with extensive lists of content areas and practice questions.

NCBE also offers an online practice test available for purchase through its online store. However, you may also want to seriously consider paying for a Bar exam preparation class for additional and structured study. New York was the one state which reported foreign-educated lawyer passage rates separately and in large numbers. It passed only 33% of over 4,400 foreign-educated candidates in 2011. Check Important Links for test preparation resources. The New York Bar - Exam Content Multi-State Performance Test (MPT) In the morning session of Day One, you will complete 3 essay questions and 50 multiple choice questions prepared by the Board. In the afternoon, you will complete the remaining two essays along with the MPT. Multi-State Performance Test (MPT) In the afternoon session of Day One, the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) consists of just one 90 minute question. The MPT simulates a real-life legal scenario using multiple information sources: it has a file with a variety of case documents as well as a library of case law. Both sources have some irrelevant and conflicting information.

The evaluation will look at your ability to analyze this information, pick out what is important, perform a lawyering task and present the results according to specific instructions. Multi-State Bar Examination (MBE) The MBE is a six-hour long exam that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (only 190 are scored). The exam is taken in Day Two with a morning and afternoon session.

The 2012 exam content is distributed into six major subjects with the following subdivisions: Contracts: 34 questions Formation of contracts; consideration; third-party beneficiary contracts; assignment of rights and delegation of duties; statutes of frauds; parole evidence and interpretation; conditions; remedies; impossibility of performance and frustration of purpose; discharge of contractual duties Criminal Law and Procedure: 33 questions Homicide; other crimes; inchoate crimes - parties; general principles; constitutional protection of accused persons Torts: 34 questions Intentional torts; negligence; strict liability; products liability; other torts Evidence: 33 questions Presentation of evidence; relevancy and reasons for excluding relevant evidence; privileges and other policy exclusions; writings, recordings, and photographs; hearsay and circumstances of its admissibility Constitutional Law: 33 questions The nature of judicial review; the separation of powers; the relation of nation and states in a federal system; individual rights Real Property: 33 questions Ownership; rights in land; contracts; mortgages/security devices; titles Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination The state of New York requires applicants to take the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) in addition to the regular bar examination.

The MPRE is an ethics exam that tests the candidate on established standards for a lawyer's professional conduct. The MPRE is an exam that lasts just over two hours. It contains 60 multiple choice questions (only 50 are scored). These are spread over the following 12 content areas as described in the 2012 MPRE information booklet: Regulation of the Legal Profession (6-12%) The Client-Lawyer Relationship (10-16%) Competence, Legal Malpractice and Other Civil Liability (6-12%) Litigation and Other Forms of Advocacy (10-16%) Transactions and Communications with Persons Other than Clients (2-8%) Different Roles of the Lawyer (4-10%) Safekeeping Funds and Other Property (2-8%) Communications About Legal Services (4-10%) Lawyers' Duties to the Public and the Legal System (2-4%) Judicial Conduct (2-8%) (BACK TO TOP) 4. Time and Costs The time and costs involved in becoming licensed as a lawyer in New York depend on a number of factors, including: Acceptance or rejection of your request to sit for the Bar based on your qualifications.

If you have to return for a JD it is not uncommon to spend at least $100,000 for an in-state degree. The completeness of your educational and professional records (the more documentation, the better) Your performance on both the Multi-State Bar Examination (MBE) and Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) Your free time and expendable income, and whether or not you choose to pay for a test preparation course or materials We provide two hypothetical scenarios to show some of the variety of results that immigrant professionals may find when they seek to become lawyers in New York. Please consider these scenarios as two examples out of many possibilities. Your experience will vary. Step 8. Tips Invest in test preparation Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the Bar exam and consider investing early in test preparation: the money you spend here might save you from paying for a retake. Also, get your applications in early: the late fees are very high and completely avoidable Provide complete documents All documents you submit either on paper or online are official: take your time to fill them out carefully. If you accidentally or purposefully put incorrect information on these documents it can create unnecessary complications and maybe even rejection of your applications.

