Hi,

Is there any way for a foreign lawyer who did his LLM (but not the LLB) in the UK (but no degree in the US) to do the NY bar exam?

thx

Hi!

I highly doubt so. NY Bar, which is already less stringent compared to the other states, still requires a 3 year equivalent in law studies. You can always send in your qualifications for assessment and they will advise you on your eligibility. :)

In the best case scenario, they would probably require you to complete a US LLM (with some subjects they stipulate) but I see problems in getting admission into US Law Schools without a JD/LLB equivalent!


Cheers,
Gregory

Hi Gregor,

I an LLB but not from the UK or the states (but from a civil law jurisdiction) and I'm gonna pursue my LLM in London.
Does this make any difference?
'
Thx

I think the NY Bar requires your LLB to be from a common law jurisdiction....Why not do a LLM in NY since you are keen to practise there? There is a possibility you might be eligible to take the NY Bar Exam after the LLM in NY. Furthermore, undertaking LLM studies in NY would give you the opportunity to revise/learn US laws!

well it might be a good solution
I can go to BU but I would prefer to go to London ...
anyway thx for your help

Banker3

You need a JD or an LLB (from a country whose law is based on common law, ie Britain and commonwealth countries etc) before you can sit the NY bar exam.

..so i am not elligible to take it
any idea on the CA bar?

i think CA bar requires you to be admitted in a jurisdiction. I am unsure if they require it to be a common law legal system though - you should check. I would think the CA Bar is more lenient compared to NY Bar (but of course its notoriously difficult!)

well I am qualified in my own jurisdiction and I was informed that I can take the CA bar but was worries me is that it is extremely difficult....any idea what it would take to pass it?

perhaps sign up for a bar review course? bar bri would be a good way to start.

I am admitted in a common law legal system and I am not too confident of passing it. Thus, considering a LLM degree in US :)

Cheers,
g

welll the bar bri should be helpful for CA bar, so I might have a go ...

Thanks !

Sorry, I didn't realise you were a practicing lawyer. Is that in England as a solicitor?

If you're practicing, I would guess... but only guess, that you will be able to sit the NY bar and that is easier to satisfy than the CA bar. The requirements are here.
http://www.nybarexam.org/Foreign/ForeignLegalEducation.htm

Barbri do a course for NY too. I'm told 15 hours study a day for two months in the run up to the exam (Feb and July) and it's well do-able.

Hi Durham,
I'm a practicing lawyer but not in the UK but in a civil jurisdiction
thank you for the link as well