i am lawyer in india so how to practice in court california usa?

by Graciela Bogan IV 4 min read

How can an Indian lawyer practice in the US?

Indian Lawyers having in their possession a good certificate of practice at the Bar in India can appear in the US courts and practice as Attorneys in the US after passing The concerned Bar Exam of the State in which they attend to practice as attorneys.

Is a law degree from the USA recognised in India?

You need to be Indian citizen, or if you are from any other country, your country must recognise Indian law degrees. The US recognises Indian law degrees. Your law degree should be recognised by Bar Council of India (There are uncertainties on whether law degrees from the US are recognised by BCI or not).

Is it possible to become a litigator in the US from India?

Both India and the US have common law justice system, so being a litigator in the US is doable, if your degree is recognised by the bar of the state where you wish to practice in AND if you use your legal skills to clear the benchmarks (exams, etc.) to get into the bar of that state.

Is it possible for an Indian lawyer to work abroad?

Yes, it is possible for an India qualified lawyer to work in a foreign jurisdiction as a lawyer. The easiest way to do this is to work as a 'consultant' who only advises with respect to Indian law. Much like the lawyers who work at the India desks of large firms abroad.

image

Can an Indian lawyer work in California?

California is another good option that a foreign-trained lawyer can consider for practice. The procedures of California are similar to that of New York, in fact, compared to New York, California's admission requirements for foreign lawyers are relatively liberal.

Can an Indian lawyer practice law in US?

The rules state that those who did not pursue a 2-year law degree or who qualified from a non-common law jurisdiction need to pursue an LLM in the US, before being eligible to take the exam. This option is typically the one used by Indian lawyers who want to obtain US-qualification as well.

Can I work in USA after LLB from India?

The basic factor is, if the person is in the right visa status that is not F1 then they can work full time as a paralegal. A person with Indian LLB most probably with US LLM and no bar qualification can work as a Foreign Legal Consultant in most states.

Can I practice law in the US with an LLB?

There is no course or process you can go through to start practicing law in the US, with your LLB and LLM degrees. In order to practice law in the US, you must be admitted to the bar of a state. Not all states allow foreign trained attorneys/law graduates to take their bar exam.

How can I practice law in California?

Legal EducationThree or four years of study at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)Four years of study at a State Bar-registered, fixed-facility law school.Four years of study with a minimum of 864 hours of preparation at a registered unaccredited distance-learning or correspondence law school.More items...

Can I practice law in California from out of state?

In some instances, attorneys who are properly licensed and in good standing in another state are allowed to practice in California. For example, attorneys who practice only federal law, such as immigration, may practice in California but be licensed in another state.

Can I do LLM in USA after LLB in India?

Can I do an LLM in the USA after an LLB in India without a JD degree? Ans: Requirements to pursue LLM in the US vary from university to university. Some universities accept students for LLM programs after a 3-year bachelor's degree in law, whereas some may require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Which country is best for Indian lawyers to migrate?

If you are an Indian Lawyer seeking permanent residence in Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is your best option. The FSWP is a point-based immigration pathway in which – you would need to score 67 out of 100 points in the CRS points calculator.

Can Indian lawyers practice abroad?

Most of the countries do not encourage the foreign legal persons to start practice there. So only way is to work in some overseas company office or associate office in India and learn the basic law of their country and then sometimes they may post one there to work with their lawyers.

Who can practice law in California?

In California, only attorneys licensed with the State Bar Association are permitted to practice law. The unauthorized practice of law is a crime under Business & Professions Code 6125, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1000.00.

How do I become a lawyer in California with a foreign degree?

State Bar rules require applicants to:Pass the California Bar Examination.Receive a positive moral character determination.Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.Comply with any California court order for child or family support.

How can I be a lawyer in USA?

How to Become a LawyerComplete a Bachelor's Degree Program You Enjoy. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for admission to law school. ... Pass the Law School Admission Test. ... Identify Law Schools and Complete Applications. ... Earn a Juris Doctor Degree. ... Pass the Bar Examination. ... Advance Your Career.

How many states have foreign lawyers?