You should make copies of all documents that you submit Consider an LLM Program A LLM degree without a JD may qualify you to sit for the New York Bar in some cases. A LLM program may be only one year and cost significantly less than a JD degree Becoming A Lawyer: How to Pass the Bar Exam | LegalMatch Authored by LegalMatch Law Library Managing Editor, Ken LaMance , Attorney at Law Becoming A Lawyer: How to Pass the Bar Exam A bar exam refers to an examination that law students in the United States must pass in order to practice law. This exam usually lasts two or three days, and is generally comprised of two sections. The test is broken up into essay section and the Multistate Bar Examination, or MBE. The first section can take one or two days, and requires candidates to complete several essay questions about general legal principles and state laws. The MBE consists of 200 questions pertaining to common law, and being a standardized exam, it is conducted on the same day throughout the country. Bar exams vary from one state to another, and those who pass an exam in one state are not guaranteed the right to be able to practice law in other states.

For instance, Louisiana does not require its law students to take the MBE, this is because it has a civil law system instead of a common law system. Some states also conduct performance tests as part of their bar exams, with California being one of those states. The California bar exam is regarded as being one of the toughest in the country. Candidates must take the California Performance Test, or CPT, which requires them to digest a fictional legal case, write a memorandum, deliver findings, and issue an opinion within three hours. The Multistate Performance Test, or MPT, is the standardized version of the CPT, and is less taxing. Law students should know which state they wish to practice law in before they register for their bar exams. It goes without saying that the bar exam is the most important test for aspiring lawyers in the United States. Those who pass the exam will have the opportunity to pursue a career in a highly respected profession. While there is the option of taking the test more than once, it is better to pass on the first attempt given that the cost of taking the exam can be quite substantial. In order to achieve the best mark possible, students need to make the necessary effort to ensure that they are properly prepared.

One of the things laws students can do to increase their chances of passing their bar exam is to enroll in a bar review course. The instructors who conduct bar review courses specialize in studying and analyzing bar exams. They also have a good idea of what the examiners expect from the candidates. These review courses can provide information about "hot topics" and train students what to expect so that they are able to deliver the best answers. Students should also create a studying schedule and make sure that they stick to it. They can set aside a few days or a week devoted to studying each topic, and should spend the last week or two before the exam dealing with any problem areas. It is a good idea for students to take practice exams as well. This will help them become more familiar with the structure of the exam. While it is important to spend enough time studying, students should also reserve some time for recreational activities that can help them relax their minds. Confidence plays a vital role in helping students pass the bar exam. Those who think positively will have a clearer mind, and will not panic during exam time. Attorney Admissions Attorney Admissions Committee on Examinations, Committee on Character and Fitness Supreme Court of Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts 1501 W.

Washington, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3222 (602) 452-3971 Results for the July 2016 Arizona Uniform Bar Examination are posted here . Application for the February 2017 Arizona UBE is closed. Laptop Registration for the February 2017 Arizona UBE is open January 5 - 18, 2017. See below for more information. Application for the July 2017 Arizona UBE will open January 15, 2017. Applicants may be approved by the Committee on Character and Fitness at any time, and will be notified when approved. The Supreme Court allows applicants who have been approved to be sworn and admitted at any time, either by mail or in person. Applicants who are approved receive detailed information regarding admission methods and options.

Click below for additional Character and Fitness guidelines: The Attorney Admissions team is happy to answer questions with our Customer Service box: attorneyadmissions@courts.az.gov If a major issue remains unresolved after speaking with our staff, please call Director Mark Wilson at 602-452-3362 The Arizona Supreme Court administers the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). Applicants passing a UBE are allowed to transfer a passing score earned in Arizona to other UBE jurisdictions without testing, subject to the rules of that state. UBE rules vary from state to state; please contact specific jurisdictions if you wish to seek admission based on UBE. Additional information about the Uniform Bar Examination, including a list of UBE jurisdictions, may be found at . There are three paths for admission to the practice of law in the state of Arizona: Instructions and Information Memo for applicants certified to sit for the February 2017 exam will be emailed the end of January 2017. Instructions and Information Memo - web version does not contain Admission Ticket or exam schedule. LAPTOP Notice of Intent Form - NOTE: This form is for Attorney Admissions administrative purposes. It does not register you for laptop testing.

