Becoming a Lawyer in New York State

Table of Contents

• Steps to Becoming a Lawyer in New York
• Education Requirements
• Experience Requirements
• Bar Exam
• Sworn Statement
• Questions

Steps to Becoming a Lawyer in New York

In order to become a lawyer in New York, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete your undergraduate degree
2. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
3. Apply to and enroll in an accredited law school
4. Complete your law degree and any additional requirements at your law school
5. Register with the New York State Board of Law Examiners
6. Take the New York State Bar Examination
7. Submit a sworn statement of good character, fitness, and other qualifications
8. Be sworn in as a lawyer in New York

Education Requirements

In order to become a lawyer in New York, you must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, you must complete a three-year program at an accredited law school in order to be eligible to take the New York State Bar Examination.

Experience Requirements

In addition to completing an undergraduate degree and a law degree, you must also complete the New York Law Course, which is an online course about New York State law offered by the New York State Board of Law Examiners.

Bar Exam

Once you have completed all of the required courses and passed the New York Law Course, you must then sit for the New York State Bar Examination. The Bar Examination is a two-day test that covers multiple areas of the law, including civil procedure, criminal procedure, real property, evidence, professional responsibility, and more.

Sworn Statement

In order to become an attorney in New York, you must also submit a sworn statement to the New York State Board of Law Examiners. This statement must include proof that you are of good character and are otherwise qualified to practice law in the state of New York.

Questions

How long does it take to become an attorney in New York?

It typically takes four years to complete an undergraduate degree, three years to complete a law degree, and one or two years to complete the New York Law Course, take the Bar Examination, and submit the sworn statement. The total amount of time it takes to become an attorney in New York is typically 7-9 years.

Can you take the NY bar exam without going to law school?

No, you cannot take the NY bar exam without first completing a law degree from an accredited law school.

Is NY law school hard to get into?

NY law schools generally have competitive admissions processes. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate that they have the skills and aptitude necessary to succeed in law school.

What’s the quickest you can become a lawyer?

The quickest way to become a lawyer in New York is to complete a four-year undergraduate degree, a three-year law degree, the New York Law Course, take the Bar Examination, and submit the sworn statement in a total of seven years.