How does an ordinary mortal become a lodge member?
A. All initial admission “to the bar” is governed by state courts, usually the highest appellate court in that state. The requirements vary somewhat, but most states now require graduation from an accredited law school, a background check, and a passing score on a multiple-day written examination. The degree program at nearly all accredited law schools is a three year (six semesters or nine quarters) course of study. Admission to that accredited program requires prior completion of a bachelor’s degree, typically requiring four school years. Admission to federal and specialty courts generally is conditioned upon being a member in good standing in one or more state courts. Admission to additional state courts may be by passing that state’s written examination (bar exam), or by reciprocity (sometimes called “admission on motion”) for lawyers who have actively practiced in another state for a required number of years. Q. I have heard that, beyond the educational requirements, all lawyers m
