Most U.S. states require applicants to hold a JD degree to seek admission to the Bar. The State Bar of California includes attorneys who have been educated abroad.CA Bar accepts applicants with foreign licenses. You do not need a JD or LLM. The following states or jurisdictions have reciprocity with Pennsylvania. Applicants must meet the requirements of Rule 204 to qualify. About half of the 50 States have reciprocity with each other, which allows lawyers in those States to avoid taking the other State's bar exam. In California, a foreign lawyer must complete an additional 20 credits of study in an LL.M. Program, including instruction in bar-tested subjects. There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia. Pro hac vice admission in California requires a California bar member to serve as the attorney of record in the case.