Bar Information
State Bar Examination
State Bar Examination: Most states administer the bar examinations the last week of February and the last week of July, with applications due approximately 4 months prior to the exam. Students must be aware of other states submission requirements and deadlines. The National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes an annual guide of the Bar Admission Requirements, please check the state in which you plan to practice for its rules and deadlines.
Amendments to Law School Application
J.D. and LL.M. New York Bar Examination Application
New York administers the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). For more information, please visit the UBE page from the New York Board of Law Examiners website.
The application period for the February examination is November 1st through November 30th, and the application period for the July examination is April 1st through April 30th. You must file your application with the New York State Board of Law Examiners (NYS BOLE). View NYS Bar exam applications and forms.
J.D. and LL.M. New York Bar Certificate of Attendance
Upon applying to sit for the New York Bar Examination, you will be required to complete your Certificate of Attendance form. You should (a) have a copy of your transcript in front of you when you log into the Applicant Service Portal, and (b) give yourself sufficient time to complete these questions before the expiration of the application deadline (April 30th for the July examination and November 30th for the February examination). Do not wait until the last minute to apply for the exam and complete your Certificate of Attendance.
- JD applicants who have questions while completing their Certificate of Attendance should contact the Office of the Registrar ([email protected]) for assistance.
- LLM applicants who have questions while completing their Certificate of Attendance should contact the LLM Office ([email protected]) for assistance.
- Please note, our office cannot certify Certificate of Attendance forms and submit official transcripts (LLM applicants only) until your degree has been conferred. For applicants graduating and applying to sit for the February examination in the same year, we cannot certify or submit your documents until February 1st because February degrees are not conferred until February 1st.
New York State 50 Hour Pro Bono
The requirement must be satisfied before filing an application for admission. Some or all of the 50 hours can be earned after graduation (including after taking the bar exam), but before filing for admission. Read bar admission requirements.
- Memorandum for the 50 Hour Pro Bono Requirement for New York State Bar Admission
- Instructions for Juris Doctor applicants completing curriculum questions on bar exam application
Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE)
New York requires the MPRE. The exam is administered in November, March, and August of each year. Applicants must take and pass the MPRE within 3 years either before or after passing the New York Bar Examination, measured from the date the applicant sat for each exam. Read more information on Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.
New York Law Course and New York Law Exam
In conjunction with the adoption of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) in New York, the State Board of Law Examiners was directed by the Court of Appeals to create an on-line course, known as the New York Law Course (NYLC), and an on-line, open book exam on New York specific law, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE).
As with the MPRE discussed above, a candidate seeking admission in New York must take and pass the NYLC, the NYLE, and earn a passing score on New York’s UBE, prior to being certified to one of our Appellate Division departments for a character and fitness investigation. The NYLE is offered four times a year. Read more information on course materials and sample questions.
Application for Admission to Practice as an Attorney and Counselor-at-Law in the State of New York
Once applicants pass the NYS Bar, the Office of the Registrar will send an email with details on how to submit their (1) Form Law School Certificate and (2) Affidavit as to Applicant’s Compliance with the Skills Competency and Professional Values.
The Registrar's Office will process the Form Law School Certificate and send it to the designated department.