As we have already discussed that each state has its own laws about how a foreign trained lawyer can qualify to practice in United States. Out of the fifty states there are thirty-four jurisdictions where foreign-trained lawyers have the opportunity to gain admission to the bar.

How many jurisdictions require foreign lawyers to take bar exam?

The remaining twenty nine jurisdiction where foreign trained lawyers are eligible to take bar exam feature variety of requirements to appear in bar exam. The requirements for each state shall be listed on state-specific bar exam website according to Bar Exam Guide. In many states only LLM is required to sit for bar exam.

Which states allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam?

There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia. In this I would be discussing of New York and California. New York. It’s a popular place for foreign-trained attorneys to practice, and the state requirements facilitate this process.

Is law a competitive profession?

Law is one of the most competitive professions in the United States; and as well as one of the most difficult competition to break down for most of the foreign trained lawyers. Foreign-trained attorneys are at certain disadvantage compared to students who earned law degree in United States especially at the time of taking state bar admission.

Who administers the New York Bar Exam?

The New York Board of Law Examiners, administer the New York Bar Exam, they have a specific set of requirements for foreign trained lawyers who wants to practice in New York.

Is there a general license to practice law in the US?

There are no general licence to practice law in the United States . Why should I take the Bar in US? Many international students choose to pursue an LLM in the US just because to take a US bar exam. Taking the bar exam looks great to your resume or CV both to US and foreign employers.

Can foreign lawyers practice in California?

If foreign-trained lawyers who admits to practice law in a jurisdiction outside the United States are also eligible to take the bar exam in California without any complications or additional requirements. Other states. As we have already discussed that each state has its own laws about how a foreign trained lawyer can qualify to practice in United ...

What to do if you don't become an attorney?

If You Don't Become an Attorney. You can also use your foreign law degree in a number of ways without becoming a fully-admitted state bar member. One common option is to become a foreign legal consultant (FLC). An FLC is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S.

How long is the bar exam?

The bar exam typically takes place over two days. The first day is a multiple-choice test covering laws that aren't necessarily unique to any one state. The second day's test focuses on the law in the state in which you want to practice.

How long does it take to get a foreign law degree in Vermont?

In almost all cases, the ABA must first review and approve your foreign law degree. This can take a year or more. You can sit for that state's bar if the ABA gives you a nod of approval and you meet the state's other requirements. Only Vermont recognizes foreign law degrees with any regularity.

What is FLC in law?

An FLC is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have foreign legal consultant rules in place.

Is it easier to get into the bar in California than in New York?

Like New York, the California State Bar has relatively liberal admission standards for foreign lawyers. In fact, it might be even easier to sit for the bar exam here than it is in New York.

Do you have to pass the multistate exam to become a lawyer?

Most states require that you pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam as well. Law school studies in the U.S. are rigorous, and students come out with a specific set of skills and a knowledge set that helps them study for and pass the bar.

What is the US bar exam?

Under the US system, the bar exam of any state has two components: Multi-State Bar Exam – This is based on federal laws. Recall that US has a very clear distinction between federal law and state law system. This exam tests you on constitutional law, evidence, contracts, torts, criminal and real estate and trusts.

What is the alternative to LLM?

What is the alternative? The rules state that those who did not pursue a 2-year law degree or who qualified from a non-common law jurisdiction need to pursue an LLM in the US, before being eligible to take the exam. This option is typically the one used by Indian lawyers who want to obtain US-qualification as well.

Pradnya Pradhan Desh

The legal system in India is based on the common law tradition. It is similar to the UK and in some respect to the US. Some information is missing here: when you say 'I found out by accident of this' I wish to know how you have been informed.

Luca Cristiano Maria Melchionna

You are likely a Plaintiff not a Defendant unless your family is suing you. If you are actually a Defendant, it does not seem you have been served process. If you are a Plaintiff and do not want to be one, send a registered letter to the attorney demanding that you be dismissed as a plaintiff.

Jonathan H Levy

As the others have noted, I am not a Lawyer in India but if the legal system there is anything like the legal system here then you need your own lawyer and that lawyer should practice in the jurisdiction in which the case has been filed. If your family has named you as a defendant then whatever lawyer they have hired is not on your side.

