UNLOCKING THE CALIFORNIA STATE BAR REQUIREMENTS: A FOREIGN LAWYER'S ROADMAP

TO QUALIFICATION

Becoming a licensed attorney in California requires passing the California Bar Exam, a challenging
process that involves multiple steps and careful planning. Although the rewards of earning a law
license in California are substantial, the process is not without its challenges. With a complicated
application process, a variety of required documents and forms, and numerous deadlines to meet, the
journey to becoming a licensed attorney in California can be overwhelming for even the most
organized and prepared candidate.

Despite these challenges, it's important to note that the California State Bar admissions office is an
invaluable resource for applicants. The office provides detailed information and guidance on every
step of the process, from application to admission, and is always willing to answer questions and
provide assistance to applicants throughout the process.

To successfully navigate the California Bar Exam application process, it's essential to plan well in
advance. Applicants should be prepared to gather a variety of documents, meet various deadlines,
and allocate sufficient time for studying and preparation.

In this document, we provide a comprehensive guide to the California Bar Exam application process,
including step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and important timelines. If you’re a first-time
applicant our guide will help you easily navigate the complex process of becoming a licensed attorney
in California.

1. Register with the office of admissions as a qualified lawyer in a foreign jurisdiction

As an attorney from a jurisdiction outside the U.S., in order to be eligible for the California Bar
Examination you will be required to register as a foreign attorney applicant and provide an original
certificate of good standing from the professional bar admissions regulation or attorney licensing
authority in the jurisdiction you are admitted in. It must be translated to English and notarized
unless already in English. The original certificate of good standing/translation must be mailed to the
Los Angeles office. No additional law study is required.

The first application that must be submitted is the Registration Application. This application
is not the Bar Examination Application. You will need to receive an approved registration first,
before you can apply for the bar examination.

To submit the Registration Application, using Google Chrome or Firefox browsers for best results
with their system, create an account. When you have logged in, under Apply click View Forms, and
under Registration, click Registration Application. If you do not have a Social Security Number,
a separate exemption is not required. You will need to answer the questions pertaining to Social
Security Number within the application and upload a copy of your passport (picture page).

Some key points to remember:

1. Personal Information: Remember to add any aliases/change in name you may have had
2. Notice of Intent for Law Office Study: You can select ‘No’ for this. This is for declaring if your
intention of registration is to apply for the Law Office Study program to obtain your legal
education under supervision at a law office or judge's chamber.
3. Legal Education + Pre Legal Information: If you have done an integrated 5 year course, directly
add information in the Legal Education section. You need to fill the Pre Legal Information only
if you have completed your legal education through a 3 year LLB degree.

1
 4. Jurisdictions of Admission: You have to mail the original good standing certificate (not more
than 3 months old) of all the jurisdictions you are admitted as a lawyer in to their LA address:
The State Bar of California|845 S. Figueroa Street | Los Angeles, CA 90017
5. The fee to register with the office of admissions as a qualified lawyer in a foreign jurisdiction
in California is $595. However, please note that fees are subject to change, so it's always best
to check the California State Bar website or contact their customer service for the most up-
to-date information on fees.
6. This process might take anywhere between one to four months. The specific timeline can vary
depending on factors such as the complexity of the application, the completeness of the
supporting documents, and the workload of the Office of Admissions. It would be good to
start this process several months before you intend to apply for the California Bar Exam.

2. Register yourself on the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) website

Here is the step-by-step process for applicants to create an NCBE Account and obtain an NCBE number
befor registering with a jurisdiction to take the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) – MBE forms a part of the
2-day California Bar exam and to register for the MPRE (discussed below):
1. Go to the NCBE website at www.ncbex.org.
2. Click on the "NCBE Account" tab in the top right corner of the homepage.
3. Click on "Create an NCBE Account" and follow the instructions to create a new account.
4. Provide the necessary personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and email
address.
5. Create a username and password for your account.
6. Once you have created an account, log in to your NCBE Account.
7. Click on "NCBE Number" in the left-hand menu.
8. Enter your personal information again to verify your identity.
9. Once your identity is verified, you will be assigned an NCBE Number.
10. Make note of your NCBE Number, as it will be required when you register to take the MBE
with a jurisdiction.
11. Once you have obtained your NCBE Number, you can proceed with registering to take the
MBE with the jurisdiction of your choice – California in this case.
It's important to note that obtaining an NCBE number does not register you for the MBE or any other
bar exam. You will still need to register with a jurisdiction to take the exam(s) and meet their specific
eligibility requirements. There is no there is no fee associated with obtaining an NCBE Number.

3. Have a passing Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) score on file

The MPRE is a standardized exam administered by the NCBE that tests knowledge and understanding
of the ethical standards governing the conduct of lawyers and judges. The MPRE is required for
admission to the bar in most U.S. jurisdictions.

The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and is two hours long. The questions cover topics
such as conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, client communication,
fees, and the regulation of the legal profession. The exam does not test substantive law or legal skills.
The MPRE is typically administered three times a year, in March, August, and November, and can be
taken at various test centres across the United States. Candidates must receive a passing score set by
each jurisdiction to be admitted to the bar. The passing scores vary by jurisdiction and can range from
75 to 86.

