What could a U.S. law license mean for your global legal career?

Place yourself miles ahead in your legal career by becoming licensed as a lawyer in the United States. BARBRI makes it possible for you to study anywhere in the world to pass a U.S. state bar exam, and do so in under a year. We offer the support and flexibility you need as a busy legal professional with international career aspirations.

Demand is high for those who understand the workings of the law of more than one jurisdiction - and only increasing steadily as more companies do business globally. A U.S. legal license is a way to add real value to your C.V. or resumé while providing an exciting step forward in international law.

Some states pave the way for foreign candidates to become qualified, allowing them to sit their bar exam with few restrictions to admission. We'll help you fully prepare with a bar prep course that's built for you.

1. Be competitive in a tough legal job market

Whether you are looking to secure a career position in a competitive job market or are struggling to advance because you're surrounded by equally qualified peers, becoming licensed in the U.S. will set you apart. By elevating your C.V., you also elevate your earnings potential.

As companies around the world move to more globalized business models, the demand for international representation increases. Firms need lawyers who can represent their clients in cross-border matters, and companies need in-house counsel to help them navigate global transactions.

A C.V. with a U.S. qualification signals to an employer that the lawyer is equipped to handle a greater book of work than other licensed candidates without international credentials. Many international law firms give preference in recruitment to candidates who can exhibit competency in more than one legal system. That's why our courses focus on preparing non-U.S. lawyers to be more employable around the globe.

2. Become internationally mobile

A U.S. law license makes you more mobile, whether you're seeking to relocate to the states, relocate elsewhere in the world, or stay in your home country.

New York and California are attractive jurisdictions for international lawyers, as they serve as hubs for many corporations and Big Law firms. But rewarding employment can be found in states across the U.S.

If another country is more to your liking, opportunities exist to work within a firm or company that has extensive business dealings in the U.S. Even if you desire to stay in your country of origin, you can reap the benefit of international travel with your U.S. qualification. The possibilities are limitless.

3. Be a better practitioner of the law

Time after time, our alumni tell us that by studying for and passing a U.S. state bar exam, they became better in their profession and application of the law. Deeply understanding the law in another country - whether you come from a civil law or common law background - trains you to think more acutely about the law in your own jurisdiction. It may also increase your eligibility for positions in more specialized areas of the law, such as consulting, international arbitration and global human rights.

Professional growth is a strength you can market to a current or potential employer. Firms value such an attribute when considering practitioners for greater roles and career advancement opportunities. They are willing to compensate for it, too.

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4. Take the next step in your legal career

To become licensed in the United States, you must pass a U.S. state bar exam. Certain states make it possible for non-U.S lawyers and qualified candidates to sit their exam. In fact, you may already be eligible to sit a state bar exam with your current credentials.

TAKE OUR ELIGIBLITY QUIZ TO FIND OUT

BARBRI is the global leader in helping candidates pass a U.S. state bar exam. For over 50 years, we have helped more than 1.3 million attorneys become licensed.

Our bar exam preparation course will walk you through studying for the state bar exam of your choice, with support from mentors, a personalized study plan and all of the resources you need to be successful.

Next steps

Extended U.S. Bar Prep

Learn about studying for the New York / UBE or California Bar Exam.

Download the Digest

U.S. bar exam info for international lawyers, law grads & LL.M.s.

About the U.S. bar exam

Learn about the bar exam from the U.S. bar exam prep experts.

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