Cameron Miranda
To practice law in California, graduates must pass the state's bar exam and attend a swearing-in ceremony, where they are officially accepted into the State Bar of California. The swearing-in ceremony is when graduates are admitted to the practice of law and is the final step before they can begin practicing law. The ceremony can vary in length and procedure depending on the jurisdiction and the number of prospective attorneys. During the ceremony, a licensed attorney or mentor will make a motion to admit the graduate, after which the graduate will take an oath to conclude their admission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony | Live-streamed and uploaded to the Berkeley Law YouTube Channel |
| Attendance | In-person attendance is required to be sworn in |
| Requirements | Completed and signed State Bar oath card, written in black ink |
| Processing Time | It will take several weeks for the California Bar Office to process all the oath cards |
| Oath | "As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy and integrity." |
| Length | Varies based on the number of prospective attorneys and the judge's opening remarks |
| Sponsor | A licensed attorney, family member, friend, or mentor can sponsor you |
| Admission Fee | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Swearing-in ceremony requirements
The swearing-in ceremony is a memorable moment for many new attorneys. It is when you are officially accepted into the legal profession. There are two options for a swearing-in ceremony: public and private. A public, mass swearing-in ceremony is held at a set date and time at a court. All new attorneys are invited, but usually, it will be made up of those closest to that particular court. There may be a limit on the number of guests you can bring.
In contrast, a private swearing-in ceremony is only for you to get sworn in by a judge. Usually, the judge will make arrangements to have their courtroom cleared out for only you, your guests, and your attorney sponsor. A private ceremony guarantees that as many family members as possible can attend and have seats together. However, finding a judge to do a private swearing-in ceremony can be difficult unless you know a judge personally.
If you are unable to attend an in-person ceremony, you may need to arrange to take the oath one-on-one with an authorized official. In California, this can be a notary, state lawmakers, county officers and their deputies, mayors, and the “clerk of any court of record,” but not lawyers. Even a shorthand court reporter is authorized to do it.
For a public ceremony, you must bring your completed and signed State Bar oath card (name, address, telephone number, and law school) to the registration tables at the event. You can also attend without your oath card, but you will not be able to be sworn in.
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The Attorney's Oath
The Attorneys Oath is a critical step in the journey to becoming a practising attorney in California. After years of law school and months of studying for the bar exam, the oath and swearing-in ceremony are the final steps before one is officially licensed to practise law in California.
The Attorneys Oath binds each attorney to specific professional obligations and requires them to uphold and support the laws of their state and country faithfully. It is a mandate for attorneys to practise with professionalism, integrity, and respect, honesty, civility, and dignity. The oath serves as a reminder that attorneys have a duty to comport themselves with these values and work together to achieve a fairer system that represents the needs of their clients.
While each state's oath may vary in wording, they all require lawyers, as officers of the court, to uphold the Constitution of the state in which they seek to practise and, above all, the Constitution of the United States. This is the most important promise a new attorney will make, commanding them to ensure that the supreme law of the land is followed and upheld.
In California, the Attorney's Oath specifically mentions protecting the public and enhancing the administration of justice. The swearing-in ceremony is a requirement to be officially licensed to practise law, and in-person attendance is necessary to be sworn in.
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Admission to the State Bar of California
Additionally, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is a prerequisite for admission to the State Bar of California, as is the case for most other states. While it is recommended that applicants complete a professional responsibility or ethics course before taking the exam, it is not mandatory.
The State Bar of California's Practical Training of Law Students program allows law students to gain certification to provide legal services under the supervision of a qualified attorney.
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The role of a licensed attorney
In the United States, the terms "lawyer" and "attorney" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two roles. Both lawyers and attorneys are formally trained and educated in law, but attorneys are specifically trained to practice law in court, whereas lawyers may take on roles as consultants or advisors. Attorneys are educated in the law, and they act as practitioners in a court of law, acting as advocates and advisors for their clients.
Attorneys are licensed by their state bar association, and they are only permitted to practice law in a state where they have been formally admitted. The process of becoming admitted to practice law typically involves graduating from an accredited law school, obtaining a passing score on the bar exam, and meeting character and fitness criteria.
Attorneys can work in a variety of settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporations. In law firms, attorneys may represent individuals or businesses, and they may specialize in criminal law, civil matters, or litigation. In government, attorneys may work as prosecutors, public defenders, or general counsel, and they may be involved in writing regulations, interpreting laws, and setting up enforcement procedures. In corporations, attorneys may work as in-house counsel, providing legal advice and supporting the organization's business activities.
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The process after the ceremony
The Attorney's Oath concludes with the following:
> "As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy and integrity."
After the ceremony, the oath cards are sent to the California Bar Office, and it will take several weeks for the Bar to process all the oath cards from swearing-in ceremonies across the state. You should allow for a minimum of six weeks after the date of the ceremony to check your enrolment and obtain your bar number. You can do this by checking Attorney Search on calbar.ca.gov.
There may be an admission fee to pay, and you may have to sign paperwork, such as a book of admitted attorneys.
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Frequently asked questions
The oath concludes with: "As an officer of the court, I will strive to conduct myself at all times with dignity, courtesy and integrity."
A licensed attorney or mentor makes a motion to have you admitted to the bar. The judge then grants the motion and formally admits you to the bar after you've taken the oath.
You must bring a completed and signed State Bar oath card (name, address, telephone number, and law school) in black ink. You may also want to bring a camera as there will be a chance for you to take pictures.
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