Eligibility for the New York State Bar Exam - BA Law degree Forum

[Phsycology]

Hi everyone,

I've just joined this forum because I'm really struggling to find an answer to my query.

Basically, the NY bar examination handbook suggests that those who have completed a 'Qualifying Law Degree' in a foreign country will be eligible to take the bar exam. The example they cite is the UK's LLB. However, I am currently undertaking a BA Law with French degree, and so I am unsure as to whether or not my degree also qualifies...

My degree is recognised as being equivalent to an LLB here in the UK (indeed, Oxford and Cambridge Universities only offer the BA in Law as opposed to the LLB) and so I believe that I will be eligible; however, I was just wondering if anybody here had any knowledge of this topic?

Thank you in advance,

Arran

[Phsycology]

Bump?

[It's A Lion]

You're studying in France? Is your program based on the English Common Law system?

http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6

[Phsycology]

You're studying in France? Is your program based on the English Common Law system?

http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6

Thanks for your reply!

No, sorry perhaps I wasn't clear. I'm from the UK and studying in the UK, but I am studying the Bachelor of Arts in Law with French and French Law (which basically means I take my third year in France studying Law there so that I end up with a certificat in French law in addition to my English law degree.

[rinkrat19]

I'm still unclear whether you're getting a French law degree or an English law degree, but the requirements for the NY bar are that the program of legal education is 1)accredited by the government in that country, 2)three years in length, and 3)based on English common law.

An LLM at an American law school can make up for a foreign program not meeting 2 or 3.

http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6

[Phsycology]

I'm still unclear whether you're getting a French law degree or an English law degree, but the requirements for the NY bar are that the program of legal education is 1)accredited by the government in that country, 2)three years in length, and 3)based on English common law.

An LLM at an American law school can make up for a foreign program not meeting 2 or 3.

http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6

Basically, I'm getting a 3-year, qualifying (ie accredited), English law degree.... so it seems to me that I would be eligible? Although I understand that they assess it on a case-by-case basis....

[rinkrat19]

I'm still unclear whether you're getting a French law degree or an English law degree, but the requirements for the NY bar are that the program of legal education is 1)accredited by the government in that country, 2)three years in length, and 3)based on English common law.

An LLM at an American law school can make up for a foreign program not meeting 2 or 3.

http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6

Basically, I'm getting a 3-year, qualifying (ie accredited), English law degree.... so it seems to me that I would be eligible? Although I understand that they assess it on a case-by-case basis....

Seems like it. You could contact the NY bar and ask, giving them your specific info (school and name of the program, etc.) They might be able to answer more clearly.

[Phsycology]

I'm still unclear whether you're getting a French law degree or an English law degree, but the requirements for the NY bar are that the program of legal education is 1)accredited by the government in that country, 2)three years in length, and 3)based on English common law.

An LLM at an American law school can make up for a foreign program not meeting 2 or 3.

http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6

Basically, I'm getting a 3-year, qualifying (ie accredited), English law degree.... so it seems to me that I would be eligible? Although I understand that they assess it on a case-by-case basis....

Seems like it. You could contact the NY bar and ask, giving them your specific info (school and name of the program, etc.) They might be able to answer more clearly.

I rang and spoke to a very miserable woman who claimed she was unable (though I suspect 'reluctant' would be a truer adjective) to help me. I might try ringing again and hope that I get through to somebody more willing to help!

Thank you very much!

[cinephile]

Worst case scenario, couldn't you do 1 year as a LLM student in the US? Then take the bar?

[Phsycology]

Worst case scenario, couldn't you do 1 year as a LLM student in the US? Then take the bar?

Yes I suppose so. I was just hoping for the shorter route! Either way though, I think this will be my new career path!

[CanadianWolf]

You probably need an LLM in Comparative Law from an accredited US law school since the French legal system is based on the Napoleonic Code (statutes control) rather than the English common-law system in which case law is the more important precedent. Nevertheless, you need to contact the New York State Bar in writing about your situation for an authoritative answer.

Students at McGill University in Montreal should be able to offer some experienced advice. Try the Canadian law school website--lawstudents.ca (if I recall correctly).

[BaiAilian2013]

You'll probably have better luck with e-mail than phone.