The J.D. degree is an approved law degree in some U.S. jurisdictions (i.e., NY and MA), and is accepted as the equivalent of a degree in law from an accredited U.S. law school in those jurisdictions. This approval means that McGill graduates may proceed through the Bar admission process in those jurisdictions in the same way as their U.S. counterparts, subject to a “Foreign Legal Education Evaluation” process for the New York Bar.

You can obtain information on the Bar examinations of New York and Massachusetts by consulting the following websites:

• The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners: http://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-board-of-bar-examiners.
• The New York State Board of Law Examiners: www.nybarexam.org.

In addition to requiring a recognized law degree, some states require specific pre-law studies in order for a candidate to be eligible to sit state Bar exams. Students contemplating practice in the United States should ensure as early as possible that they will meet the Bar admission requirements of the jurisdiction in which they intend to practise. Further information on a number of jurisdictions is available in the Career Development Office's online resources.