If you come from a country that practises civil law (where a written legal code holds sway), then you must first spend a year getting a Master of Laws at an American university.

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A. in Natural Sciences and a Master of Health Sciences in Biostatistics from the Johns Hopkins University, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore, and a Master of Laws in Securities Regulation from the Georgetown University Law Center.

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Every lawyer admitted to the bar in your state is technically qualified to practice law but they may have also obtained a specialization, a credential like the AEP designation (Accredited Estate Planner), or an LLM (Master of Laws) in an area like tax law.

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