Bar Examination Information
Each state in the United States has unique requirements for taking its bar examination. Because the bar examination in each state is different students must determine which bar examination they wish to take before beginning to study for the bar. A few states offer reciprocity under certain conditions and admit members of other state bars. Other states do not offer reciprocity.
Taking the Bar Examination in New York
For information on taking the New York Bar Examination, visit the website of the New York State Board of Law Examiners at http://www.nybarexam.org/.
For more information about sitting for the New York Bar Examination as a foreign attorney, read the Board of Law Examiner’s policy statement at http://www.nybarexam.org/foreign/foreignlegaleducation.htm.
Taking the Bar Examination in California
For information about taking the California Bar Examination, visit the State Bar of California’s website at http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115 .
To read the State Bar of California’s policies regarding foreign applicants for the bar exam, please review their policy update at http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/Outside-Ed-Bulletin.pdf (PDF).
Taking the Bar Examination in Michigan
Foreign attorneys who have not received a J.D. from a U.S. law school must petition the Michigan State Board of Bar Examiners for permission to take the Michigan Bar Examination, which is given every February and July. For more information, please visit the Michigan Bar Association’s website at www.michbar.org .