With the United States hosting the world’s largest legal sector, dual qualification as a U.S. attorney presents compelling opportunities for international lawyers. Claire Flores, Head of International Business Development at BARBRI Global, provides insights into the process, requirements, and strategic benefits of U.S. qualification.
Why Pursue a U.S. Qualification?
The motivation for U.S. qualification varies across career stages and specialisations. “We see younger law students and lawyers that want an international career,” Flores explains, “but we also see qualified lawyers with more practice experience who pursue U.S. qualification to enhance their career.” Beyond immediate career advancement, U.S. qualification offers access to the world’s largest legal market, enhanced capabilities in cross-border transactions, and a stronger position in international arbitration. The qualification also provides a deeper understanding of different legal systems, making attorneys more valuable to international clients and firms.
Choosing Your Jurisdiction
While the U.S. has multiple State Bars, New York and California emerge as the most popular choices for international lawyers, and below you can see the basic requirements for both:
New York
- Recognition of three-year common law LLB degrees
- Strong position in international finance and corporate law
- Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) format
- Pass rates between 48-54% for international candidates
California
- Accepts qualified lawyers regardless of educational background
- Prominent in technology and intellectual property law
- State-specific bar exam
- Pass rates between 16-22% for international candidates
The Qualification Process
The journey to U.S. qualification typically takes about 18 months from start to finish, involving several key steps:
- Eligibility Assessment: 3-6 months
- Free process in New York
- Varies by state requirements
- Bar Preparation: 6-10 months
- Six-month intensive course (20-25 hours/week)
- Ten-month flexible course (10-15 hours/week)
- Online learning with community support
- Additional Requirements
- Ethics exam (MPRE)
- State-specific courses (varies by jurisdiction)
- Pro bono work (50 hours for New York)
- Character and fitness assessment
Investment Considerations
The financial commitment encompasses several clear components as follows:
- Bar exam fees ($750 for New York, $1,550 for California)
- Preparation course fees ($5,999 for extended programs)
- Annual Bar membership fees ($200-500)
- Continuing Legal Education requirements
- Professional liability insurance (varies by practice)
Keys to Success
BARBRI’s approach has yielded impressive results, with a 76% pass rate for international students who complete 80% of their program work – significantly higher than general pass rates for international candidates. This success stems from a structured preparation approach that combines comprehensive study materials with regular practice and community support. The program’s online format offers flexibility for working professionals while maintaining the benefits of group study and networking.
Professional Development Benefits
The qualification process offers more than just legal credentials. Through BARBRI’s workshops and study groups, international candidates build valuable professional networks spanning multiple jurisdictions. This community aspect helps candidates navigate both the examination process and their subsequent legal careers in the U.S. market.
Looking Ahead
The trend toward international dual qualification continues to grow, with applicants increasingly coming from the UK, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. As legal practice becomes increasingly global, U.S. qualification represents a strategic investment in career development.
Before embarking on this journey, Flores outlined that candidates should:
- Assess their career objectives and timeline
- Consider their capacity for study alongside work
- Evaluate the return on investment
- Research specific state requirements
- Plan for travel to the U.S. for examinations
As Flores emphasises, “It’s absolutely an investment not only in money but in time and resources, so you want to do it right the first time.” This mindset, combined with proper support and dedication, can open doors to one of the world’s most dynamic legal markets.
