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State Bar Information

Coronavirus Updates

  • The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) shares updated information about the July 2020 bar exam online. Click here for the most recent updates about individual jurisdictions.
  • In addition to preparing materials for a July bar exam, the NCBE will make bar exam materials available for two fall administrations in 2020: September 9-10 and September 30-October 1. Each jurisdiction will determine whether to offer the exam in July, in early September, or in late September.
  • Connecticut: July exam postponed until Fall 2020.
  • Hawaii: July exam postponed until Fall 2020.
  • Massachusetts: July exam postponed until September 30-October 1, 2020.
  • New Jersey: July exam postponed until Fall 2020.
    • 2020 law school graduates who have not yet taken the bar exam will be able to temporarily practice law under the supervision of attorneys in good standing who have been licensed for a minimum of three years, provided that certain conditions are met. Graduates must apply to take the first exam scheduled after graduation, or qualify for a single extension, and must earn certification from the Supreme Court Committee on Character before they can practice law. Click here for more details.
  • New York: July exam postponed until September 9-10, 2020.
    • April 6 update: The examination will be rescheduled to WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9-10, 2020. The application period for the rescheduled examination is presently scheduled to open on May 5, 2020 at 12:00 AM and to close on May 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
    • The Law School successfully filed a petition with the New York Court of Appeals and was granted a programmatic waiver of its distance learning restrictions on behalf of all Penn Law students for Spring 2020. This approval means that our necessary switch to remote learning will not impact any J.D. or L.L.M.’s eligibility to sit for the New York state bar.
  • Pennsylvania: The deadline for the “timely” application fee for the July 2020 exam (the lowest fee offered) has been extended from April 15 to the May 30 application deadline.
  • Vermont: July exam postponed until TBD.
Bar Admission Overview

During law school, a student evolves from educational consumer to legal professional. An important part of this transition is taking ownership of the professional obligations inherent in becoming and remaining a licensed attorney. 

In order to obtain a license to practice law, law graduates must apply for bar admission in the state(s) where they wish to practice. The bar exam is offered twice a year in most jurisdictions, in July and in February. It is important that you: 

(1) research and understand the unique licensure requirements of the jurisdiction,

(2) thoroughly review and complete all necessary forms in compliance with any applicable deadlines,

(3) communicate directly with the state board of bar examiners to resolve any questions related to the bar examination, licensing, and continuing legal education (“CLE”) requirements,

(4) register and sit for the MPRE and state bar examination. Rules vary dramatically from state to state, and you should carefully review the requirements of the state bar examiners where you plan to sit for the bar (links to the MPRE and state board of bar examiners’ sites are below).

(5) satisfy the jurisdiction’s Character and Fitness qualifications for admission. Each jurisdiction’s bar admissions process contains a character and fitness review, which will require full disclosure of past conduct relevant to one’s fitness to practice law. Should you have any questions about the character and fitness portion of the application process, please contact the Dean of Students, Felicia Lin, at stuaffairs@law.upenn.edu .

Bar Admission Resources

National Conference of Bar Examiners  - find detailed jurisdictional requirements, including dates and deadlines, testing requirements, and character and fitness information. 

American Bar Association  - provides a helpful overview of the bar admission process.

Bar Review Courses - many law graduates take a commercial bar review course beginning in May after graduation.  The Law School does not endorse any particular company but encourages you to research which company is the best option for you. You can speak with fellow alumni, your employer, and bar review company representatives.  

Forms

If the bar examiners requires that the Law School complete a Law School Certificate or Deans Certification form, please submit your form into the Registrar’s Office or send the form to the following address:

The Registrar’s Office
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Room GK-103D
3501 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6204

If the bar also requires that we submit a copy of your law school application or other pertinent information, please request this at the time of the submission of your bar form.

Additionally, the Registrar’s Office can notarize any required forms or documents.

There is no fee for the completion of bar forms and supporting documents. However, if the bar requires an official copy of your transcript, you will need to include $10.00 (cash or check) for each transcript. Checks should be made payable to the “University of Pennsylvania.”

State Bar Examiners Web Sites

As state specific information is variable, all law students should consult the board of law examiners in the jurisdiction(s) in which they are likely to practice law. First-year J.D. students may be able to reduce their fees by registering with certain Bars early in their law school careers. Upper class and LL.M. students should carefully observe all deadlines, fee payments, and other requirements for registering for and taking bar exams. Links to the bar examiner web sites are below.

     

Updates: