Accreditation: CBE vs. ABA
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many misconceptions about the differences between CBE and ABA law schools. The fact is, however, graduates of UWLA are qualified to sit for the Bar Examination in California. Those wishing to practice law in California must comply though with the “Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California,” copies of which may be obtained from the State Bar.
Q. Am I limited to practicing law in California if I graduate from a CBE law school?
While the majority of applicants to accredited law schools in California anticipate practicing law in California, members of the California Bar who graduate from CBE law schools and practice law in California, typically for three to five years, are eligible to take the state bar exam in about a third of the other states.
As soon as CBE graduates become members of the California State Bar, they are immediately eligible to become members of the Federal Bar which permits access to California district courts, U.S. Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
If a prospective student intends to practice law outside of California at the state court level, the student should contact the admitting authority in that state for information regarding the legal education requirements for admission to practice law in that state. State Bar websites are an excellent source of this information.
Q. Do CBE and ABA graduates take the same bar exam in California?
The State Bar of California administers the same exam to all qualifying applicants, whether they are California accredited law school graduates or ABA graduates.
Q. Would an ABA graduate be eligible for a “universal” bar exam or license?
No. There is no such thing as a “universal” bar exam or license. Although ABA graduates do not have a waiting period and can take any state bar exam, they are still required to take and pass the bar exam in every state in which they wish to practice law at the state court level.
Q. Do CBE graduates have fewer privileges than ABA graduates when practicing as an attorney?
Graduates from CBE and ABA law schools who become members of the California State Bar have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities in the practice of law in California.
Q. Does UWLA plan on seeking ABA approval in the future?
No. State Bar accreditation standards are rigorous while permitting UWLA to maintain a meaningful level of institutional autonomy, accessibility, and affordability.