How to become an Attorney in the US (w/ a foreign law degree)
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- Опубліковано 10 кві 2022
- part 2 of this video-- • How to become an Attor...
Part 3 of this video-- • Steps to Study Law in ...
Hi all!
Here is a quick rundown on how you can become a lawyer in the United States if you graduated college and law school (Juris Doctor) from a foreign country such as the Philippines.
How I passed the bar in the first try video:
• How to PASS the BAR EX...
SPECIFIC RULES FROM NY BOLE
www.nybarexam.org/foreign/for...
FREE CREATE NY BOLE ACCOUNT
portal.nybarexam.org/
FREE FOREIGN DEGREE EVALUATION from NY BOLE
www.nybarevaluation.org/Intro...
Omg. I recently passed the bar in the ph. and will be moving in the US since my husband will be working there soon. I thought my law degree will just lead to nothing. You don't know how grateful i am for this video and you answering the questions. So informative. I've tried reaching out to filipino lawyer youtubers and all they could say is "do your research", as if inquiring and asking questions to those who experienced it is not considered a research. Thank you so much. May God bless you more, atty.
Awww thanks Samantha. Congrats at welcome sa US soon! Do you know which state kayo lilipat? It really is a complicated process. Kahit ako, I don’t all of the procedures yet but I’m really happy this helped you in some way. 😊 If you haven’t already, I suggest creating an NCBE account to help you. Libre lang ung pag register very informative din.
@Atty. Janella Loaiza so I completed my LLB with the university of London ad I have a postgraduate diploma in Mediation Studies and an MSc in Mediation study what are my options if I want to become a lawyer in USA? Would I just have to sit the bar?
More to be a lawyer and take cl
for most of those foreign Lawyers especially those experienced ones who have the dream to become a U.S. licensed Attorney, prepare yourself for a rough awakening. First you need to pass a TOEFL English Exam, you need to pass an LSAT, you need to take an LL.M at this point you will begin to learn and experience how your status as a lawyer will be diminished and despised; They will make your life miserable, it is a very treacherous road to pass even to get to sit for the bar, where you will be no more than a regular barely inexperienced just graduated student as the rest of the other 500 applicants but with the set back of having a foreign degree. Some States such as New York and Washington seem to be the only option for the bar as they seem to be "lighter" in grading. But there are others, Arizona, Texas etc. where your possibility will be reduced significantly, it is very expensive so you need to have some good savings in your pocket and no guarantee to pass it nor refund to reclaim. Now even if you were to pass the exam, prepare yourself too for a long road of applications, prejudice and discriminative interactions you will have so by the time if you are lucky enough to land a job if you ever can you will grow grey hair. ... Good Luck
How old are you?
Thank you for sharing, Janella! I enjoyed the background scenery, very beautiful!
Thanks Dave! I tried!🥹😅
Thank you. This was helpful
Thank you so much for this video! I have a college degree in law from Mexico but i was looking this information all over the internet!
Did you find your information?
@@idaniadiaz9531 Of course, and i am currently working with a Law Firm in the US remotely!
Wow this is very informative
Thanks!
Thank you Ms. Elaine!
Thanks a lot for your video!
You're welcome and thank you for watching the video! I appreciate the support.
Thank you Atty. Loaiza for this content and for future contents! You can't imagine how these contents help us to have insights on how we can practice law in the US. Take care and looking forward to your journey
Aww that’s so sweet! Thanks lalali! Glad i could help! Thanks for the support❤️
Thanks for sharing.
Hello Atty. Loaiza! Looking forward to your vlog about studying law in the US after finishing 4yr undergrad degree in the PH. I am expected to graduate by Aug 2023 and I wanna know what steps should I take so I could be admitted in a Law school in the US, particularly in California. Thank you so much 🫶🏻
Thanks for the comment Ms. Audrey! Sorry for the late response. I believe by now, you have graduated from your undergrad degree and looking into applying for Law School in the US. I would say first look at law schools in California listing down where you want to be in and start going to the school's website to look for their admission process. Here is the list of law schools in Cali www.google.com/search?q=law+schools+in+california&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1049US1049&oq=law+schools+in+california&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l5j46i512j0i512l3.5125j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Hope that helps!
