Some states allow foreign lawyers to apply for bar admission based on years of law practice and/or a qualifying foreign law degree (typically involving legal education in English common law). However, most states require foreign lawyers to obtain an LL. M. degree (or equivalent) from an ABA-accredited law school.
United States: Although the legal system differs significantly from that of the UK, many UK law graduates find rewarding careers, particularly in states like New York and California. To practice law in the U.S., you'll typically need to pass the state bar exam.
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.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies outside the United States may also be considered for admission under Regular Student status provided the work completed is deemed equivalent to work completed in the United States.
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.
The changes became effective in October 2014, and the rules (Rule XIII) governing the eligibility of foreign lawyers to take the Texas Bar Examination are now similar to the rules of the New York Bar; the Texas Bar is now one of the most accessible U.S. bars for foreign lawyers who are either licensed to practice in ...
Are foreign law degrees recognized in the United States? Yes. Many states recognize foreign law degrees. However, these degrees are subject to review by state bar regulators.
California Bar Examination Please note that the State Bar does not offer reciprocity or accept bar exam scores from another jurisdiction.
For several reasons, the California bar exam is often considered to be the hardest in the country. California's legal system is known for its complexity. The state has its own set of laws, regulations, and precedents that often differ significantly from federal laws and those of other states.
For California ABA-accredited law schools, the pass rate for first time test-takers was 81%, up 5 percentage points from 2023. The State Bar of California reported today that 53.8 percent of applicants passed the July 2024 General Bar Examination (GBX).