How to Become an Attorney in California

California attorenys must be licensed by the state.

Becoming an attorney is not an easy process. In addition to years of college, lawyers need to have extensive legal education, then become licensed to practice law. Like all other states, California has specific requirements that would-be attorneys must meet before they can practice as lawyers in the state.

Instructions

Accredited Law Schools

1. Meet the general requirements. Anyone who wants to become a lawyer in California must first meet the basic requirements. These are: must be at least 18 years old, complete two years of undergraduate study or equivalency exams, have a positive moral character, and comply with any California court-ordered child or family support. In addition to these, lawyers must have a legal education.

2. Go to law school. Law schools generally require students to have at least a bachelor's degree. While California has several law schools, lawyers do not need to have attended a school in the state to become lawyers there. To take the California bar exam, you do need to graduate from a California Bar Association accredited law school, or an ABA accredited law school.

3. Get a law degree. Most law schools are three-year programs, though some offer night or part-time courses. No matter the program, you'll need to graduate law school with a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree.

4. Pass the Bar Exam. After graduating law school, you have to take and pass the California bar examination. California requires applicants to pass both the California Bar Examination, and the Multi-State Bar Examination.

Outside Accredited Law Schools

1. Go to an unaccredited or correspondence law school, or study with a law office or judge. California also allows lawyers to attend an unaccredited law school or take classes through a correspondence course. Unlike accredited schools, students at an unaccredited school must go for four years instead of three. You can also study law in a law office or under a judge.

2. Register with the bar association. Unlike students in accredited law schools, you must register with the California state bar association within 90 days after beginning your legal studies.

3. Pass the first-year Law Students' Examination. Students in unaccredited law schools or who study with a law office or judge have to take and pass the first-year student's examination.

4. Pass the Bar Examination. Like the other law students, you'll have to take the bar as well.

References

• The State Bar of California: How Do I Become A Lawyer?