Laptop Registration for the February 2017 Exam is open January 5 - 18, 2017. To access or view the Course on Arizona Law click here . The Admissions Unit of the Certification and Licensing Division oversees the requirements to practice law in Arizona. The staff supports two Supreme Court committees, the Committee on Examinations and Committee on Character and Fitness. The Supreme Court acts on the basis of recommendations that it receives from these two committees. Applicants are admitted to practice law in Arizona by order of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Rules for admission of applicants are set forth in Rules 33 through 38 of the Supreme Court of Arizona. All candidates, whether by exam or admission on motion, must pass a detailed background investigation. No individual shall practice law in Arizona without having complied with Supreme Court Rules. Final authority for recommendation of admission to the practice of law rests with the Committee on Character and Fitness. Candidates for admission by examination must complete all test requirements in Arizona. No portion of the bar examination may be waived for exam applicants regardless of admission elsewhere or previously earned Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) score.

A separate Character Report is required of examination applicants, and may be submitted concurrent with or after application for examination. Committee on Character & Fitness Members Preparing for the Bar Exam | Pace Law School Home / Students / Academic Success Preparing for the Bar Exam It is our belief that each graduate from Pace University School of Law can pass the Bar exam the first time. The key to passing the Bar exam is preparation. It is never too early to start preparing for this milestone in your legal career. The Academic Success Staff, the Faculty and the Administration are all here to assist you. The following is an overview of the resources available. Click here to read the New York Lawyer Assistance Trust brochure regarding the character and fitness requirements for admission to the practice of law in New York State. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Danielle Bifulci Kocal Advanced Analytical Skills and MBE Strategies For-Credit Supplemental Bar Preparation Courses Important Web Sites I. Advanced Analytical Skills and MBE Strategies Advanced Analytical Skills builds on the analytical, writing and organizational skills necessary to enhance a student’s ability to prepare for the Bar exam. Students will become thoroughly familiar with the format and components of the Bar exam.

Students will review and outline substantive topics, learn methods by which to review the tested areas of law, write outlines, and complete practice essays, Multistate Performance Test questions and multiple-choice exam questions; students will receive feedback on all written answers. In MBE Strategies, students will review the most heavily-tested areas of law on the MBE portion of the bar exam. They will complete numerous practice questions and develop the skills necessary to answer the most difficult multiple choice questions. II. Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam In addition to the Bar Exam, New York Bar Exam candidates must pass the MPRE before they are admitted to practice. The MPRE is a two hour and five minute exam consisting of 60 multiple choice questions designed to test your knowledge and understanding of ethical standards of the legal profession. The exam is offered every March, August and November and should be taken before you take the Bar Exam. New York requires a score of 85 on the MPRE. Scores are scaled and range from 50 to 150, with an average of approximately 100. A raw score of approximately 32 correct out of 50 converts to a scaled score of 85.

Section 520.12 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals of the State of New York requires applicants to file the materials required for admission to the Bar within three years from the date of the initial letter sent by the Board of Law Examiners notifying the applicant of having passed the Bar examination. Thus, any applicant who has not taken and passed the MPRE at the time of receipt of notification of having passed the Bar examination must pass the MPRE and be certified by the Board to the Supreme Court, Appellate Division within three years. Students should take the MPRE well in advance of the Bar exam. They should plan to devote approximately 25 hours to preparing for the MPRE. Additional information about the MPRE is available at . III. The UBE Beginning with the July 2016 administration, NY will be using the Uniform Bar Exam as the bar exam for the state. The Exam is administered each February and July.

A content outline and a description of the exam and its components can be found at ncbex.org 400 points A minimum passing score is 266 The MPT is a 90 minute assignment designed to test the Bar candidates' ability to use fundamental lawyering skills in a realistic situation. A Case File and a Library are provided along with an assignment such as write a memo, a brief, a statement of fact or a will. Sample MPT Questions can be downloaded at IV. Taking a Concurrent Bar Exam Concurrent Bar Exams can be taken in states including Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The most common concurrent exam taken by Pace Law School graduates is New Jersey. The exam for the second state is taken on the third day of the examination period, after the New York exam and the MBE exam. The New Jersey Exam consists of 7 essays worth 50%. V. Commercial Bar Preparation Courses A commercial Bar course, which runs for approximately eight weeks prior to the Bar exam, is necessary for you to review what you have already learned in law school and to learn Bar tested subjects that you have not yet studied. The commercial Bar courses are familiar with what is tested and how it is tested.

