Each United States jurisdiction has its own rules and requirements for admission to its bar. When deciding whether you can take a bar exam and be admitted to practice in any jurisdiction, it is your responsibility to review the jurisdiction's rules (and, if necessary, contact the jurisdiction's appropriate authorities) to determine whether you meet the criteria for eligibility. Below are some resources to help you find the rules and contact information, as well as to prepare for the bar examination.
Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements
This free online guide is published annually by the National Conference of Bar Examiners in collaboration with the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. The guide provides an overview of bar admission requirements in all US jurisdictions and has a directory of state bar admission agencies.
Below is information for the most popular jurisdictions for Temple Law international students. Links to some relevant rules and webpages are provided, but be aware that this is not an exhaustive list, and additional rules may apply.
The New York State Board of Law Examiners
The State Bar of California admissions page
District of Columbia Court of Appeals admissions website
Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
The ABA has compiled study tips and resources for bar exam takers, including Taking the Bar Exam as an International Student.
Several private companies provide bar exam preparation materials such as lectures and practice exams. Some of these companies have courses designed for international LLM graduates The following are a few of the larger providers:
While many bar preparation companies summarize state bar rules for foreign-trained applicants, make sure to check individual jurisdictions' rules and requirements yourself, and contact the relevant jurisdiction's authorities if you have any concerns about your eligibility for admission.
Need help? Email us at asktulibrary@temple.edu
