Passing CA Bar if from another state?

Question

If you're an attorney and decide to move to a state you're unlicensed in, do you have to pass the bar in the new state? (specifically, if you move to CA) Thanks

Answer 1

California's bar exam is three days (2 days essays, and the multistate in the middle). It is grueling. Its overall pass rate is around 50%, but is much higher if only graduates of accredited law schools are considered. There are exceptions for having to be admitted in California, for instance if you were to be employed as a staff attorney by a federal agency in California. In that case, you would not have to be admitted in California. Your current admission in your prior state would suffice.

Answer 2

For California, the answer is definately yes, although there is an "Attorney's Exam" that is offered to lawyers who have practiced elsewhere for more than 5 years. (It doesn't have a great pass rate, however). Generally, CA has no reciprocity with any other state, so while you might be able to waive in to some places, CA isn't one of them.

Answer 3

Yes. I am a California attorney and California does not have the reciprocity rules that other states have.

If you are an attorney in another state and move to California you have to pass the California bar.

Answer 4

Yes. California requires attorneys from out-of-state to take the bar.

Licensed attorneys can skip the MBE portion, however, if they have practiced for at least four years in a US state or territory.

Answer 5

Yes.

There are a few states that will allow you to be grandfathered or offer reciprocity. But California is not one of these--you'll need to take the bar exam.

Answer 6

Yes and the California and Texas bars are suppossedly the hardest.

Answer 7

yes - maybe you should go back to law school.