Your commercial course will provide you with materials and a study plan to help you prepare for the exam. There are at least four commercial Bar courses in the New York area that offer full-time study programs. It is best for you to research each of them and determine which is best for you and your learning style. BarBri Bar Review ( ), Pieper Bar Review ( ), Kaplan/PMBR ( ), and Themis Bar Review ( themisbar.com ) student representatives are often in our law school cafeteria during the school year. Research all programs to learn about each course and how the various courses differ. Many students opt to hire individual tutors in addition to studying with a commercial bar review course. The following tutors have had success with Pace Students: Individual Tutoring VI. Recommendations Completely clear your schedule for the eight weeks prior to the Bar exam Enroll in Advanced Analytical Skills to jump start your Bar preparation, demystify the Bar exam and receive feedback on actual Bar exam essays and MBE strategies and MPT questions Enroll in our free Supplemental Bar Skills Program to get additional skills support and detailed feedback on your practice essay and MBE answers.

Take as many Bar tested courses as possible Plan on studying at least 8-10 hours per day Take a comprehensive commercial Bar preparation course and attend every lecture Consider taking a supplement to your comprehensive commercial Bar preparation course Take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam well in advance of the Bar exam VII. Financial Resources Taking time off to prepare for the Bar exam can create financial hardships. The cost of the array of Bar preparation courses can also add up quickly. Loans specifically for this purpose are available from many lending sources. The following is a list of several Bar Loan providers. The Bursar can provide you with much information about financial aid. LENDERS Illinois Lawyer Professional Licensing Guide — Upwardly Global 1. How the Profession Is Organized in Illinois Regulation Attorneys and the practice of the legal profession are regulated at the state level and generally not by the federal government. The Illinois Supreme Court's Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) has the power to license attorneys to practice law in Illinois and to carry out disciplinary action against them. Once you receive a license to practice law in Illinois you will need to renew it every year by registering with ARDC and paying fees.

The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar ("the Board") administers the Illinois Bar Exam. This is the set of four exams any lawyer must pass before being eligible to practice law in Illinois. You must receive the Illinois Board of Admissions' permission to take the Illinois Bar Exam. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) develops three of the tests that make up the Illinois Bar (the Bar also includes a fourth exam with Illinois-specific essay questions): Multi-State Bar Examination (MBE), a multiple-choice exam containing fundamental and federal legal content Multi-State Essay Examination (MEE), an essay exam with content similar to the MBE Multi-State Performance Test (MPT), a written exam simulating a real-life legal scenario NCBE develops one more exam required for licensure and administers it directly in a separate testing session. This exam is usually taken by law school students before graduation, but you can sit for it after receiving special approval: Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), a professional conduct exam The American Bar Association (ABA) is another important organization that influences the practice of law in Illinois and nationally. It is a professional association which accredits U.S. law schools and provides continuing legal education, among other activities.

Licensing options for foreign-educated attorneys This guide assumes that you: Are a graduate of a foreign law school or degree program Already have professional experience as a lawyer in your country of origin Do not already have a license to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction Wish to pass the Illinois Bar so that you can practice law in the state of Illinois You have two options to take the Illinois Bar: 1. Earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA): The JD is the basic three-year degree that students in the US earn after completing a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. A few law schools have accelerated JD programs that can allow foreign degree holders to receive partial credit and complete a JD in two years of full-time study. Earning a JD is usually very expensive and can easily reach $100,000 for 3 years, not including living expenses. As a permanent resident, refugee or asylee, you may qualify for financial aid grants and loans 2.

Qualify under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 715 on the Admission of Graduates of Foreign Law Schools: This topic will look closely at this possibility, although in reality very few foreign-educated lawyers are able to meet all requirements set out by the Board After completing either option 1 or 2, you will still need to apply for and pass examination and other licensing requirements before you will become licensed to practice law in Illinois. Important notes: There is another license available to foreign-educated lawyers in Illinois: the Foreign Legal Consultant. It is a very restricted license to "render legal services and give professional advice within the State only on the law of the foreign country where the foreign legal consultant is admitted to practice." It does not allow you to interpret or practice any Illinois or US law. More information is available on the Board website and in Supreme Court Rules 712 and 713 There are many differences in legal requirements for Bar examination and law practice from state to state. You may want to research if other states consider foreign law degrees sufficient to sit for their Bar, or if a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from an ABA-approved school without a JD can make you eligible.