Can you explain more how things work in Texas? I did my llm from university of UK (1year)
Hi Attorney Loaiza. We have the same background, I am also a graduate of Saint Louis University in Baguio City. I am a licensed attorney in DC and Maryland too. Hope you are enjoying your practice in DC.
Hi Atty. Rec! That is awesome! I am practicing now in New York but will be in DC sometime next week would love to meet kapwa Louisian!
I'm Graduated student 😊 this video is inspiring me
Thank you! I'm glad that this helped. Good luck moving forward.
what is procedure for practice in court if law degree is an other country
HI SIS! Louisian here too ❤❤ Pañera
Hi Sis! Yasss! Taas natin bandera ng Louisians hehe
Hi atty. Janella! Your video is very helpful and informative. I just want to clarify, so as long as you graduated LLB without taking and passing the bar exam in the Philippines, you can still take the bar in California? Thank you.
Hi Chrezel, thank you! For California, You would still need the degree evaluation but it's more than likely that you would need 20 credits from an ABA approved law school. here is the updated information. hope this helps!
www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Requirements/Education/Legal-Education/Foreign-Education/Foreign-Law-Degree
A general applicant who has a first degree in law from a law school located in a foreign state or country must:
Obtain from a credential evaluation service approved by the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE), a certificate that the applicant’s first degree in law is substantially equivalent to a Juris Doctor degree awarded by a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or accredited by the CBE; or
Obtain from a credential evaluation service approved by the CBE, a certificate that the applicant’s first degree in law meets the educational requirements for admission to practice law in the foreign state or country in which it was obtained.
Applicants must submit these certificates to the State Bar Office of Admissions. They must also submit a certificate from a law school approved by the ABA or accredited by the CBE certifying that the applicant has either:
Been awarded a Master of Law degree (LLM) based on a minimum of 20 semester or equivalent units of legal education. That education shall include no fewer than a total of 12 semesters or equivalent units with a minimum of one course in four separate subjects tested on the California Bar Examination. One of the four courses must be Professional Responsibility that covers the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and leading federal and state case law on the subject; or
Successfully completed 20 semester or equivalent units of legal education, in a LLM program. That education shall include no fewer than a total of 12 semesters of equivalent units with a minimum of one course in four separate subjects tested on the California Bar Examination. One of the four courses must be Professional Responsibility that covers the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and leading federal and state case law on the subject.
Prior to June 18, 2021, the guidelines required that foreign-educated applicants complete a Professional Responsibility course that included California-specific Professional Conduct Rules in addition to the ABA Model Rules. That requirement was removed in June 2021. Professional Responsibility courses taken prior to June 18, 2021, which did not meet the prior standard but do meet the above standards, may be used to satisfy the above requirements.
All course work for the degree and for the legal education required by the guidelines must be graded using the standards the law school uses in grading course work of students in its JD degree program. An applicant must receive a passing grade in all courses.
The degree or the course work required by the guidelines must be awarded or completed, as applicable, within three calendar years of the date the applicant began qualifying study at a law school, whether or not the LLM degree is awarded by or the course work is completed at that law school. An applicant begins study on the first day of their first semester or term of qualifying study.
How can i get my foreign degree from India evaluated in the California?
Hi Atty. Janella! Thanks for this informative video! :) I graduated from a law school here in PH and would like to take the bar in California. Are the process in NY and Cali almost the same? Did you also take LLM to be eligible in NY bar? I saw that California bar requires it. Also, do you have some tips on what jobs can a foreign law grad have there in US (in case I plan to work there first before preparing for the bar)? Thank you very much!
