Legal Education in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico — The only public law school in Puerto Rico — ABA-accredited since 1945 and the highest-ranked law school on the island. Instruction primarily in Spanish.

San Juan, Puerto Rico — ABA-accredited since 1969 — the largest law school in Puerto Rico with day and evening JD programs. Bilingual instruction.

Ponce, Puerto Rico — Catholic law school in southern Puerto Rico — ABA-accredited JD program with a strong emphasis on civil law and ethics.

San Juan, Puerto Rico — Regionally Accredited — Associate and certificate programs in paralegal studies available through multiple Inter American University campuses across Puerto Rico.

Free six-week introductory steno program — Puerto Rico has no in-territory court reporting training programs.

Court-connected ADR program operating through the Puerto Rico judiciary — mediation, arbitration, and facilitation services available in Spanish and English.

National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the only legal nurse consultant credential accredited by ABSNC.

In Puerto Rico, only licensed attorneys may serve as notaries. Candidates must pass the separate notarial law exam administered by the Board of Bar Examiners.

Official admissions body. Puerto Rico does NOT use the UBE — it administers the Reválida, a two-day exam in Spanish (answers accepted in English). Passing score 569/1000.

NCBE overview of Puerto Rico bar exam requirements — 184 multiple-choice questions and 8 essays administered twice yearly. No MPRE required.

Official CLE body — attorneys must complete 24 credits every 3 years, including 4 ethics hours. At least 16 hours must be live/in-person. Notaries need 6 additional notary law credits.

Puerto Rico Bar Association — provides CLE seminars, professional development, and resources for attorneys practicing on the island.

National certifications for legal support staff — ALP, PLS, and CLP credentials available to Puerto Rico residents.