New York, Alabama, California, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Virginia all allow some form of foreign degree recognition. You will need to do your own research to see if you qualify under their processes; also, if earning a license in these states can be the basis for applying to practice law in other states (this is not always allowed) Employment Job competition in the legal field can be very high, and lawyers also often work long hours. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 37% of full time lawyers work 50 hours a week or more. This is especially true for traditional large law firms where Associates may work very long hours for several years in pursuit of being named partner, part-owner of a firm. Most attorneys are employed in legal services, in business, or in government. In 2011, average salaries for these sectors are as follows: Management of companies and enterprises, $161,570; legal services, $137,170; federal government, $129,430; local government, $93,070; state government $815,960.

Nationally, 27% percent of lawyers are self-employed in their legal practice (this includes partners of corporate law firms). It is common for trained lawyers to work in other fields as well, such as adjunct or other teaching jobs or politics, not necessarily practicing law. Additionally, keep in mind that some firms hire attorneys with foreign language skills on a temporary basis. Normal job growth is expected in law, with the following areas generating an increase in demand: health care, intellectual property, venture capital, energy, elder law, antitrust, and environmental law. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is another trend that is expected to grow over time and influence the legal profession. Lawyers and others trained in ADR use mediation and arbitration instead of lawsuits to settle conflicts that might otherwise go to court. The process is used increasingly in divorce and other proceedings that may need a lawyer but can be resolved more efficiently, cheaply, and amicably through ADR. (BACK TO TOP) 3. Tests The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) develops all of the tests required for Illinois legal practice with the exception of three Illinois-specific essay items featured in the Illinois Bar.

The Bar is a two-day examination administered by the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar. It consists of four exams: Illinois essays; the Multi-State Performance Test (MPT); the Multi-State Essay Examination (MEE); and the Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE). In addition to the Bar you must also pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). This is a professional conduct and ethics exam that most law students take while still in their JD program. It is offered separate from the Bar and with greater frequency. The Illinois Bar - Administration The two-day Bar is offered only twice a year, the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday in February and July each year. It is only offered in Chicago, Illinois. Day one: (BACK TO TOP) 4. Time and Costs The time and costs involved in becoming licensed as a lawyer in Illinois depend on a number of factors, including: Acceptance or rejection of your request to sit for the Bar based on Rule 715.

If you have to return for a JD degree it is not uncommon to spend at least $100,000 for an in-state JD The completeness of your educational and professional records (the more documentation, the better) Your performance on both the Multi-State Bar Examination (MBE) and Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) Your free time and expendable income, and whether or not you choose to pay for a test preparation course or materials We provide two hypothetical scenarios to show some of the variety of results that immigrant professionals may find when they seek to become lawyers in Illinois. These scenarios assume that you are able to take the Bar Exam based on Rule 715. Please consider these scenarios as two examples out of many possibilities. Your experience will vary. Step How Do I Become A Lawyer? How Do I Become A Lawyer? © 2006 The State Bar of California. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any medium, without prior written permission. Introduction You’re considering a career in law. Or maybe you just want to find out more about becoming a lawyer. Are you familiar with the vast range of career options available to those with legal training?

Have you asked yourself why you might like to be a lawyer? Do you know what you need to do to become one? Are you willing to spend several years studying law in order to do so? Becoming a lawyer -- and practicing law -- is not easy. A career in law, however, can be extremely rewarding. And it can be a good fit for many different kinds of people from many different cultural, ethnic and educational backgrounds. There is no one “lawyer” type of person or job. As a lawyer, you might choose to prosecute accused criminals, for example, or negotiate real estate deals, advise corporations, help arrange adoptions, work to protect the environment or teach law. A legal career can provide you with an opportunity to help people, businesses or governments solve problems. And you can play a crucial role in our justice system as well. As a lawyer, you truly can make a difference. This pamphlet summarizes the general requirements for becoming a California lawyer. It also touches on the many opportunities available to those who pursue a legal career. We hope it assists you in planning for your future. 1. What do lawyers do? Lawyers are both advocates and advisors. They help solve--or prevent--legal problems for others.

