How to Become a Licensed Attorney in Texas

Texas attorneys must pass the state bar exam.

To practice law in Texas you must first become licensed by the state Board of Law Examiners. Becoming a licensed attorney in Texas requires a great deal of planning and paperwork, including finishing law school and passing the state bar exam.

Instructions

1. Graduate from law school. The Texas Board of Law Examiners requires applicants to have received a juris doctor degree from an approved law school. The law school must be approved by the American Bar Association. A link to a list of American Bar Association accredited law schools is provided in the Resources section of this article.

2. Complete the Declaration of Intention to Study Law. Law students must complete this form when they enter law school. The form requires personal information, educational history, mental health history, financial information, and other character and fitness information.

3. Take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, or MPRE. In your final year of law school you should register for and take the MPRE. The MPRE tests bar applicants on how well they understand the generally accepted rules of professional conduct for lawyers. The applicant must receive a score of 85 or higher on the MPRE to practice law in Texas.

4. Pass the Texas bar exam. Begin your bar exam application in your final year of law school. Once you pass the bar exam you will be eligible to apply for your law license.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all rules pertaining to bar admission that are promulgated by the Texas Board of Law Examiners.

References

• Texas Board of Law Examiners

Resources

• American Bar Association: ABA Approved Law Schools