This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
Transition Away from the MBE: Starting in 2025, California will no longer use the National Conference of Bar Examiners' (NCBE) Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) for its multiple-choice component. Instead, Kaplan will develop new multiple-choice questions specific to California.
California Reciprocity California doesn't offer reciprocity but offers a shorter bar exam for attorneys who are admitted in other states and who have been in good standing as an attorney in those states for at least four years prior to their application.
A California-licensed attorney may be granted temporary permission to practice law in another state for a specific case through pro hac vice admission. Be careful, however, pro hac vice practice has its limitations.
What states have reciprocity with California? Arizona. Colorado. Delaware. Hawaii. Louisiana. Maine. Maryland. Massachusetts.
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.
There is no reciprocity between Florida and any other jurisdiction. Submission to the Florida Bar Examination and completion of a character and fitness investigation is required of all applicants.
In California, qualified applicants can take the bar exam without going to law school. Most law schools require a college degree, but some may only ask for equivalent course work, and some law schools focus on your legal interest and life experiences and not on your grades or LSAT scores.
California is universally regarded as the toughest state for taking the bar exam. This notion is not dissuaded by the state's low bar-pass rate. In addition to the performance test, five essay questions, and the Multistate Bar Exam, the California exam takes two days.
The California bar limits complaints for events that occurred within the last five years. The statute of limitations for legal malpractices is one year, generally from the time representation ends.
The Contact Center is closed on State Bar holidays. To speak with a representative, please call 800-843-9053 if you are in California. If you are calling from out-of-state, please call 415-538-2000.