12 Professional Licenses Required by State and How to Start

3. Attorney / Lawyer

A state law license authorizes you to represent clients in that state’s courts and provide legal advice under state law. The usual route is law school graduation, passing the state bar exam, and a character and fitness review that looks at your background and honesty. Many states require a Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) in addition to the bar exam. Some states allow admission by reciprocity or motion when you have practiced for a set time elsewhere, but rules differ widely; a few require additional coursework or an ethics exam. Bar associations also set continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for ongoing practice. If you plan to move, check whether your destination state participates in reciprocal admission or grandfathering agreements. For exact steps—application forms, required affidavits, fingerprinting rules, and fee schedules—consult the state bar or the official state judicial licensing page.