Gavin Howe
To practice law in Illinois, one must pass the Illinois Bar Exam, which consists of four exams: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). The Illinois Bar Association provides new lawyers with free membership for one year, along with access to resources and networking opportunities. In 2021, there were 62,720 licensed lawyers practicing in Illinois, with an average annual salary of $158,030. To become a licensed lawyer in Illinois, one must meet specific educational requirements, pass the necessary exams, and gain practical experience through internships or other opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of licensed lawyers practicing in Illinois | 62,720 |
| Average salary of an Illinois lawyer | $158,030 annually |
| Average salary of a lawyer in the Chicago metropolitan area | $163,220 per year |
| Requirements to practice law in Illinois | Pass the Illinois Bar Exam |
| Graduate with a first professional law degree from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school | |
| Pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) | |
| Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) | |
| Pass the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) | |
| Pass the Illinois Bar Examination | |
| Score at least 266 out of 400 points | |
| Apply for admission to the bar | |
| Get sworn in by the Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court | |
| Take a six-hour basic skills course approved by the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board | |
| Complete nine hours of approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits | |
| Possess a JD (Juris Doctor) degree, which is a basic three-year degree | |
| Possess a Foreign Legal Consultant license (for foreign-educated lawyers) | |
| Possess a Rule 717 limited license (valid for 18 months) |
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What You'll Learn
Education requirements
To practice law in Illinois, one must meet certain educational requirements. The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar requires that aspiring lawyers obtain their first professional law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). All ABA-approved law schools require applicants to pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) prior to admission. The LSAT is offered four times a year at testing centers worldwide.
After completing their legal education, aspiring lawyers in Illinois must undertake the state's bar examination. Illinois has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which consists of three mandatory components: the Multistate Performance Test, the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), and the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE). The UBE is a multi-day exam that assesses both practical skills and knowledge of fundamental and federal legal concepts.
In addition to the UBE, aspiring lawyers in Illinois must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) to demonstrate their knowledge of legal ethics. This exam is typically taken during the third year of law school.
For those with a degree from a foreign law school, there is a separate path to becoming licensed to practice law in Illinois. The Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys Rule 715 outlines a process for requesting permission to take the Illinois bar exam. Additionally, Illinois offers a restricted license called the Foreign Legal Consultant, which allows individuals to provide legal services and advice solely on the laws of the foreign country where they are admitted to practice. This license does not permit the interpretation or practice of Illinois or US law.
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Licensing exams
To practice law in Illinois, you must pass the Illinois Bar Exam. This exam consists of four tests: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), a multiple-choice exam containing fundamental and federal legal content; the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), an essay exam with similar content to the MBE; the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), a written exam simulating a real-life legal scenario; and an exam with Illinois-specific essay questions. These exams are developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), which also administers the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), a professional conduct exam usually taken by law students before graduation. To be eligible to take the Illinois Bar Exam, you must receive permission from the Illinois Board of Admissions.
The Illinois Board of Admissions requires that you graduate with your first professional law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). All ABA-approved law schools require that you pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) before admission. The LSAT is offered four times a year at testing centers worldwide.
If you have a degree from a foreign law school, you may request permission to take the Illinois Bar Exam under Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys Rule 715. There is also another license available to foreign-educated lawyers in Illinois: the Foreign Legal Consultant. This license is highly restricted and does not allow the interpretation or practice of Illinois or US law.
After passing the Illinois Bar Exam and becoming a licensed lawyer in Illinois, you will need to take a six-hour basic skills course approved by the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board and nine hours of approved Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.
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Foreign-educated lawyers
To practice law in Illinois, foreign-educated lawyers must meet certain requirements. The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar outlines the process for foreign-educated lawyers to obtain a license to practice in the state. Here are the key steps and considerations:
Rule 715 and the Preliminary Questionnaire (PQ):
The Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys include Rule 715, which applies to graduates of foreign law schools. Rule 715 allows foreign-educated lawyers to request permission to take the Illinois bar exam. The first step is to submit the PQ, which is available on the website of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar. The PQ assesses whether the lawyer meets the threshold requirements, which include:
- Good standing as an attorney or equivalent in their country or any US jurisdiction where admitted to practice.
- Devoting a minimum of 1,000 hours annually to the practice of law in their country or any licensed US jurisdiction for at least 5 of the 7 years immediately prior to the application.
- Obtaining an NCBE (National Conference of Bar Examiners) number.
Provisional Approval and Permission to Sit for the Bar Exam:
Once the PQ is submitted and reviewed, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar will advise whether it has been provisionally approved, disapproved, or if further information is needed. Provisional approval indicates that the applicant may meet the threshold requirements. The next step is to complete a request for permission to sit for the bar exam, which includes submitting additional forms and documents and paying the applicable fee.
Illinois Bar Exam and Licensing Requirements:
The Illinois Bar Exam consists of four exams developed by the NCBE: the Multi-State Bar Examination (MBE), Multi-State Essay Examination (MEE), Multi-State Performance Test (MPT), and Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). To become a licensed lawyer in Illinois, individuals must pass these exams and meet other licensing requirements.
