Final answer:
Lawyers can practice in jurisdictions where they are not licensed by being admitted pro hac vice, working on matters of federal law, being part of reciprocal agreements between states, or advising on federal regulations. To become a fully practicing attorney, one often needs to excel academically and pass the state bar exam.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are specific conditions under which a lawyer may practice in a jurisdiction where they are not licensed. One common scenario involves a lawyer being granted pro hac vice admission, which allows them to practice in a jurisdiction on a temporary basis, typically for a specific case and with the sponsorship of a local lawyer who is licensed in that jurisdiction. Another possibility is for a lawyer to work on matters of federal law, which can sometimes be practiced in state courts or appear in federal court if the lawyer is admitted to practice before that court.
It is also important to recognize that some lawyers may be allowed to practice in multiple states if those states have reciprocal agreements, or if the lawyer has passed a common bar exam used by multiple states, such as the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). Moreover, certain legal work, like advising clients on federal laws or regulations, does not necessarily require being licensed in the state where the client resides.
However, becoming a fully practicing attorney generally requires excellence in educational endeavors, exemplified by the need to perform well on the SAT and maintaining an impressive transcript, as well as graduating from law school and passing the state bar exam. While there are examples of success without traditional academic paths, the legal field often requires formal credentials and state-specific licensure.