The information below provides general guidance for students starting the bar application process.
Each student is responsible for researching the specific exam requirements, application procedures, and deadlines for the jurisdiction where they plan to seek admission.
Application Process
To be licensed to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction, each applicant must apply for admission. Federal court admission is separate and may be granted based on an attorney's active state license.
The bar admission process is different from state to state, but most states require each applicant to at least:
- Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school
- Satisfactory evidence of “character & fitness” to practice law (i.e. background investigation process)
- Pass the jurisdiction’s bar exam.
- Achieve the required score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).
- Be sure to complete the required Professional Responsibility course before graduation.
Bar Related Points of Contact at Miami Law
Student inquiries should be directed as follows:
- Questions about Admission to practice, including the Bar Exam, should be directed to Alexis Martinez, Associate Dean for Lawyering Excellence & Bar Success.
- Questions related to the bar application, including the character and fitness process, as well as amendments to the School of Law application, should be directed to Madeline Raine, Assistant Director of Student Life.
- Questions related to the MPRE should be directed to Professor Jessi Tamayo or your Professional Responsibility professor.
Important Information on the ABA Standards for Distance Learning
An ABA-approved law school may grant up to one-third of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree for distance education courses (see Definitions 7 and 8, and Standards 311 and 511). If a law school wishes to grant more than one-third of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree for distance education courses, it must apply for a substantive change under Standard 105 and Rule 24.2021-2022 ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools Rule 24.
It is important to contact the state Board of Bar Examiners in the jurisdiction if you are interested in being admitted to determine what limitations, if any, distance education will have on your ability to sit for the bar exam. Click here for contact information for all the state board of bar examiners , or refer to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements.
