04/03/2026
Did you know you can become an attorney in the United States without going to law school in the U.S.?
Many foreign-trained lawyers are surprised to learn that their legal education from another country can qualify them to take a U.S. bar exam. The process varies by state, but some states provide clear pathways.
Here’s how it works in three popular states for internationally trained lawyers:
📍 New York
• One of the most common pathways for foreign lawyers.
• Your foreign law degree is first evaluated by the New York State Board of Law Examiners.
• If your education is considered “substantially equivalent” to a U.S. J.D., you may be allowed to sit for the New York Bar Examination.
• If it is not equivalent, many lawyers complete a 1-year LL.M. degree at an approved U.S. law school.
• After passing the bar, you must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, the New York Law Exam and complete the character and fitness review.
📍 California
• One of the most flexible states for foreign-trained attorneys.
• Foreign lawyers can apply through the State Bar of California.
• If you are already licensed in another country, you may be eligible to sit for the California Bar Examination after meeting certain educational requirements.
• Many foreign attorneys complete an LL.M. with courses in U.S. law to become eligible.
• After passing the exam, you must satisfy the moral character determination and other licensing requirements.
📍 Texas
• Texas also allows foreign-trained lawyers to qualify through additional education.
• Most applicants complete an LL.M. degree from an ABA-approved law school with specific coursework in American law.
• Applications are reviewed by the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
• Once approved, applicants may sit for the Texas Bar Examination and must complete the character and fitness process.
The bottom line:
Your law degree from another country can open the door to practicing law in the United States. With the right credential evaluation and, in some cases, an LL.M., foreign-trained lawyers can sit for the bar exam and build successful legal careers here.
