If you have recently completed your 3 Years LLB (Hons) program, the next step is to take a decision whether you want to go for an LLM degree or give the Bar Exam. The Blackstone School of Law which is a recognised institution by the University of London offers a Bar Transfer Course through which you can continue your legal practice and prepare for the bar exam simultaneously. Following are the requirements that you need to check off your checklist while applying for the bar exam:
Eligibility: You need to be a licensed lawyer in Pakistan or any common law jurisdiction with a minimum experience in the field. If you have done LLB or LLM, any Legal Practice Course or Graduate Diploma in Law and have the required experience you can apply for the bar.
Preparation: An application for the bar transfer course if you’re taking one is also given where the application is accessed. For the period of 9-12 months, you will go through advocacy tutorials and workshops for skill development and practice, understand civil and criminal litigation, become an expert in ethics, and finally go through test sessions for your final exams.
Application: Admission to the bar is conducted through the Board of Bar Examiners, of the State where you are applying. You need to take a Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) within 3 years of application for MPRE. Different jurisdictions have different requirements in New York you may take the bar test before or after the NY bar. An IELTS is to be given by the applicant. Application to the bar requires submitting a Character and Fitness application, requirements of each application can vary by jurisdiction. It is a background check on being fit mentally, morally. You need to disclose any criminal, mental health issues, court compliance, financial history and disciplinary records. Once you’re offered a slot you need to confirm it by paying the required fee and your slot for the examination is confirmed.
Test: Depending on your exemptions, you will be required to go to the UK for an examination of Advocacy, Civil Litigation, Criminal Litigation., Professional Ethics, and assignment modules. The number of exams can be reduced if you qualify for more exemptions.
Become a Barrister: You will receive your Call to the Bar after you have passed your required exams. This means you can proudly put the title of “Barrister” with your name in all Common Law jurisdictions, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the UK.
