What Does Bar Stand for in the Bar Exam or Bar Association?
Gregg Hollander | January 4, 2022 | Personal Injury
Most people know that attorneys in the United States must pass a qualifying examination called the “bar.” However, most people are unsure about what this term means and what the implications are for the practice of law.
There are many theories about what the term “bar” means. For instance, one false hypothesis is that “bar” is an acronym for “British Accredited Registry.”
Those who mistakenly believe this theory think that all U.S. attorneys have secretly pledged their allegiance to Britain. No matter where this theory began, it is completely false.
Below, we will examine the actual origins of the term “bar” in relation to American legal practice.
What is the Bar Exam?
The bar exam is the test prospective lawyers have to pass in order to become licensed in their state. You can still work in some areas of the law without passing the bar exam, but you won’t be able to represent clients in court.
Each state has its own bar exam and list of licensing requirements for lawyers. In order to practice law in a specific state, you have to get licensed there. Just because you passed the bar exam in California doesn’t mean you’ll be allowed to practice law in Ohio.
Luckily, most states these days accept the Uniform Bar Exam. The UBE is a form of the bar exam that covers legal questions common to most states. Once you pass this exam, you’ll be licensed in any state that accepts the UBE.
It is important to note, however, that many states have additional licensing requirements beyond the bar exam. You’ll need to check on the requirements for each state where you want to practice law.
What Does “Bar” Stand For?
What is the Bar? The meaning term “bar” refers to the partition or railing that separates the legal professionals from those watching the trial or other proceedings.
Those on the inside of the bar include:
- Judges
- Attorneys
- Juries
- Plaintiffs and defendants
Why is it Called the Bar?
Is the Bar an abbreviation? In Britain, legal professionals were known as “barristers.” They were summoned to the “bar” to advocate for the interests of their clients during legal proceedings.
In modern times, the “bar” is an association of lawyers who are licensed to practice. This is very similar to the term “bench,” which is associated with judges.
Lawyers who pass the bar exam are licensed to practice within their particular jurisdiction. Going to law school is not sufficient for becoming a licensed attorney or bar member.
Each state in the country determines specific requirements for attorneys who wish to practice. States also disallow attorneys from representing clients without the proper licensing.
Some states, including Florida, charge individuals with a felony for practicing law without a proper license.
How Do Attorneys Join the Florida Bar Association?
In order to join the Florida Bar, lawyers must have a degree from an accredited law school. This degree is known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) or a Juris Doctor.
To be licensed, attorneys must also pass the Florida Bar Exam. An attorney’s success or failure on this exam is entirely separate from their law school performance.
Those who apply for the Florida Bar must also offer evidence of upstanding moral character.
They must prove that they will uphold the standards and values of a practicing legal professional. This is demonstrated by the oath that bar applicants recite upon admission.
When you need a legal representative, it is vital to ensure that your lawyer is licensed to practice in the state of Florida. The Florida Bar Association maintains an exhaustive list of all of the licensed attorneys in the state.
Check this site for any attorney that you are thinking about hiring. Attorneys are required to uphold a professional standard of behavior. Make sure to read reviews from former clients for any legal expert that you might want to work with.
Hiring a Legal Specialist
Even if you know that you should hire a licensed attorney, you might be unsure about what type of lawyer to contact. Many people believe that all lawyers have the same skills and knowledge base.
This view is mistaken. In fact, different attorneys focus on different areas of U.S. legal practice.
You should look for a lawyer specializing in the type of case you hope to file. For instance, you should contact a personal injury attorney after a car accident.
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases include:
- Dog bite accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Boating accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical malpractice cases
- Wrongful death lawsuits
- Nursing home abuse
- And more
Regardless of the type of accident you have experienced, it is important to speak with an accomplished personal injury attorney.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in South Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873
