How to Become a Registered Lawyer Overseas

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 27% of attorneys are self-employed or work for private law firms. Attorneys can be registered to work for government agencies domestically and overseas. Whether attorneys provide services in the jurisdiction where they gained their license or whether attorneys work overseas, the academic and licensing requirements are stringent. Each country has different jurisdiction admittance requirements that must be met before an attorney can practice overseas. Following are general requirements for a United States attorney to become a registered lawyer in a foreign country.

Instructions

Meet Academic and Practice Requirements

1. Enroll in a four-year college or university of your choosing. Complete necessary course requirements. Pass all tests and earn your undergraduate degree.

2. Attend law school. Register for one of the approximately 195 American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools. Keep in mind that law school typically takes three years. Consider attending law school part-time or during the night if you work during the daytime. Sign up for and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

3. Participate in clinical programs and internships. Intern with a government agency, corporate law department or with a local law school.

4. Get licensed. Check with the state of residence to ascertain the licensing requirements. Keep in mind that most states require lawyers to pass a written bar examination as well as a written ethics examination before a license is granted. Confirm whether you will need to complete the 6-hour Multi-State Bar Exam (MBE) or the 3-hour Multi-State Essay (MEE) Exam for the state you are seeking a license in to consider you as having passed the bar.

5. Check with overseas lawyer directories such as Lawyer Overseas and International Counsel Search (see resources). Locate an international firm you want to work with. Complete necessary filings and tests in order to practice as a registered foreign lawyer in the specific jurisdiction the international firm operates in. Keep in mind that you will be restricted to working within the laws of the jurisdiction where you are registered overseas.

6. Complete the jurisdiction admittance requirements. Contact the admitting agency in the overseas jurisdiction where you would like to practice. For example, if you work want to practice overseas in Australia, contact the Secretary, Council of Legal Education, Ground Floor, 451 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000. Ask for the specific examinations, fees and documents you must complete to be admitted to practice law in the country. Visit the Law Institute of Victoria (see resources) to learn about the areas of law you will be required to complete before you can practice in Australia. Keep in mind that each country has different admittance requirements before you can practice overseas. Keep in mind that if you are registering to practice in a foreign country, you may need to have a firm understanding of the native language in order to practice effectively.

7. Gain temporary residency status. Visit the local police department in the foreign country where you have registered to practice. Obtain necessary temporary residency forms and guidelines. Complete the forms, present necessary identification and return to the proper authorities.

8. Register with the United States Department of State. Visit the United States Department of State official website (see resources). Create an account. Access the site using your login and password. Register your overseas residence.

Resources

• U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U. S. Department of State
• International Counsel Search
• Admission to Practice Overseas
• Law Institute of Victoria