Hi Zel! It’s almost the same that you need to have your degree evaluated. But CA requires 20 credits of classes (approximately 7 law classes) from an ABA approved law school. In NY you might not need an LLM but you will not know that until after NY evaluates your law degree.
Here is the link to CA foreign degree: www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Requirements/Education/Legal-Education/Foreign-Education/Foreign-Law-Degree
As to jobs, i think paralegal, consulting, researchers, teachers and law clerk are good options. A lot of law firms are looking for help and it’s a great stepping stone. After moving to the US, i was a jury clerk which helped because it also looked good on a resume.
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 Hi Atty! Wow, thank you so much for answering my queries! It's a big help for me right now. :) God bless and all the best!
for most of those foreign Lawyers especially those experienced ones who have the dream to become a U.S. licensed Attorney, prepare yourself for a rough awakening. First you need to pass a TOEFL English Exam, you need to pass an LSAT, you need to take an LL.M at this point you will begin to learn and experience how your status as a lawyer will be diminished and despised; They will make your life miserable, it is a very treacherous road to pass even to get to sit for the bar, where you will be no more than a regular barely inexperienced just graduated student as the rest of the other 500 applicants but with the set back of having a foreign degree. Some States such as New York and Washington seem to be the only option for the bar as they seem to be "lighter" in grading. But there are others, Arizona, Texas etc. where your possibility will be reduced significantly, it is very expensive so you need to have some good savings in your pocket and no guarantee to pass it nor refund to reclaim. Now even if you were to pass the exam, prepare yourself too for a long road of applications, prejudice and discriminative interactions you will have so by the time if you are lucky enough to land a job if you ever can you will grow grey hair. ... Good Luck
@@pepevelez4742 I appreciate the input Mr. Velez but I think your comment does not apply to everyone and should be taken on a case by case basis. Your experiences might not be the same for everyone else (assuming you are speaking from your own experiences). Some of the things you mentioned are true, it is a difficult road but this is also true for almost any other field a person chooses.
Actually Ny is asking for 26 credits?
I hv done my LL.B from India ! Am i eligible to take this test ?😊
Hi. I’m a lawyer in the Philippines planning to take the California Bar exam. I already registered but I dont know where to start for the review. Do you have recommended review materials for me? :)
Hi madam I need one help. Please be informed I received an offer letter from a company in USA and then company send me a attorney person email. Then this atterony person is asking me to pay 500$ fee for consultation and immigration fee for H1B visa. Kindly assist me.
Hey i graduated from india and as of now i wanna pursue my law school in US. But the thing is in India there is only 3 years of bachelors and US accept 4 years. So, can you please suggest what should i do ?
I'm Lawyer in India I want to move in to America. What is process
Good day atty. May I ask how did you easily adjust in the jurisprudence ,law provisions and procedures in US law practice? Did u have at least a year or two practice of law in the Philippines before you took the US bar exams?
Hello Mr. Legaspi! Thank you for taking the time to comment and sorry for the late response. It was definitely hard. Lalo yung mga filipino terms that it took me longer to translate in English. Luckily I had 3 years of training through Law School in the US but I sometimes felt that I was in a big disadvantage because English is not my first language. But I got over that notion over time by studying more and understanding the material based on my own capabilities. Also, it's worth mentioning that a lot of terms used in Law books in the US is similar to those in the Philippines so that helped. I did not practice law in the Philippines because I did not take the bar there. I studied B.A. Legal Studies for undergrad and went to law school in the US.
Hi atty can you be a lawyer in America even you are graduate here in pilipinas
Hi Janella, thank you for your video. I have a question: I read somewhere you must ALSO have the LLM Degree from ABA Accredited Law School. Is this correct?
Hi Carla. Thanks for the comment. it depends on where you went to school, which country and where you will take the bar. Some States allow attorneys in other countries to sit for the bar without an LLM provided they passed the bar in their country. Hope that helps.
