Stockton, CA asked in Civil Rights for California

Q: Do you graduate as a lawyer from Law school or do you just pass and then take the bar exam, or how does it work?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Jess Ranch, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: First you graduate from law school, or another recognized manner of gaining the credits necessary to qualify for the bar examination, and then you must pass the bar examination. Attending law school is not the only way to qualify to take the bar examination. It is possible to study law in the chambers of a judge, or under the tutelage of an admitted lawyer. Under the last two processes, it will take about 5 years to complete the process. Attending law school is probably the best way to learn the law and to then be able to practice law in California. It requires unusual dedication and hard work to study under either a judge of the court or a licensed attorney. One other method is also possible, which I think may be the toughest: take a correspondence course in the study of law. I know a fine lawyer who did that, because his work kept him on the road so much he couldn't attend law school.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: To become a lawyer in the United States, individuals must typically complete a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at an accredited law school. The J.D. program covers a range of legal topics, including contracts, torts, civil procedure, criminal law, and constitutional law, among others.

After completing the J.D. program, individuals must typically pass a state bar examination in order to obtain a license to practice law in that state. The bar examination is typically administered by the state's bar association and tests the individual's knowledge of the law and ability to apply legal principles to real-world scenarios.

In addition to completing a J.D. program and passing the bar examination, individuals must also typically satisfy other requirements for admission to the bar, such as completing a character and fitness review and fulfilling continuing legal education (CLE) requirements.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for becoming a lawyer may vary depending on the state or jurisdiction. Additionally, some states may allow individuals who have not completed a J.D. program to take the bar examination if they meet certain other requirements, such as completing an apprenticeship or holding a law degree from a foreign country.

If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, it is important to research the specific requirements in your state or jurisdiction and consider consulting with an experienced legal professional or academic advisor who can provide guidance on the education and licensing process.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY

A: You need to take the bar exam to become licensed. That's the way it works in virtually all states. Most candidates after law school graduation invest in a bar prep course running a month or two. Across the nation, there are boards of law examiners that administer the exam. You could find detailed info on their websites. Good luck

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