State and explain the requirements that an individual must fulfil to be admitted as an
attorney? (5 marks)
1. Education: In order to become an attorney, an individual must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Following this, they must complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school that is also accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
2. Bar Exam: After completing their education, individuals must pass the bar exam in the state where they wish to practice law. The bar exam tests their knowledge of both state and federal laws, as well as their ability to apply legal principles to practical situations.
3. Character and Fitness: Attorneys must also demonstrate that they possess good moral character and are fit to practice law. This typically involves a thorough background check and review of the individual's professional and personal conduct.
4. Legal Internship: In many states, individuals must complete a period of legal internship, also known as a clerkship, before they can be admitted to the bar. During this time, they work under the supervision of a licensed attorney to gain practical experience in the legal field.
5. Continuing Education: Once admitted to the bar, attorneys are required to complete a certain number of continuing legal education (CLE) credits each year to maintain their license to practice law. This ensures that attorneys stay up-to-date on changes in the law and are able to provide competent legal representation to their clients.