Can we talk on call
Am in Maryland. I want to discuss
Can you actually go to Court too?
Atty. God bless you where can a hopeful aspirant of becoming like you can get a reading materials for NYC bar exams?
Hi James! God bless to you too. As for reading materials, they NYC bar actually publishes previous Essay questions and answer. You can download them here www.nybarexam.org/ExamQuestions/ExamQuestions.htm Hope that helps!
God bless you kabayan. Isa ako sa nangangarap dito sa pinas na maka pasok sa law school.
Thank you Robert! Go lang! kaya yan
Mam please tell me that corporate counsel or in house counsel required to give bar exam for work in a private company of usa.
Hi! I'm not particularly sure about corporate or in-house counsels. Are you asking if they need to take the bar exam to work for a private company? I think some companies employ foreign lawyers without requiring them to take the bar exam. I hope that helps in some way. Thanks for the comment.
Hello Panyera , mabalin ag damag ?
Hello Atty! I wanted to know if is it possible to transfer to a US law school from a law school in the Ph?
Hello Absalov. sorry for the late response. I am not particularly sure if the credits you had in the philippines will be credited towards law school in the US because of the difference in law. It would be different case you finished law school in the philippines then moved to the US though. Sorry I could not be of much help.
Hi ! Do I need to have LLM to apply ? Please help me . Do you think I can pay you to guide through the process? I can email you !! Please I am begging you
Hello Atty. Loaiza... I have a master degree in law in a foreign country ( Benin, west Africa) back in 2004, im 48 an now us citizen. How can I become a corporate lawyer in us? Do I have to go back to law school or a 1year LLM program will be enough?
Hi! I am not too sure about masters degree in law in West Africa but some companies in the US don't require passing the bar in the US as in-house counsel but passing the bar and being a licensed attorney a lot of times gets priority in hiring. Again, it would depend on the company. If you're thinking about taking the bar exam, I would suggest having your degree evaluated first before enrolling into an LLM program or law school. Not sure which state you are in, but in NY they evaluate degrees and let the bar applicants know if they need to go to law school, llm or if they can take the bar. Hope this helps!
You didn't mention character and fitness? That is also the crucial step of getting admitted, and that's in fact the last hurdle of becoming an attorney.
Right. Thanks Sheridan, I did not focus on that since my goal was just an overview of taking the bar
Hello, where can i find the study material for bar exams
Hello Pawankalwala, it depends on which State you are taking the bar for. Some schools provide free materials but your best bet would be enrolling in a bar review program. Hope this helps.
Hello!
In NY if you are from common law legal system, you don’t need LLM, but if you are from civil law legal system, you need LLM. This is correct?
Sincerely, Kate.
Hi Ekatrina! That is mostly correct. There are some instances where a country with a mixture of civil and common law system would be able to take the NY bar without an LLM.
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 How I can check it? Only evaluation process? How I can know about it before LLM?
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 Do you have instagram?
Hi M a lawyer from Pakistan M planing to move to USA can I get a green card on basis of bar exam in USA??
Hi atty! Can i apply for internships in the US even if I’m still in my last yr of law? Thank you po ☺️
Hi! Sorry I didn’t notice your comment before. You can. Summer internships are really helpful. Kaso hindi ako sure kung gaano ka competitive yung market. I guess depende sa area but definitely merong mga firms or govt. entity na willing tumanggap ng internship. I suggest na kahit unpaid intership is still good kasi makakatulong sayo ung experience in the near future
I HAVE A QUESTION ,I AM SOON STARTING MY UNDERGRADUATE COURSE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE ,FALL 2024, I AM FROM BANGLADESH AND WILL I BE ABLE TO DO JD AND BE A PRACTICING LAWYER BACK IN U.S.A WITH MY POLI SCIENCE DEGREE AND STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. For you to apply to a JD program in the US, you need to have a college degree first. You might need to have your degree evaluation through "Foreign Degree Evaluation" when applying to law school in the US. Also, you can't practice law without passing the bar exam so you would still need to finish your political science degree, go to law school then take the bar. Hope that helps.