Jeffrey K. Traylor

Call the Indian Counselate and ask them, but logically I think you could

Stephen Ross Cohen

I am not licensed to practice in India, so I cannot speak to the laws there - but if you were sued in a different state in the United States, you would want an attorney who is licensed in the state where you are being sued. I would guess that the same logic applies in India...

How to become a lawyer in India?

The first step to becoming a lawyer in India is completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) course. There are two types of LLB courses available in India: an integrated 5-year program and a 3-year program that you can pursue after completing graduation.

What is the Bar Council of India?

Holding, an essential position in the Indian Judiciary System, the Bar Council of India is a legal body representing and regulating the Indian Bar. The Bar Council of India Act, 1926 unites different grades of legal practicing and enables different court bars to function as a self- governing body or entity. The Bar Council of India is responsible for planning, prescribing and implementing issues with respect to legal education, professional conduct, and qualification measures for legal enrolment, legal ethics, professional control and disciplinary jurisdiction above the bar. The act majorly reserves the rights for enrolment of legal professionals for practicing law as Advocates in Indian Court. The Bar Council of India also keeps the stake in granting recognition to only those law universities whose students’ qualifications will be accepted in the eyes of the Indian Judicial System.

What should I do after getting enrolled in law school?

After getting enrolled, first look for a Guru, a good lawyer that can help you learn the basics of the practical side of the law which no book or law college can teach you. Remember, it is the most crucial stage and your primary focus at this stage should be on learning and not on making money.

Can I become an advocate after LLB?

We often use the terms lawyer and advocate interchangeably, however, there is a difference between the two. After completing your LLB course, you become a lawyer. However, you are still not an advocate. To become an advocate, you will have to enrol yourself with any State Bar Council and clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) as explained above.

Can I become a lawyer after I graduate?

After you become a lawyer, you can set up your law office, and practice independently. However, most law graduates first practice under another experienced lawyer to gain practical experience and learn the tricks of the trade before they start practicing alone. Depending on your chosen area of specialization, you can become a civil lawyer, criminal lawyer, corporate lawyer, income tax lawyer, etc.

Can foreign nationals practice law in India?

To be eligible to practice law in India, a person has to be an Indian citizen and have graduated with a law degree from an Indian university. Foreign nationals are only allowed to practice law in India if the national’s home country allows Indian lawyers to practice there.

Can foreign lawyers practice law?

The court held that foreign lawyers may not engage in the practice of law in the form of litigative work. However, they may engage in arbitration proceedings if the case pertains to international commercial arbitration.

image

State-Specific Regulations—New York

California Requirements

  • Like New York, the California State Bar has relatively liberal admission standards for foreign lawyers. In fact, it might be even easier to sit for the bar exam here than it is in New York. Foreign-trained lawyers who have been admitted to practice law in a jurisdiction outside the U.S. are often eligible to take the bar exam in California without ...
See more on thebalancecareers.com

Other States

  • Foreign-trained lawyers can gain admission to the bar in 34 other jurisdictions as well, all with varying rules. In almost all cases, the ABA must first review and approve your foreign law degree. This can take a year or more. You can sit for that state's bar if the ABA gives you a nod of approval and you meet the state's other requirements. Only Vermontrecognizes foreign law degrees with …
See more on thebalancecareers.com

Go Back to School If Necessary

  • Completing the specified graduate education in your area of study should be high on your priority list in the states where only an LLM is required. The states that allow foreign-trained attorneys to sit for the bar exam after earning an LLM require specific courses and subjects covered, so look up the requirements in each state before settling on an LLM program. Some states offer acceler…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

The Bar Exam

  • The bar exam typically takes place over two days. The first day is a multiple-choice test covering laws that aren't necessarily unique to any one state. The second day's test focuses on the law in the state in which you want to practice. Most states require that you pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam as well. Law school studies in the U.S. are rigorous, and stude…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

If You Don't Become An Attorney

  • You can also use your foreign law degree in a number of ways withoutbecoming a fully-admitted state bar member. One common option is to become a foreign legal consultant (FLC). An FLC is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have foreign legal consultant rules in place. There are also …
See more on thebalancecareers.com