All lawyers in New York are required to pass a bar exam that includes multiple-choice questions and essay questions. On passing the bar, one must apply to the Appellate Court to seek entry to the Bar and, after passing the interview with the Character and Fitness Committee, one can practice law in New York. It is essential for a New York-based lawyer to be familiar with the Disciplinary Rule of the Code of Professional Responsibility. According to the New York law, a lawyer who deliberately participates in or conducts false, perjured or fraudulent testimony is subject to Discipline Rule. Every lawyer has the duty to maintain the honor and integrity of his profession.

There are many lawyers in New York. Some lawyers specialize in a single type of law or in one particular category, whereas other lawyers handle a wide range of cases like personal injury cases, bankruptcy cases, real estate cases, insurance cases, family cases (adoption, divorce, alimony) and many more. It is the duty of a New York lawyer to represent his clients zealously, ethically and with due respect to the law. In a state like New York, it might be very difficult for a person to find a lawyer who is devoted to a client's needs and works in an ethical and respectful manner. The easiest way to find a lawyer is to get a reference from family and friends, or search the Yellow Pages or an online directory, or contact the Bar Association of New York. As per the New York City Bar, if a person consults a lawyer because he or his family member is injured, there is no consultation fee.

According to a survey, the topmost law firms in New York are Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz, Cravath, Swaine and Moore, and Sullivan and Cromwell.