Maybe you are considering becoming a lawyer, or maybe you are already in law school and curious about how to become a licensed attorney, or maybe you are just curious about the process of getting admitted to practice law in Florida. No matter the reason you are here, welcome to our blog! Read on to learn how to get admitted to practice law in Florida.
Do You Need a Law Degree to Practice Law in Florida?
Yes, having a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an ABA-accredited law school is one of the necessary requirements for admission to The Florida Bar. Admission to The Florida Bar is required to become a licensed attorney in Florida.
What are the Requirements for Law School in Florida?
In order to get into a law school in Florida you must have a bachelor’s degree. You will be required to take the LSAT to be admitted to law school as well.
Can You Practice Law in Florida Without a License?
It is illegal to practice law in Florida without a license. In order to become a licensed attorney in Florida, you must be admitted to The Florida Bar. Admission is recommended by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. Practicing law in Florida without a license is a third-degree felony. Violators may face up to 5 years of prison time, up to 5 years of probation, and/or up to $5000 in fines. Florida courts may also require the payment of restitution to victims of unauthorized law practice.
How Do You Get Sworn into The Florida Bar?
In order to be sworn in, an applicant has to pass the General Bar Exam, the MPRE, and the Florida Board of Bar Examiners’ background investigation. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, and your character is cleared by the Board, you can get admitted to The Florida Bar. Once your admission is recommended, you can be sworn in during an induction ceremony or by any judge, notary, or person who is authorized to administer oaths of office. (They do not have to be located in the state of Florida.)
How Do You Get Admitted to Practice Law in Florida?
There are several steps to getting admitted to practice law in Florida.
- Get a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). This can be done during law school, but it can also be completed within 25 months of completing the General Bar Exam.
- Pass the General Bar Examination which includes the Florida Bar Exam and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE).
- Pass the Florida Board of Bar Examiners’ Character and Fitness screening and investigation.
Conclusion
The steps to admittance to The Florida Bar are fairly straightforward. However, the process doesn’t always run as smoothly or come as easily as we would like. If you need guidance in your journey to getting admitted to practice law in Florida, Elizabeth S. Conan, Attorney at Law can help. As a member of The Florida Bar and a former Florida Bar staff lawyer, Elizabeth has the expertise and unique knowledge to provide the best advice to help you achieve your dream of becoming a licensed Florida attorney!