For example, a lawyer might: Assist in drafting a will. Help a merchant sue a customer for unpaid bills. Advise someone who is seeking a divorce. Prepare mortgages and other loan documents for a bank. Research a tax law in international trade for a corporate executive. Prosecute a defendant in a criminal trial. Help an impoverished tenant with a landlord dispute. As a lawyer, you might serve as general counsel for a corporation. You might choose to become a lawyer in a big firm. You might work for a legal services agency and help destitute families resolve their legal crises. Or you could become a prosecutor, public defender, county counsel or city attorney. A lawyer’s choice of legal fields is as varied as the society in which he or she lives. And the nature of the law-related work available within each field varies as well. No matter what you have seen on television, the practice of law is not all courtroom drama. Many practicing lawyers rarely see the inside of a courtroom. Others do not even practice law, choosing instead to work in business, government and other law-related fields. It all depends on what appeals to you as an individual. The possibilities are virtually limitless. 2. What are the requirements for admission to practice law in California?

In general, you must: Be at least 18 years old. Complete two years of undergraduate college work or pass certain equivalency tests. Graduate from a State Bar-accredited or American Bar Association-approved law school, complete four years of study at an unaccredited or correspondence law school, spend four years studying law in a law office/judge’s chambers program, or complete a study program that combines these various methods. Register with the State Bar within 90 days of beginning your law studies. Pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination. Law students who successfully complete their first year at certain law schools are generally exempt from this requirement (see #7). Receive a positive “moral character” determination. Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (see #9) and the California Bar Examination (see #10). Provide a Social Security number, unless you are exempt (see #12). Comply with any California court-ordered child or family support payments. For a more detailed description of these admission requirements, refer to the State Bar publication entitled Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California.

(The requirements can vary according to the applicant’s legal background.) The publication can be found on the State Bar’s Web site at (click on Bar Exam in the right-hand menu). Or, to request a printed copy, call 415-538-2300. 3. How do I prepare for law school? There is no required pre-law course of study. The educational backgrounds and life experiences of law students vary widely. Taking the time to develop certain skills, however, may help prepare you for a career in law. Such skills include the ability to: Write logically, clearly and concisely. Critically analyze problems and come up with workable solutions. Clearly articulate a position on an issue and engage in debate. Read, analyze and retain large amounts of printed material. Work well with many types of people. To hone such skills, you might join a school debate team, work in student government or write for a school publication. An internship or part-time job in a law office or working for an investigator might be useful as well. Ask your academic or pre-law college advisor for additional suggestions. Applying to law school is a long process.

You may have to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) nearly a year before starting law school. You will need to fill out school applications and, in many instances, write a personal essay and solicit letters of recommendation. Also, keep in mind that admission to law school can be highly competitive. According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), most applicants apply to at least four law schools. For more information on taking the LSAT and applying to law schools, visit the LSAC Web site at 4. What is the LSAT? The Law School Admission test (LSAT) is a law school entrance exam administered four times a year at hundreds of locations. This half-day test provides a standard measure of reading and verbal reasoning skills. Law schools use the LSAT score as one of several factors in assessing law school applicants. Many would-be law students take preparatory courses to help prepare for the test. 5. How do I choose a law school? Choosing a law school is a big decision. Whether a particular school is right for you will depend on your circumstances, financial means, academic background, future goals and other factors.

In California, there are three types of law schools--those approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), those accredited by The State Bar of California’s Committee of Bar Examiners, and those that are registered correspondence or unaccredited law schools. ABA-approved schools and schools accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners have met certain standards regarding the school’s teaching staff, curriculum, scholastic program and other factors. (Most states require graduation from an ABA-approved law school as a prerequisite to seeking admission to practice law in their state.) In California, unlike in many other states, you need not study law at an accredited law school in order to take the bar examination. If you decide to study law at an unaccredited or correspondence law school, however, you will have to take and pass the First-Year Law Students’ Examination (see #7). For a list of California law schools, visit the State Bar’s Web site ( Or, write to the bar’s Office of Admissions (see State Bar address on back cover). For a list of ABA-approved schools, go to the ABA’s Web site ( 6. Can I become an attorney without going to law school? Yes.

