Hello All,

I have seen a few very similar posts to mine, but none of them quite fit my situation. Any help that can be provided is much appreciated.

I am a US citizen and completed my first degree in the US (History). I then moved the the UK. Recently I completed my LLM in International Commercial Law. I am now considering moving back to the states. My question is if I take the GDL in the UK, will I have enough education with a GDL and an LLM to take the Bar in California? Does this combination amount to a 'first degree'
(http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Education/LegalEducation/ForeignEducation.aspx) ?

I know it's messy but is it possible? I would like to avoid three more years of education and the fees associated with getting my JD in the US.

I'm eager to find an answer to this question as well!

The CA bar is tricky with its eligibility, you may want to check http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Education/LegalEducation/ForeignEducation.aspx which particularly addressed people who have been educated abroad. Hope it helps.

if I understand you correctly, your degree qualifies you to practice law in the UK if you pass the GDL? Then it seems like it should qualify as a "first degree" in relation to the CA bar: See point 1.1. b here: http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/4/documents/FLC/2014_Chapter2_Guidelines_0414_R.pdf

However, to my knowledge, you'd still need a LLM or other legal education covering certain parts of California law (professional responsibility etc etc) to be eligible to pass the bar in CA as a foreign-trained law student. See point 1.2 on the same link.

I think what you should consider, is first being admitted to the bar in the UK and then apply to pass the bar in CA as an attorney, because then you don't need a LLM covering CA law: "The following rules and guidelines are not applicable to attorneys who are admitted to the active practice of law in a foreign country in good standing, as such attorneys are able to qualify to take the California Bar Examination without having to complete any additional legal education."