US Juris Doctor (JD) Degree:
Illinois law generally requires foreign-educated lawyers to obtain a US JD degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, accelerated JD programs may allow foreign degree holders to receive partial credit and complete the JD in two years of full-time study. The cost of earning a JD can be significant, often exceeding $100,000 for three years, excluding living expenses. Financial aid may be available for eligible individuals.
Foreign Legal Consultant License:
Illinois offers another license called the Foreign Legal Consultant. This restricted license allows individuals to provide legal services and advice within the state solely based on the law of the foreign country where they are admitted to practice. It does not authorize the interpretation or practice of Illinois or US law.
State-Specific Requirements:
It is important to note that requirements for bar admission and law practice vary from state to state in the US. While some states, like New York, Alabama, and California, recognize foreign law degrees to some extent, others may have different eligibility criteria. Therefore, foreign-educated lawyers should carefully review the specific requirements for Illinois or any other state in which they intend to practice.
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Internships and experience
Aspiring lawyers in Illinois can gain experience through internships with law firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and allow interns to apply their legal knowledge in a practical setting.
Summer Associate Programs
Several organizations in Illinois offer summer associate programs for law students. These programs typically last nine to ten weeks and provide a comprehensive insight into the legal profession. Summer associates may attend practice group meetings, legal education seminars, and gain exposure to different practice areas. They may also be involved in preparing research memos, drafting legal filings, and assisting with ongoing cases. Summer associate roles are often geared towards students pursuing advanced degrees, such as MBAs or JDs, providing them with a platform to apply their knowledge in finance, economics, and litigation.
Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)
The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) offers a unique opportunity for law students to work with public interest law agencies in Illinois. This paid internship program provides a stipend for summer, fall, and spring internships, allowing students to gain experience while earning an income. Interns can also receive law school credit for their work if approved by their law school and the agency.
Office of the State Appellate Defender
The Office of the State Appellate Defender in Illinois offers full-time and part-time internships throughout the year. Interns work alongside experienced attorneys on criminal appeals, drafting briefs and petitions for the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court. They may also assist in preparing for oral arguments and conducting legal research. This internship is well-suited for law students who possess strong research, writing, and communication skills, providing them with valuable experience in the criminal justice system.
FBI Special Agent
For those interested in a career combining law and federal law enforcement, the FBI offers a unique path as a Special Agent with legal expertise. This role allows individuals to apply their knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, or regulatory compliance to investigate issues in national security, public corruption, organized crime, and civil rights matters. FBI Special Agents with legal backgrounds contribute to interpreting statutes, advising on investigations, and ensuring justice is served in complex cases.
Other Opportunities
In addition to the above, aspiring legal professionals in Illinois can explore a range of other internship opportunities. For example, organizations like A Safe Place offer legal advocacy internships, providing frontline experience in standing beside survivors seeking justice. Additionally, students can seek out resources to enhance their employability, such as resume-building services and interview preparation guidance, to increase their chances of securing internships and gaining valuable experience in the legal field.
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Illinois Bar admission
To become a licensed lawyer in Illinois, you must gain admission to the Illinois Bar. Here is a step-by-step guide to gaining admission to the Illinois Bar:
Education Requirements
To be eligible to take the Illinois Bar Exam, you must first graduate with a professional law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). All ABA-approved law schools require you to pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) before admission.
Illinois Bar Exam
The Illinois Bar Exam consists of four exams:
- Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) – a multiple-choice exam containing fundamental and federal legal content.
- Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) – an essay exam with content similar to the MBE.
- Multistate Performance Test (MPT) – a written exam simulating a real-life legal scenario.
- Illinois Essay Questions – an exam with Illinois-specific essay questions.
The first three exams are developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), while the fourth is developed by the Illinois Bar.
Additional Exam
In addition to the above, you must also take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), which assesses your knowledge of legal ethics. This exam is usually taken before graduation from law school, but you can take it after graduation with special approval.
Admission to the Bar
Once you have passed the Illinois Bar Exam, you can apply for admission to the Illinois Bar. To do so, you must submit an application to the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar, along with specified certificates, affidavits, and other proofs, as well as a $100 application fee. You must also receive certification of good moral character and general fitness to practice law by the Committee on Character and Fitness. After your application is approved, you will be sworn in by the Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.
Foreign-Educated Lawyers
If you have a degree from a foreign law school, you may still be eligible to take the Illinois Bar Exam. Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys Rule 715 explains the process for requesting permission to take the exam. There is also a restricted license available for foreign-educated lawyers called the Foreign Legal Consultant, which allows you to "render legal services and give professional advice within the State only on the law of the foreign country where the foreign legal consultant is admitted to practice."
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Frequently asked questions
You need to have a first professional law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). All ABA-approved law schools require you to pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) before admission.
You need to pass the Illinois Bar Exam, which is made up of four tests: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
Foreign-educated lawyers can apply for a restricted license called the Foreign Legal Consultant. This allows you to "render legal services and give professional advice" based on the laws of the country where you are admitted to practice, but not to interpret or practice Illinois or US law. Alternatively, you can apply for permission to take the Illinois Bar Exam.
Once you've passed the Illinois Bar Exam, you can apply for admission to the bar and be sworn in by the Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. You'll also need to take a six-hour basic skills course and nine hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.