Hi! Did you take the NY Bar exam in New York or in PH?
Hello Joeysantos. Sorry for the late response. I took the NY bar in the US not PH. :)
Hello, I want to apply for LLM program but i don't know which major of law allow me to be eligible for bar exam
Hi Saeed. Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure what you mean about major of Law. In the US, you have LLM or JD.
Hi, I’m a law graduate in the Philippines and living in Arizona. The New York Board Of Law Examiners (BOLE) approved me to sit for the New York Bar. Do I need to buy all text books covered by the exam? Or focus on Themis or Barbri materials?
Thank you! 🙂
Hello Equable! Congratulations on getting approved to sit for the NY bar. That's exciting news. I would say focus on the barprep materials given to you by Barbri or Themis and adding the Emmanuel's practice test for the multiple choice portion. The bar review that you choose will provide you with videos, books and practice exam. Stick to what works best for you in the past. I hope that helps!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Heey.. does this apply to all foreign countries including those in Africa?
Hi Stacy. It does to the extent that you need to have your degree evaluated by the bar examiners to know if you can sit for the bar exam or you would need to complete an LLM. Hope that helps!
Thank you sister. can a H4 dependant spouse can become Attorney in USA ? can she take a education in law here in usa?
Hi Funky! Yes. H4 dependents are allowed to study in the US. They are just not allowed to work without applying for an EAD
how much do you charge for coaching foreign attorneys for the Ca bar please?
hello! Thanks for leaving a comment. Unfortunately I do not coach bar takers specially for California. Sorry about that. Honestly, since I am not licensed in CA and have not taken the bar in CA I would not feel competent in coaching another person. It would be different if it' s in one of the states I am licensed in.
Hi Atty.Janella, I'm very much interested in taking the bar exams in NY. I just passed the recently released PH bar exams. Can you guide me and direct me to the proper websites that I can follow? Thanks.
Hi Atty! Congratulations! of course. Here is the NY bar website with specific rules www.nybarexam.org/Foreign/ForeignLegalEducation.htm and here is the link to start your foreign evaluation. It's free and the NYLE will send you an email www.nybarevaluation.org/Intro.aspx
By the way I already have my US Visa (B1/B2) and have been to NY in 2 separate occasions. Do I need to apply for a new visa specific for this purpose?
@@Aaron-hn9xk I'm not specifically sure about that Atty., but I think as long as your visa is not expired when you take the actual bar it should not be a problem. I read that one foreign grad applied for a tourist visa when he was closer to taking the NY bar and it worked out fine.
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 this is very helpful. Thank you so much :)
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 Question: how would you know if you are qualified for the Bar Exam Without the Need for an LL.M. Degree from a U.S. Law School?
Hi po! Ano po sa tingin niyo ang best route para sa registered nurse at j.d. holder pero hindi nakapasa sa bar exam? Ano po kaya pwede maging career sa us na pwede magamit ang nursing at law degree? Hoping na mag reply po kayo ☺️
Hello AnimeSnuggie! Sorry for the late response. I would say go into private practice with a medical malpractice firm for starters, maybe a paralegal or consultant. I think you would enjoy that type of work. Maybe you can enroll sa law school while working also if you can? and eventually be a lawyer in the US.
Other option is just try and take the bar in new york or other states that I mentioned in the video. Passing the bar in the Philippines is not required for you to take the bar in some states.
I hope this helps!
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 Thanks po sa reply. Hoping to see you po pag nakapag us na ako. 😄
Hey Atty
I’m pursuing 5 years integrated degree BBALLB(Hons)from reputed university of India.I hope I’m eligible for these exams.
hey, were u eligible ? Any update ?