The passing score for the MPRE in California is 86. This means that a candidate taking the MPRE in
California must correctly answer at least 43 out of the 50 scored questions in order to receive a passing

2
score of 86 or above. It is important to note that each jurisdiction sets its own passing score for the
MPRE, so the passing score may vary in other states.

To register for the MPRE, you can follow these steps:

1. Create an account on the NCBE website. If you already have an account, you can skip this step.
2. Log in to your NCBE account and select "MPRE" from the list of available examinations. Then
select the MPRE test date you want to take from the available options. The MPRE is offered
three times a year in March, August, and November.
3. The current exam fee for the MPRE is $135, if done within the regular registration deadline.
You can pay the fee online using a credit card or a debit card. These fees are subject to change,
so it's always a good idea to check the NCBE website for the most up-to-date information on
fees.
4. Once you have registered and paid the exam fee, you'll receive a confirmation email from
NCBE with important information about the test, such as your test date, test center location,
and rules for test day and instructions on how to download your Admission Ticket.
5. On the day of the exam, you must bring a printed copy of your Admission Ticket to the test
center. You can download and print your Admission Ticket from your NCBE account.

It is important to note that the registration deadline for the MPRE is usually about a month before the
test date. You should check the NCBE website for specific deadlines and other important information.

4. Passing the California Bar Examination

The California Bar Examination happens two times a year – February and July and consists of the
General Bar Examination and the Attorneys’ Examination. This is an in-person examination.

The General Bar Exam consists of three parts: five essay questions, the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE),
and one performance test (PT). The parts of the exam may not be taken separately, and California
does not accept the transfer of MBE scores from other jurisdictions. The Attorneys’ Exam consists of
the essay questions and performance test only – no MBE is required for individuals who qualify the
requirements for taking the Attorneys’ Examination.

To qualify to take the Attorneys' Examination in California, which is an alternative path to becoming a
licensed attorney in California for those who are licensed and actively practicing law in another U.S.
jurisdiction - you must have an active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and have
practiced law for at least four years immediately preceding your application.

The General Bar Exam is done across 2 days. Day 1 consists of three essay questions in the AM, then
two essay questions and one 90-min performance test in the PM. Day 2 is the Multistate Bar Exam
(MBE), a 200-question, multiple-choice exam (100 questions in the AM, 100 questions in the PM).
Essay questions are designed to be answered in 1 hour.

Here is a step-by-step process to complete the registration application for the California Bar Exam:

1. Begin the Application: After creating an account, click on the "Apply" button on the main page
to start the application process for the California Bar Examination – these applications start a
3-4 few months before the scheduled exam.
2. Complete Personal Information: Provide your personal information, such as your name,
address, email, and phone number. Make sure these are consistent with the initial submission
you made to register as a foreign attorney applicant.

3
 3. Law School Information: Provide information about the law school you attended or plan to
attend, such as the name, location, and dates of attendance.
4. Work History: Provide information about your work history, including any legal jobs or
internships you have had.
5. Character and Fitness: You will need to answer questions about your character and fitness,
including any past criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, or other issues that may affect
your ability to practice law.
6. Education and Examination History: Provide information about your education history and
any previous bar examinations you have taken.
7. Review and Submit the Application: After completing all sections of the application, review it
carefully and make sure all information is accurate. Then submit the application and pay the
application fee, which is currently $677 for first-time applicants..
8. Submit Required Documents: You will need to submit various documents, such as your law
school transcripts, proof of completion of the required courses, and character and fitness
documents. Make sure to submit all required documents before the deadline.
9. Register for the Exam: After your application has been accepted, you will receive an email with
instructions on how to register for the exam. You will need to pay a registration fee, which is
currently $724, select your exam location, and agree to the exam rules and procedures.
10. Results are released about 12-14 weeks after the February exam and 16-18 weeks after the
July exam. If you pass the exam, you will still need to complete additional requirements
mentioned in this note, such as the MPRE exam and the Moral Character Determination,
before you can be licensed to practice law in California.

ON FEES:

The application fee and registration fee are two separate fees when applying to take the California
Bar Exam.

The application fee is a fee paid when submitting the application to take the exam. As of March 2023,
the application fee for first-time applicants is $677. This fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of
processing the application.

The registration fee, on the other hand, is a fee paid after the application has been approved and you
are ready to register for the exam itself. As of March 2023, the registration fee for the California Bar
Exam is $724. This fee covers the cost of administering the exam and is refundable if you are unable
to take the exam due to circumstances beyond your control.

In summary, the application fee is paid when submitting the application, while the registration fee is
paid when you are ready to register for the exam itself. Both fees are required to take the California
Bar Exam.

These fees are subject to change, so it is important to check the California Bar Exam website for the
most up-to-date fee information. There will be additional charges if you are registering post the
stipulated deadline.

