Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Business
Lawyer Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for lawyer in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Lawyer in New York
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite)
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$177,210 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of 177,210, Lawyers in New York earn 17% above the national median of $151,160. New York ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$177,210Hourly estimate
$85.2017% above national median
Difference: +$26,050
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLawyer Salary Ranking
#3 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 197,790 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 179,050 |
| #3 | New York | 177,210 |
| #4 | Delaware | 172,710 |
| #5 | Colorado | 167,970 |
Nearby States Comparison
Lawyer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $177,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $101,090 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $179,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $159,240 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $158,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $127,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Connecticut | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY, 12201
Phone: 5184744429
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $98,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $101,780 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $102,440 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $167,970 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Lawyer in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Lawyers in New York?
New York lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.
What education do you need to become a Lawyer in New York?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Lawyer licensure in New York.
What is the typical Lawyer salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Lawyers in New York is 177,210.
How does the Lawyer salary in New York compare to the national average?
Lawyers in New York earn 17% above the national median of $151,160, with a state median of 177,210.
How many Lawyers work in New York?
New York employs approximately 91,440 Lawyers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Lawyer license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Department of State / Division of Licensing Services / One Commerce Plaza. Review agency details at https://www.dos.ny.gov/.