Practice law in California.
Those wishing to practice law in California must take several different exams before being allowed to legally practice law in the state. Applicants must also have a social security number. Applicants who have been prevented from getting a social security number may apply for an exemption.
Instructions
1. Complete the necessary general education coursework. Before beginning the study of law, an applicant must have completed at least two years of general coursework that must include at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units and the equivalent to half of what is required to complete a bachelor's degree. An applicant must have also maintained an adequate GPA (grade point average) to graduate from the institution.
2. Register with the Committee of Bar Examiners as a law student or attorney applicant.
3. Complete the required legal coursework. You must attend an accredited law school and complete all coursework as required by the institution.
4. Take and pass the First-Year Law Students' Examination. You take this exam after your first year of law school. The exam includes questions on criminal law, torts and contract law. There is no fee to register for this examination as long as you do not register late. Late registration fees range from $25 to $200. The exam itself costs $513 as of 2010. You may take the exam online.
5. File an application to take the California Bar Examination once you have received your juris doctorate (JD). If your application is approved, you must take and pass the exam. The bar exam tests an applicant's knowledge of the law as it pertains to areas such as business associations, community property, civil procedure, torts, trusts, evidence and real property. On-time registration for the examination costs $50 as of 2010, and late registration costs $250. The examination itself costs $556 for student applicants and $808 for attorney applicants as of 2010. The examination is given in several locations in San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, Los Angeles and Sacramento. Results are mailed several months after the exam is taken.
6. File an application for moral character determination with the Committee of Bar Examiners. This determines your moral character as it pertains to honesty, fiduciary responsibility, obedience of the law, trustworthiness and respect for the judicial process. You will also be required to submit your fingerprints with your application.
7. Take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination with the National Conference of Bar Examiners. This exam may be taken after your first year of law school.
8. Adhere to any court-ordered family or child support obligations. If you have not adhered to any obligations for child support, you may not be eligible to practice law in California.
9. Take the Attorney's Oath of Office within five years of passing the California Bar Examination.
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