Non-bar J.D. (three-years program) + ABA LL.M.

Is this still a viable option to qualify one to take CA Bar?

 

Unlikely.

Perhaps you might want to contact the CA State Bar and ask?

 

I agree. This seems like a very risky endeavor. If you do choose to pursue this be ABSOLUTELY SURE that you have written confirmation from the bar that they will accept it.

 

Why would you get a non-Bar JD if you wanted to take the Bar Exam? Why not simply go for the Bar-qualifying JD?

 

Exactly.

 

I imagine that the idea behind this is that one can theoretically hold two degrees (non-bar J.D. + ABA LLM) in the same time that one can hold only the bar J.D. Also, over the years there has been discussions that indicated that a graduate of an ABA LLM program could be bar eligible in states other than California. I am unaware of this still being the case as I seem to recall some states recently closing this loophole.

In short, it would seem that the best course of study would in most (if not every) case would be to simply go for the bar qualifying degree.

 

I agree.

JDs and LLBs are professional degrees and designed for "practising" the law. A LLM, on the other hand, is not a requirement for membership of a bar council, law society or state bar.

Incidently, I've never come across a person with a non-bar JD and a ABA-approved LLM who is a member of a bar or law society.