If you've passed the bar exam in one state but want to work in another, you can either take the bar exam in multiple states or research the laws regarding reciprocity in your state. Each state establishes its own criteria for admission to the bar, and many states have reciprocal agreements.
California. There is no bar reciprocity in California, though the state does offer a modified bar exam to those who have actively practiced law for at least four years immediately preceding their bar application.
In some instances, attorneys who are properly licensed and in good standing in another state are allowed to practice in California. For example, attorneys who practice only federal law, such as immigration, may practice in California but be licensed in another state.
The State Bar of California's Committee of Bar Examiners on Friday voted 8-3 to allow bar takers to sit for the exam remotely or in test centers located in other states or countries—provided they take it at the same time as those in California to reduce the risk of cheating.
Yes. However, most jurisdictions require holders of foreign law degrees to have an additional legal degree, such as a J.D. or LL. M., from an ABA-accredited law school in the United States.
Most states do require a J.D. degree for a US law school in order to sit for the bar exam. There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia.
California Bar Examination All other attorney applicants must take the general bar exam. Please note that the State Bar does not offer reciprocity or accept bar exam scores from another jurisdiction.
Degree in itself does not guarantee eligibility to take the bar exam. Most states do require a J.D. degree for a US law school in order to sit for the bar exam. There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia.
If you have been fully admitted to the practice of law in any U.S. or foreign jurisdiction, you are qualified to take the California Bar Examination without additional legal education.