To obtain a license to practice law, law school graduates must apply for bar admission with the Board of Law Examiners in the state(s) where they are hopeful to practice. To be permitted to sit for the bar exam and be licensed to practice law, you must demonstrate worthiness in two areas: competence and character and fitness. To meet the competency requirement, you must have a law degree from an accredited law school. To meet the character and fitness requirement, the state-specific Board of Law Examiners must be satisfied that the applicant’s background meets certain standards of conduct.

Because each state determines the criteria it will use to determine a candidate’s eligibility for law practice, it is critical that you check with your state’s Board of Law Examiners for specific requirements.

Find the contact information for each state’s Board of Law Examiners at the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).