California

IMPORTANT: Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, you are strongly advised to consult the jurisdiction's bar admission agency directly for the most current information.

Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements Cover

The information provided on this page is drawn from the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements. Links are provided to specific charts in the Guide; each chart is followed by jurisdiction-specific supplemental remarks. Please consult both the chart and its remarks for complete information. (Information last updated Apr 28, 2023.)

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

  • ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required: No See Chart 3
  • Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility: Yes See Chart 4
  • Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines: See Chart 11
  • Bar Exam Application Fees: See Chart 11

UBE Adoption

  • UBE Adoption: No

Admission on Transferred UBE Score

  • Admission on Transferred UBE Score: No

California Bar Exam Components

  • The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): Yes
    • Accepts Transferred MBE Scores: No
  • The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): No
  • The Multistate Performance Test (MPT): No
  • Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam: Yes See Chart 9

MPRE Requirements

Character and Fitness Investigations

This jurisdiction does not use NCBE's character and fitness services; please contact California for filing instructions.

Admission on Motion

  • Admission on Motion: No

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Bar Admission Agency
State Bar of California
Office of Admissions

180 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone: (415) 538-2376

Fax: (415) 538-2304

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Bar Admission Online Guide

Jurisdiction-specific bar admission requirements 
and directory of state bar admission agencies.