Admission to Practice Law

Persons who are already attorneys in another jurisdiction must go through the same process as non-attorney, except for some applicants under Rule 18 and all applicants under Rule 8F, who need only sit for the Professional Responsibility Examination.

Please note that under Rule 18 if an applicant's jurisdiction requires Washington lawyers to complete or meet other conditions or requirements, the applicant must meet a substantially similar requirement for admission in Washington, as determined by the Board of Governors and the Supreme Court. Some other jurisdictions require that all lawyer applicants take and pass the MPRE. Washington does not administer the MPRE, and MPRE grades from other jurisdictions are not transferable to Washington. Lawyer applicants from jurisdictions requiring the MPRE must take and pass the Washington Professional Responsibility Examination.

What are the qualifications to take the bar exam?

Generally, the qualifications to take the bar exam are that the applicant be of good moral character, and that he or she present satisfactory proof of either:

Graduation from an ABA approved law school;

OR

Admission to the practice of law by examination, together with current good standing, in any state or territory of the U.S. or the District of Columbia or any jurisdiction where the common law of England is the basis of its jurisprudence, and active legal experience for at least three of the five years immediately preceding the filing of the application;

OR

Completion of the Law Clerk Program. [See Rule 6 of the Admission to Practice Rules (APR).]

What is Character and Fitness Review?

All applicants are subject to a character and fitness review prior to being allowed to sit for the Washington Bar Exam.

The practice of law is a privilege, not a right. Permission to sit for the bar exam may be withheld pending a hearing before the Character and Fitness Committee.

Regarding character reports: Applicants will be seated without this report if necessary; however, results will not be available until the report is received. If there is a problem we will contact you. However, this does not mean that you will automatically recommended to the Supreme Court for admission to the Bar if you pass the Bar Examination. The Board reserves the right for further evaluation based on all factors before full recommendation to the Court. Applicants who currently reside outside the United States are advised to file early as late filing may cause a delay in notification of your ability to sit. If there is a problem we will contact you.

Once I have passed the bar exam, how do I become an attorney?

You do not become an attorney until a court order admitting you is signed by the Supreme Court.

Any elected judge within the state of Washington may give the Oath of Attorney. If the applicant requires an out-of-state swearing-in, an order must be obtained through the Admissions Department from the Supreme Court. There are several formal swearing-in ceremonies given by county bar associations four to six weeks after the results are posted by the WSBA. This information is included in the letter notifying successful applicants that they have passed the bar exam.

When do I get a bar number?

Bar numbers are issued approximately five to 15 working days after the swearing-in date. Once the Supreme Court signs the order of admission, new admittees are assigned a bar number. You will be mailed a membership card and certificate of membership.

How may I purchase a wall certificate?

Wall certificates may be obtained by sending a copy of your bar card along with $25 to the Clerk, Washington State Supreme Court, P.O. Box 40929, Olympia, Washington 98504-0929. The certificates are hand done by a calligrapher and may take up to six months to be completed.

How may I obtain a replacement bar card?

To obtain a replacement bar card, contact the WSBA Service Center by phone at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA or by e-mail at questions@wsba.org. There is no charge for replacement bar cards. Photo bar cards are also available for a small fee.