For foreign-educated and domestic lawyers to sit for the California Bar, they must first successfully complete a professional responsibility course “that covers the California Rules of Professional Conduct, relevant sections of the California Business and Professions Code, the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and leading federal and state case law on the subject,” per the Guidelines for Applicants with a Foreign Law Degree.
Our California Professional Responsibility course, offered in an asynchronous online format, allows applicants with a foreign law degree and domestic lawyers to satisfy this requirement. Fully online, this course allows foreign-educated lawyers to balance their professional and personal obligations while fulfilling this necessary requirement to sit for the California Bar.
Taught by Professor Rachelle Holmes Perkins, an expert in the subject area, this course is available now.
Testimonial
“As a full-time working professional, who completed my Juris Doctorate degree outside of the United States, George Mason’s online Professional Responsibility course was the only viable option for fulfilling my dream of being able to sit for the California Bar. This course allowed my dream to come to fruition…I am overwhelmingly satisfied with my choice of enrolling at George Mason for the Professional Responsibility course. Best decision I made!”
- Natalia M (completed course in April 2018; applicant for July 2018 California Bar Exam)
The California Professional Responsibility Course*
- Is a 2 credit course that covers the California Rules of Professional Conduct and relevant sections of the California Business and Professions Code
- Is offered completely online
- Can be started and completed in time for the next California Bar Exam test date
General Enrollment Information
Students attending other law schools may apply to the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University for visiting status. Scalia Law accepts a number of visiting students each semester and for the summer term. Visiting students may not transfer to degree status. Visiting students are subject to the same policies and procedures that apply to degree-seeking students, including the University Honor Code and the Code of Student Conduct. The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)[1] and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS). Information pertaining to ABA required disclosures and consumer protection information can be found on the George Mason University’s ABA Required Disclosures webpage.
State Authorization
As an out-of-state public institution, George Mason University is not under the purview of the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education. Therefore, GMU is in compliance with California regulations to offer online/distance learning programs to California residents.
Student Consumer Protection
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
California State Bar Disclosure
State authorization to provide a program or course related to the preparation for the California Bar Exam does not prove full eligibility. In order to be licensed by the state bar, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including evidence of a legal education, and successful passage of both the California Bar Exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. This Professional Responsibility course helps student students satisfy one requirement for the California bar examination eligibility. George Mason University has received approval to offer this one course for California as an out-of-state public institution. If you are planning to practice law in the state of California, it is highly recommended that you contact the State Bar of California to seek information and guidance before beginning this course.