Attorneys licensed to practice law in another state or jurisdiction may seek full licensure in California or seek to practice law in California under limited circumstances through one of several State Bar special admissions programs.
To be admitted to the practice of law in California, you must register as an attorney applicant, receive a positive moral character determination, and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination as well as the California Bar Examination. California's Department of Child Support Services must also certify that you are compliant with any court order for child or family support.
You will be required to submit a Certificate of Admission or Certificate of Good Standing when you submit an application to the State Bar, such as the registration, moral character, or bar exam applications.
California Bar Examination
If your license to practice law in another U.S. jurisdiction has been active and in good standing for at least four years immediately preceding the first day of the examination you applied for, you may take the one-day Attorneys’ Examination rather than the general bar examination. The one-day Attorneys’ Examination consists only of the written portion of the exam (essay questions and Performance Test).
All other attorney applicants must take the general bar exam.
Please note that the State Bar does not offer reciprocity or accept bar exam scores from another jurisdiction.