AP Photo / Kirsty Wigglesworth

A reader recently asked me about the education requirements of foreign law students wanting to sit for the California Bar Exam.

Title 4, Chapter 3, Rule 4.26 of the California State Bar rules addresses the legal education required to sit for the California State Bar exam. Rule 4.26 became effective on September 1, 2008. Applicants have three educational options according to these rules:

1. Graduate from an ABA approved law school
2. Demonstrate a legal education
3. Pass or establish exemption from the First Year Law Students' Examination

Of course, foreign students will need to focus on the second prong here and demonstrate that they have met certain requirements. It appears from the rules that the third prong also applies. Foreign students will have to show that they "studied law diligently and in good faith for at least four years in a law school registered with the Committee; in a law office; in a judge’s chambers; or by some combination of these methods; or" you need to have "met the requirements of these rules for legal education in a foreign state or country; and" it appears from the rules that you will also have to pass or establish an exemption from the First Year Law Students' Examination.

This is just my interpretation of these rules. To clarify or to dig a little depper, review the rules here. or contact the California State Bar Admissions Department.

General California State Bar admissions information in Los Angeles: 213-765-1550
General California State Bar admissions information in San Francisco: 415-538-2300
Or you can write a letter: Office of Admissions, The State Bar of California, 1149 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015-2299.