i'm a Philippine lawyer and I intend to take the california or new york bar. However, I also wish to apply to a J.D. program in the U.S.. My question is: will taking the new york or california bar affect my chances of getting into a J.D. program?

Thank you.

Your situation presents another question...why would you want to pursue a J.D. if you're already eligible to sit for the bar exam?

What is your current educational background? Have you already contacted the bar associations of CA and NY to see if you're qualified to sit for the bar exam?

I don't think it would affect your JD application much. But I guess it will blow away any doubt of you being able to pass the bar and also show you have sufficient English skills. Other than that, I doubt it will have much of an impact. High LSAT score (and maybe grades) is basically what they look for with foreign applicants.

Thank you for you replies. I already hold a J.D. degree in the Philippines and have passed the Philippine bar as well. I'm eligible to sit for the new york bar exams but I haven't checked whether I'm eligible to take the california bar. I eventually want to practice in the U.S. and I do not think my J.D. degree from the Philippines will be much of an advantage in terms of getting into the top law firms. I want to apply to an American law school and receive my J.D. in the U.S. so as to improve my chances of getting into the top law firms.