Hi all! If you haven’t seen the part 2 of this video, here is the link :) ua-cam.com/video/Ta8EgB0ZmRw/v-deo.html
Thanks Janella. Can you please let me know more about taking the bar in Texas by taking a few classes? Thanks
I am a criminal lawyer, I studied in Mexico, now I live in California and I am studying English as the first requirement to take the exam, it is confusing and difficult for me as a foreigner to know what is the right path to take to be able to practice in this country, opinions are divided and in the face of misinformation the road becomes slow and complicated
Hi Perlateran8726. Thanks for leaving a comment. I feel you, it definitely is not an easy path specially for foreign lawyers and graduates for that matter. I hope everything goes well for you. Wishing you the best of luck
Hi atty! Im also planning to take the NY bar as a foreign law grad from Philippines. BOLE confirmed that they have received my transcript from the school is there a need for the Philippine supreme court to send a verification of my educational requirements Or is my educational requirements enough? (Btw i did not take the PH bar)
Hi Georgy! I don’t think so. I did not see any requirements about that specifically. BOLE is very good at responding to questions if you email them if you want to be sure but unless they say that they need that, then u don’t need to worry about it. They will inform you if you’re missing any requirements. They will require a certificate of good standing if you’re a licensed attorney. Since you did not take the PH bar, you can just say it’s N/A if they ask.
Atty. Janella Loaiza thank you atty. :)
@@georgygab7643 Welcome Georgy! Let me know how it goes! Would love to hear your journey
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754, just wondering. was searching for BOLE's email address for some questions but I cannot seem to find one. Their website says they don't maintain one. Just in case you have, please do share. thank you!
@@edceallanigue4085 hi! You can create an account for free and they will send you an email verification. Just follow the steps here. portal.nybarexam.org/ hope this helps!
And I'm am working to be a lawyer
That's great shariece! Good luck you can do it!
I can barely hear the narrator with this background music
Hi thank you. I’d standby for more information on the first group.
Hi Magdaline! That’s great! That’s the same path I took. Are you planning on taking the LSAT anytime soon? The one that took a lot of time for me was requesting transcripts from the foreign university. So if you can get started on registering for an NCBE account that would really help you in the long run.
I'm from Brazil and our Bachelor degree in law school is 5 years 😑
Oh wow! I did not know that. Is that different from the College as well? so you need to finish 4 years of college then 5 years of law school? That's crazy!
New on there's
I have completed my LLB from india... Currently doing LLM in india.... I want to be attorny in us.... From where should i start my journey.. Like what should be my first step
Hi Nidzz. It would be to figure out where you want to practice law in the US because there are 50 States and each of those have different requirements. After figuring out which state you want to take the bar, look into that State's Board of Bar examiners or Bar examiners through google. Research their requirements and see if you can transfer your credentials to be able to take the bar. I hope that helps and best of luck to you!
@@atty.janellaloaiza8754 thank you so much . I have done all research I want to pursue new york bar exams and I am eligible for the same , but the thing is finance, its hard to manage by being in india , so how to get temporary job in us to survive and pay for the exam fees
Any undergraduate program?
yes
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Hey, I’m interested in becoming a paralegal in the U.S but I have a Bachelors Degree in law from a South African institution.
Would I have to get some sort of certificate which is from the U.S for me to be eligible to work as a Paralegal in U.S?
❤🎉cong east ❤🎉
Hey is it possible to work in the usa after an llm in usa ?or is it impossible ?
2 nd
You lucky you are now a Lawyer. Too many Immigrant Filipino lawyers are working as Caregivers and other Form of menial jobs in California.
Thanks Marty. I am lucky. I see that a lot but I don't think it's fair to say its menial jobs though. I do wish they Filipino lawyers would push through being licensed in the US too that's why I created the video. There's a lot of Smart Filipinos full of talent, skill, potential, you name it, but end up not transferring their license I think partly because of lack of information and financial resources.
Hlw how am i contact u??
Can i have you email mam !
Hi!!!Atty.Loaiza🥹
Hi kuya charlie!