How to become a lawyer in California

Looking to kick-start your career in law on the West Coast? Learn how to become a lawyer in California with this step-by-step guide.

Last updated: May 30, 2023

Offering a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, the Golden State is a great place to pursue a career in law. In this guide, we’ll review the main requirements to become a lawyer in California and answer the following related questions:

• Do you need an undergraduate degree to become a lawyer in California?
• What are the LSAT requirements to attend law school?
• Do you need to take the bar exam to become an attorney in California?
• How do you maintain your license after becoming a lawyer in California?

And more!

How to become a lawyer in California

There are multiple paths you can follow to pursue the field of law in California—and we’ll cover more than one in this guide—but the following steps will help you fulfill the main requirements in a timely and thorough fashion.

1. Obtain an undergraduate degree

We recommend that most aspiring lawyers obtain an undergraduate degree before applying to law school. Undergraduate degrees equip students with a foundation of knowledge and general skills that can help them succeed in applying to and completing a legal studies program. Law schools do not typically require students to earn a specific undergraduate degree; however, certain areas of study blend more naturally with the legal field and will help you build skills to increase your application’s competitiveness. These skills include problem-solving, writing, editing, critical reading, oral communication, research, and more. Consider the following majors to boost your law school application:

• Psychology
• History
• Criminal justice
• English
• Political science

Ultimately, the best undergraduate major to pursue before applying to law school is one that lines up with your personal and career interests.

2. Determine LSAT requirements

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an entrance exam designed to assess an applicant’s reading comprehension and logical and verbal reasoning skills. The LSAT is administered periodically throughout the year at specific testing centers as well as online. Scores are valid for five years, which means you can use your 2023 test results to apply to law school until 2028. Some law schools, though, only accept scores within a narrower timeframe, so be sure to review each school’s requirements carefully.

Increasingly, schools, including The Colleges of Law, no longer require LSAT scores as part of their application process.

3. Enroll in law school

Once you have researched, applied to, and have been accepted into a program, the next step to becoming a lawyer in California is enrolling in law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, sometimes called a Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Obtaining your J.D. from a regionally accredited program or a program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) is the best way to learn the information you’ll need to successfully complete the bar exam. Graduating from an accredited law school is not required to become a lawyer, but accredited programs provide a thorough and rigorous legal education that benefits those who choose to practice law outside the state.

Finally, consider attending law school in California. While not a strict requirement, earning a J.D. at a California institution can provide valuable networking opportunities and prepare you for the state-specific portions of the bar exam.  The Colleges of Law has two campuses in California, one located in Ventura and one in Santa Barbara. For more flexibility, The Colleges of Law offers a Hybrid J.D. program where online coursework is bolstered by monthly on-campus residencies.

4. Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam

Before you can sit for the California Bar Exam, you’ll need to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). While the bar exam assesses the legal knowledge you’ll need to practice law, the MPRE focuses on the ethics and professional conduct of lawyers.

The MPRE is only administered on specific dates throughout the year. Be sure to review exam dates carefully, and plan well enough in advance to claim the date that works best for you.

5. Pass the California Bar Exam

The most demanding and time consuming step to become a lawyer in California is passing the state’s bar exam. The California Bar Exam is a two-day test consisting of five essay questions, one 90-minute performance test, and 200 multiple-choice questions. You should be ready to answer questions related to the following subjects:

• Business associations
• Civil procedure
• Community property
• Constitutional law
• Contracts
• Criminal law and procedure
• Evidence
• Professional responsibility
• Real property
• Remedies
• Torts
• Trusts
• Wills and succession

Preparing for this exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Much like training for a marathon, you should condition yourself over time to handle the strains of the experience. Set a study schedule well in advance of your exam date, determine your test-taking strengths and weaknesses, work on improving areas where you struggle, and take advantage of as many practice exams as possible.

The State Bar of California does not teach any of their own exam prep classes or endorse any commercial services; however, their website offers essay questions, performance tests, and multiple-choice questions from past exams to help you prepare for your exam.

Once you’ve passed the bar, you will be qualified to obtain a license to practice law in California.

6. Maintain licensure

Congratulations on passing the bar exam! Now it’s time to maintain your licensure. California lawyers are required to complete at least 25 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) training every three years. These hours must include training in legal ethics, competence issues, and elimination of bias.

The Colleges of Law offers MCLE courses through its Lifelong Learning program. Taught by working professionals, MCLE courses at The Colleges of Law examine emerging areas and topics of the legal industry. Visit the Lifelong Learning website to learn more.

Alternative routes to becoming a lawyer in California

Along with Washington, Vermont, and Virginia, California does not require a law degree to sit for the bar exam—but there are still educational requirements to meet.

Earning a J.D. from an accredited institution such as The Colleges of Law will automatically qualify you to take the exam; however, the State Bar of California’s Rule 4.29 allows you to meet eligibility requirements by working at a law office or in judge’s chambers. Those who choose this route must work in the law office or judge’s chambers for at least 18 hours each week for four total years.

This path to becoming a lawyer may be more affordable than law school, but it can be challenging to find a practicing lawyer or judge available to support this longer-term commitment.

FAQs About How to Become a Lawyer in California

Q:  What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

A: Short answer: All attorneys are lawyers but not all lawyers are attorneys. While most people use the words interchangeably, clear definitions differentiate the two. A lawyer is someone who has successfully completed a law school education. A lawyer needs only a J.D. to be considered a lawyer and can provide legal advice or find work as a law expert at organizations outside of a law office. Attorneys, on the other hand, must complete law school, pass the bar exam, and receive licensure to practice law in their state. In short, an attorney may represent someone in a court of law. A lawyer may provide legal advice but cannot represent someone in court.

Q: Can you take the bar without a law degree?
A: To take the bar exam in California, you should have completed at least two years of college before beginning your law studies or passed certain specified College Level Equivalency Program examinations.

Q: How long does it take to become a lawyer in California?
A: For those who earn an undergraduate degree and then pursue a law degree, the entire process to become a lawyer in California can take up to eight years. Keep in mind there are alternative routes.

Q: How hard is the California Bar Exam?

A: The California Bar Exam is widely considered one of the most difficult in the U.S. given its low pass rate of 34%. A law degree from The Colleges of Law can greatly increase your level of preparedness for the bar exam.

Looking to become a licensed lawyer in California? The Colleges of Law offers a traditional J.D. program for in-person instruction and a groundbreaking Hybrid J.D. program that combines online learning with intensive residencies. Contact us today to learn more!