You can meet California’s legal education requirements by spending at least four years studying law under the personal supervision of a California judge of record or a California attorney in his or her law office. (The attorney must be an active member of the State Bar of California who has been in practice for the last five years or longer.) For more detailed information, visit the State Bar’s Web site at and click on Admissions. 7. Will I have to take the First-Year Law Students’ Examination? It depends on your chosen course of study. All law students enrolled in unaccredited or correspondence law schools or in the law office/judge’s chambers study program must pass this exam after their first year of law study. Students who successfully complete their first year at a California-accredited or ABA-approved law school are exempt from this requirement (unless they did not finish the required two years of college work). If a student fails the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, the student can retake it without interrupting his or her legal studies. However, he or she must pass the test within a certain period of time--or lose credit for all but one year of law study. 8. What is the “moral character” screening process?

It is a four-to-six-month inquiry into the would-be attorney’s background and moral character. To practice law in California, an applicant must receive a positive moral character determination. The process involves filling out an application, submitting fingerprint cards and providing references. In reviewing information provided by the applicant, law schools and other sources, the Committee of Bar Examiners’ Subcommittee on Moral Character considers: Evidence of candor and honesty. Respect for the law and the rights of others. Fiscal responsibility. Records of fidelity and trustworthiness in other professions for which he or she is licensed. It’s up to the applicant to show that he or she is of good moral character. Applicants who have been convicted of a violent felony or certain other serious crimes frequently are determined not to have good moral character. Drug and alcohol abuse also raise red flags. However, many factors are taken into account and each case is considered on an individual basis. Most applicants pass the moral character screening process with ease. And if an applicant does not pass, he or she can appeal to the State Bar Court. 9. What is the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination? It is a national ethics examination that takes place three times a year.

Candidates seeking to practice law in California must pass it with a scaled score of at least 86. As a law student, you may take the test any time after completing your first year of law study. 10. What is the California Bar Examination? It is an exam that must be passed before a would-be California attorney can be admitted to practice law in California. The three-day test--administered twice a year--consists of six essay questions, two performance tests and the Multistate Bar Examination (a national 200-question, multiple-choice test on constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, evidence, real property and torts). In some instances, out-of-state attorneys seeking admission to practice law in California can apply to take the Attorneys’ Examination instead (see #14). 11. If I fail the bar exam, can I take it again? Yes. But once you pass the exam, you must take the attorney’s oath within five years to meet the requirements for practicing law in California. 12. What should I do if I don’t qualify for a Social Security number? You can request an exemption to this requirement. Simply submit the required form along with your State Bar registration application.

To qualify for an exemption, you will have to explain why you cannot qualify for a Social Security number and state that you are not behind in fulfilling any court-ordered child or family support obligations. 13. If I’m a licensed California lawyer, can I practice law in other states as well? Generally, no--not unless you meet additional requirements. There may, however, be some exceptions for certain types of legal work. Every state has its own rules. To find out a particular state’s requirements, contact that state’s bar to find out who handles attorney admissions. In most instances, you would have to take that state’s bar exam and meet other requirements as well before practicing law there. 14. How do I become licensed to practice law in California if I’m an out-of-state attorney? In general, you would have to meet many of the same testing requirements as the non-attorney applicants. However, attorneys who have been admitted to active practice for at least four years in another state (and who remain in good standing) may choose to take the Attorneys’ Examination rather than the General Bar Examination.

In addition, there are a few circumstances in which out-of-state attorneys are allowed to do certain types of legal work in California without meeting the usual requirements. For more specific information, visit the State Bar’s Web site ( If you received your legal education and/or were admitted to practice law outside the United States, visit the State Bar’s Web site for more detailed information (go to Bar Exam, then Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California). Or call the State Bar at 415-538-2300. 15. Where can I find out more about becoming a lawyer? You will find a wealth of information on the American Bar Association’s Web site ( the Law School Admission Council’s site ( and the State Bar’s Web site ( You also could contact law schools directly. And you might ask a school counselor or pre-law advisor for additional resources. We hope this pamphlet has opened your eyes to the basic requirements for becoming a lawyer and to the wide range of possibilities available to those who pursue a legal career. The purpose of this pamphlet is to provide general information on the law, which is subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult a lawyer.

The State Bar of California Office of Media and Information Services 180 Howard Street

Question: What exam must be passed to practice law in the U.S.?
Answer: Bar Exam