New York State, with its bustling courts, powerhouse law firms, and iconic skyline, stands as a premier destination for aspiring attorneys. As of 2025, the state boasts over 187,000 practicing lawyers, making it one of the most competitive and rewarding legal markets in the U.S. The median salary for attorneys here hovers around $164,000 annually, climbing to $180,000 in New York City alone, reflecting the high-stakes environment of finance, media, and corporate litigation. But breaking into this elite field—and rising to the ranks of top attorneys—demands dedication, strategic planning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This guide outlines the rigorous path to becoming a licensed attorney in New York, while highlighting the qualities and strategies that propel professionals to the pinnacle of success, as exemplified by the state’s leading legal minds.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The foundation of your legal career begins with a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. New York does not mandate a specific major, but programs in political science, history, philosophy, English, or economics provide a strong base for law school. Aim for a competitive GPA—ideally 3.5 or higher—to stand out in law school applications. During this phase, cultivate critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills through internships at law firms, public interest organizations, or government offices. Top attorneys like Ben Rubinowitz, ranked #1 on the 2025 New York Metro Super Lawyers list for personal injury law, often credit early exposure to real-world legal challenges for shaping their careers. Networking at events hosted by the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) can also plant seeds for future mentorships.
Step 2: Excel on the LSAT
Next, conquer the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), a half-day exam testing reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Scores range from 120 to 180, with top New York law schools like Columbia or NYU requiring medians of 170-175. Prepare rigorously through courses from providers like Khan Academy or BARBRI, dedicating 3-6 months to study. A stellar LSAT score not only secures admission but signals the intellectual rigor prized by elite firms. For aspiring top attorneys, this step is a gateway to prestigious programs where connections are forged—much like how Howard S. Hershenhorn, a Top 10 Super Lawyer in 2025, leveraged his time at Fordham Law to build a 20-year legacy in trial advocacy.
Step 3: Graduate from an ABA-Accredited Law School
Enroll in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited school, a three-year commitment of full-time study. New York hosts 15 such institutions, including powerhouses like Harvard (with a strong NYC alumni network), Yale, and locals like New York University School of Law or Cornell Law School. Tuition can exceed $70,000 annually, but scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for public interest work ease the burden. Focus on excelling in core courses like contracts, torts, and constitutional law, while pursuing clinics or externships for hands-on experience. To aim for the top, seek leadership roles in moot court or law review—hallmarks of attorneys like David Scher of Block O’Toole & Murphy, a 2025 Best Lawyers in America honoree for personal injury, who honed his skills clerking for New York Supreme Court justices during law school.
Step 4: Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
Before or after law school, take the MPRE, a two-hour, 60-question ethics exam administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. A scaled score of 85 is required in New York. Study resources from the ABA or free guides from the Conference of Bar Examiners are invaluable. This test underscores the ethical backbone of the profession, a trait distinguishing top attorneys who, like RoseAnn C. Branda of Abrams Fensterman—named a Top 100 Super Lawyer in 2025—prioritize integrity in high-profile family law cases.
Step 5: Complete the New York Law Course (NYLC) and New York Law Exam (NYLE)
New York’s unique requirements include the online NYLC, a 15-hour course on state-specific law, followed by the 90-minute, open-book NYLE. You must pass the NYLE with a 30 out of 50 score within three years of completing the NYLC. These elements ensure familiarity with New York’s nuanced rules, from real property to matrimonial law. Top performers integrate this knowledge early, as seen in the practices of firms like Bond, Schoeneck & King, whose 2025 Best Lawyers include six NYC attorneys excelling in labor and employment law.
Step 6: Pass the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)
The capstone is the two-day UBE, adopted by New York since 2016, comprising the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Administered in February and July, it tests broad legal knowledge; a minimum score of 266 qualifies you. With 14,354 examinees in 2024, competition is fierce—pass rates hover around 70% for first-timers. Bar prep courses are essential; many top attorneys, such as those from Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf (with 12 on the 2025 Super Lawyers list), attribute their early successes to mastering these exams under pressure.
Step 7: Fulfill Pro Bono and Character Requirements
New York mandates 50 hours of law-related pro bono service for bar admission, emphasizing public service. Additionally, undergo a character and fitness review by the Appellate Division, submitting references and disclosures. This holistic evaluation weeds out those unfit for the bar’s trust. Elite attorneys often exceed this, volunteering with organizations like the NYC Bar Association, mirroring the community focus of figures like Daniel P. O’Toole, whose record-breaking verdicts in personal injury cases stem from a deep commitment to client advocacy.
Step 8: Apply for Admission and Launch Your Career
Within three years of passing the UBE, apply to the NYSBA for formal admission, including a swearing-in ceremony. You’re now licensed to practice in all New York courts. To ascend to “top attorney” status, secure a clerkship with a judge or join a Big Law firm like Skadden or Paul Weiss. Specialize early—personal injury, corporate, or IP—and build a track record of wins. Continuous networking via LinkedIn, CLE courses, and bar events is key. Attorneys like Michael L. Pogue, a 2025 Top Attorney in immigration law, rose by blending niche expertise with client-centric service.
Qualities of Top Attorneys in New York
What separates the exceptional? Resilience in a market projected to grow 11.5% by 2026, innovative use of technology like AI for case management, and unyielding ethics. Diversity is rising, with firms prioritizing inclusive hires. Study icons: Ben Rubinowitz’s trial mastery or Britt L. Anderson’s elder law prowess, both 2025 Best Lawyers. Attend webinars from Super Lawyers or Justia directories for inspiration.
Challenges and Tips for Success
The path isn’t easy—debt, billable hours, and burnout loom large. Mitigate with work-life balance and mentorship. In 2025, remote hybrid models and ESG-focused practices offer new avenues. Tailor your resume to highlight leadership; mock interviews refine your pitch.
Conclusion
Becoming an attorney in New York is a marathon yielding immense rewards: influence, impact, and income. By following these steps and emulating top talents like those on the 2025 Super Lawyers lists, you’ll not just enter the bar—you’ll redefine it. Start today; the Empire State’s legal throne awaits the bold.