4
5. Have an active positive moral character determination on file

Applying for the Moral Character Determination application in the process of qualifying as an
attorney in California can be a confusing task. The process involves multiple steps, and it can be
tricky to navigate, especially for someone who is trying to do it from another country, like India,
without any guidance.

The moral character determination process involves a thorough background check, which includes
a review of an applicant's criminal history, professional and personal conduct, financial history,
and other relevant factors. It is a lengthy process that can take several months, and it requires
applicants to provide extensive documentation and information about themselves.

Typically, it is suggested that applicants complete the moral character determination process
before they take the bar exam. This is because, even if an applicant passes the bar exam, they
cannot be admitted to the rolls of attorney if they do not receive a positive moral character
determination. However, in my case, I had already taken the bar exam before starting the moral
character determination process. It is recommended to complete this process before taking the
bar exam, to avoid any potential disappointment or delay in becoming a licensed attorney.
However, it is totally possible to do this post your exams too.

Here is a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the requirements to complete the moral character
determination application for the California State Bar:
1. Review the instructions: The first step is to review the instructions provided by the California
State Bar for completing the moral character determination application. The instructions can
be found on the State Bar's website.
2. Gather personal information: The application requires personal information, such as your full
name, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to provide information about
your education, employment history, and any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions.
3. Obtain official transcripts: You will need to request official transcripts from all schools you
attended, including undergraduate and graduate schools, law school, and any other schools
you attended.
4. Information on Driving License: You will need to upload and mention the details of your driving
license
5. Obtain court records: If you have any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions, you will need
to obtain court records and any other relevant documents.
6. Obtain references: The application requires you to provide the names and contact information
of five references who can attest to your moral character, out of which at least 1 must be a
lawyer. The references should be people who have known you for a significant period of time,
such as employers, colleagues, or community leaders. This is separate from professional
references that will be taken from each workplace you have worked in.
7. Complete fingerprinting: You will need to have your fingerprints taken and submit them to
the California State Bar.
• Applicants who reside in California must submit fingerprints via Live Scan technology
to be processed by both the California Department of Justice and the FBI. Requests
for Live Scan Service 7 Forms will be emailed to online applicants after their
applications have been submitted. A Live Scan Form will be provided to the applicant
with the hard copy application form.
• Applicants residing outside of the State of California must submit prints on 2
fingerprint cards (FD- 258).
o The Admissions office, will on request send across the 2 fingerprinting cards
either by post or by email – in which case you will have to print the cards on

5
 a paper of 350 gsm or more and not regular paper to ensure proper thickness
of paper to capture the fingerprints.
o Go to your city commissioner office and ask them that you need fingerprinting
services on the FD-258, they will record your requirements and ask you to pay
a fee (for people in Bangalore you will have to go to a Bangalore One center
– pay the standardised fees prescribed for fingerprinting – approx. INR 1000
when I got it done)
o Then you will have to go to your local police station, which will be decided
based on your residential address and get your fingerprinting on the cards.
The police station will directly send the fingerprinting cards back to the
commissioner office for verification and stamping.
o You can collect this from the commissioner office and mail the two cards
signed and sealed to the Los Angeles Office of Admissions: The State Bar of
California|845 S. Figueroa Street | Los Angeles, CA 90017
o Submission of the fingerprint cards via the applicant portal is not acceptable.
8. Pay the application fee: The application fee for the moral character determination application
is $551. You will need to pay this fee when you submit your application.
9. Submit the application: Once you have completed all the required forms and gathered all the
necessary information, you can submit your application to the California State Bar. You can
submit the application online or by mail.
10. Wait for the determination: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the
California State Bar to review your application and make a determination regarding your
moral character. The process can take several months, so it is important to be patient.
11. If you have any court mandated compliance/order with respect to family law/divorce or child
custody– the same must be complied with before your name will be on motion to the supreme
court

In summary, completing the moral character determination application for the California State
Bar requires gathering personal information, obtaining official transcripts and court records,
obtaining references, completing fingerprinting, paying the application fee, and submitting the
application.

6. Name must be on motion to the supreme court of California and applicant must be sworn in as
an attorney within five years of the last day of the California bar examination passed

Once you have satisfied all of the requirements for admission to practice law. The Committee
will obtaine an order from the Supreme Court of California permitting you to take the
attorney's oath of office. To enroll with the State Bar of California you must complete the New
Licensee Registration and Attorney Oath form. There are two steps required to complete your
enrollment with the State Bar:
1. Providing your registration information
2. Taking the attorney’s oath

The State Bar sends across oath packet and the registration process is now fully
automated. Information about the registration process, enrollment, fees, Minimum Continuing
Legal Education requirements, and the New Attorney Training Program is posted on the State
Bar’s Virtual Oath Packet webpage. Please visit the Taking the Attorney Oath webpage for
important instructions on taking the oath. Instructions for completing your State Bar
registration card electronically will come via email from DocuSign.

6
The Admissions Rules require you to take the attorney's oath within five years after the last day
of the bar examination you passed; otherwise, you must retake the examination.

That’s almost everything I could think off about the process, but if you would like more
information on this and want to reach out to me: click here

******