Hi, I have been admitted to the NYS bar since 2011. I am currently working as a lawyer in NYC, but want to move to Florida. I know that Florida doesn't have a reciprocity agreement with NY, so I would have to take the whole examination again there. However, I recently learned that I need a JD degree to apply for the Florida Bar Examination. A LLM degree is not acceptable in that state. The only option available for me to apply for said exam would be to have 10 years in practice as a NY attorney --yes, that's right, I was informed that the time is longer because I have a LLM degree.

So far, it seems that the only option available for me to work in FL would be to find jobs at the federal level. However, I have been searching online for such jobs and "a full course of law studies (JD degree)" is required for most attorney positions.

I would appreciate if you can advise me on this matter. Please feel free to correct or clarify the above information for me. THANKS!

Florida is currently discussing adopting reciprocity similar to other states. So, this issue may resolve itself soon.

In the meantime, work for a firm in Florida that also has a NY office. They will be more flexible.