Practicing law is a prestigious career in every country. In China, it is strongly recommended to practice law in your home country after getting your juris doctorate. If you do this, you gain more experience and background in the legal industry and have a better chance at making a good first impression.On Sept. 19, according to the China Travel Guide website, a record 410,000 examinees took the two-day National Judicial Examination, China's equivalent of the bar exam. The process requires multiple months of studying and an enormous amount of preparation.

For U.S. Citizens

Ace your LSATs. The LSAT is a test that you must take before applying to law school. The test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions that range from reading comprehension to analytical reasoning and logical reasoning questions. Receive a 175 out of 180 or higher to get into the top law schools, such as Harvard University or Yale University. In addition, receive excellent recommendations, top grades in your undergraduate class and write an excellent entrance essay to help you receive acceptance into a prestigious law program.

Go to a law school that specializes in Chinese legal studies. Attending a top-tier Chinese law program, such as Yale University, Indiana University and Columbia University, can prepare you for your Chinese law career. Understanding and studying Chinese law at an American university will help you get a job in the Chinese legal system.

Practice in the U.S. After graduating, gain more experience in U.S. law, then go to China to pursue law. Chinese law firms are more likely to hire you if you have an American legal education and American law experience. In addition, practicing U.S. law for two years can help you ease back into it, if you ever want to transition back into U.S. law.

Find a suitable law firm. Law firms such as Anderson & Anderson LLP, Robin Bridge & John Liu and Alderson Campbell are reputable firms where you can build a career in Chinese law.

For Chinese Citizens

Attended a Chinese law program. Universities, such as China University of Political Science and Law, East China University of Politics and Law and Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Law can prepare you in Chinese law and for the National Judicial Exam. Receive top grades in your high school class and write an excellent entrance essay to gain admission to a top Chinese law program.

Apply for the National Judicial Examination. Apply with an original and a copy of your education certificate, an original and a copy of personal identification, three recently taken 1-nch full-faced photos and a temporary residence permit card.

Pass the National Judicial Examination. Write four essays that test you on legal topics, such as theoretical law, legal ethics, criminal law, administrative procedural law, civil law, commercial law and other cases. The score needed to pass the exam fluctuates from year to year.

Work for a top law firm. Firms such as Duan & Duan Law Firm, Robin Bridge & John Liu and King & Wood are reputable places to practice Chinese law.