The rules surrounding whether foreign students (those who have not studied a JD or law degree in the US) are eligible to sit for the New York Bar Exam are confusing. Please note that this document is written by 5legal Training Ltd from past experience, conversations with the Law Society and the New York Board of Law Examiners. The final decision regarding eligibility rests with the New York Board of Law Examiners.

We have managed to wade through the jargon of the guidelines published on the New York Board of Law Examiners Website and provide you with an insight into how the eligibility system works.

Of course, if you have any comments, please do let us know: info@5legal.com

Please click here to view the Article:

http://www.5legal.com/Web_Forms/Eligibility%20-%20Fully%20Explained%20-%2028.09.06.pdf

I could not open your file ; it says file not found. I would been keenly interested to know the results of your research. I am stuck and need yoru advice and guidance urgently. Pl help.
I have done 3-years LL.B. India which is a common law country and I somehow personally feel I am eligible but not very sure. I talked to NY Bar Office who told me that they cannot say anything on phone and I must apply and submit my transcripts and in case I am found not eligib le they will tell me after reviewing my application. Applications deadline to sit in exam is approaching soon and I would like to know your experience and exercise based determination to know the result - whether I should apply or not.

Expect your help and your article which is missing.

Thanks

Hi 5legal

Pl send the file again since the old file could not be opened.
Thanks
NRI

I applied to NY Bar Examination Board for advance evaluation as per their rules and submitted the transcripts directly mailed by the Universities in India. I did three year LL.B. from Indian University with first division and LSAC (who determines eligibility for admission to LL.M. in USA) in their evaluation report classified me as having superior grade qualification. I also did LL.M. from India and LSAC confirms that it is equailent to USA law qualification.

Despite the above, NY Bar Examination Board declined to certify me as eligible to sit in NY Bar exam. When I talked to them on phone they told me that foreign law graduates from any Indian Universities are not eligible unless they complete additional 20 hours credit from ABA approved law school. They refused to entertain the suggestion of LSAC having certified otherwise and this gentleman told me that they do not get influenced with the evaluation report given by LSAC and they do their independent evaluation.

Can u guide me if I can qualify to sit in NY Bar Exam without LL.M. or additional 20 hours credit of ABA approved law school in USA.

Thanks a lot and look forward to your valuable guidance

NRI

Thanx NRI..

I am in the boat and just planning to send documents to NY Bar Examination Board for evaluation. But as per your experience it would of no use. I think it is better to try for California bar.
Could you please let me know whether you had 3-years or 5-years law degree. I am law graduate from Delhi University (3-year LL.B.) and working in an Int'l firm outside India.

regards

I had done 3-year Law degree after graduation in India. Can you please guide me on the work you might have done to research the requirements of Cal Bar Exam. I am an attorney enrolled with Indian Bar Council and I am told foreign attorneys are eligible to sit in Cal Bar Exam. Can you please tell me the total requirements and also their website address to know all details.
Thanks
NRI

hi,

u jus need ur certificate of enrollment n ur license (id card of indian jurisdiction) to apply for the california bar exam.. i too have done my aw in india n now got thru teh evaluation to give teh california bar exam... want to know anythin further jus let me know...

cal bar...

Thanks a lot for your update. I shall greatly appreciate to know more details. What is the process to get evaluation to appear in Cal Bar Exam and what all needs to be done to accomplish all this.

More importantly - are you taking any review classes or studying on your own. Can you advise what all study review material you are using.

Wish you all the best
NRI

Hi cal bar

Many many thanks indeed for such a quick and very informative response - much more than my expectations. Great.

What do you mean by "send Indian bar certificate and attorney card attested". How and where to get them attested. I am currently in USA on green card and I have ssn. I have all my certificates but how and where I get them attested. Will self attestation no do?

Thanks once again for all your guidance and look forward to your early response.

BTW what are the deadlines and whether it is possible to prepare and be also through in Feb exam, if there is any deadline available. Barbri classes starting on 5th Jan - what are the locations of their classes. Sorry for all this botheration - Just as a quick start help, I am requesting your help.

Whare are you in USA on H4 currently?

NRI

f

u can also look thru this site
http://calbar.xap.com/Applications/CalBar/California_Bar_Exam/default.asp

Hi cal bar

Many many thanks indeed for all this help. Can u pl give me your personal email at my personal email address of nri107@gmail.com.

Thanks

Hey NRI,
I have seen your posts regarding eligibility for Indian lawyers to take NY Bar, do you have any updates? Can we appear with having B.A and LL.B degrees and enrolment with Indian Bar? Please let me know.

Hi,

This is a answer that is much in demand. I did my LLB from NLSIU, India. Its the top ranked law school in my country. My course was 5 years long with BA and LLB award. Do you think NY would allow me?

Hi,

I also have a 3-year LLB degree from India and want to appear for NY bar council exams but I havent taken any bar exam in India. So am I eligible to apply to NY bar council for bar examination?

Hi,

I too have a three year LLB degree from India and I want to appear for the NY bar exam.
Im thinking of doing my LLM in the US.
Has anyone done something similar or thinking of it?

Any information or help is appreciated.

i too was under the impression that ny bar accepts indian lawyers qualification till i came across this article
apparently not. india is not included.... but now a new exam is coming uniform bar exam. figuring that out