Law school provides students with a general education in legal principles and methods of inquiry. However, you are only allowed to work as a lawyer after admission to a professional legal association in a particular area. This association is called the “bar.”

To be admitted, candidates must take an extensive exam that covers different topics of national law, as well as state or provincial law. The bar exam also usually includes a section on legal ethics. The bar exam is meant to ensure that new lawyers have the specific skills, knowledge, and professional values expected in a particular area. Most recent law graduates take courses at a private “bar school” to prepare for the exam.