Information & Applications » Admission by Motion / Reciprocity » Application Steps
If you have previously been admitted to practice in another jurisdiction, please read Rule 5.5 to help you avoid the Unauthorized Practice of Law. See also Rule 14-802.
GETTING STARTED
Review Rule 14-705- Admission by Motion.
STEP 1 – RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS
Read the Rules Governing Admission and all web pages listed under “Information” on the Admissions Home Page.
STEP 2 – DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
Under Utah’s Rules of Admission, among other requirements, an applicant for admission by motion must show by clear and convincing evidence that the applicant:
- Has been admitted by bar examination to practice law before the highest court of a US state, territory, or the District of Columbia;
- Holds a JD from an ABA-Approved law school;
- Has been licensed and engaged in the practice of law for at least 80-hours a month for 36 of the previous 60 months in a reciprocal jurisdiction;
- Is a member in good standing in all jurisdictions where currently admitted.
Review the Rules Governing Admission to ensure you understand all of the requirements for your applicant type. If you do not qualify for admission on motion, you may qualify for admission by UBE transfer or examination.
STEP 3 – REGISTER AND COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION
Create an online account and complete the required online application.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE THE CHARACTER AND FITNESS QUESTIONNAIRE
Applicants for admission to the Utah State Bar must complete a character and fitness questionnaire and request a character and fitness report from the NCBE. Applicants will receive a link to request the character and fitness report directly from the NCBE. Please review the NCBE Investigations website for more information regarding additional fees.
STEP 5 – PHOTO
Obtain and upload a passport-style photograph that can be used for identification purposes.
This photograph will used on your bar card. It must be in color, it must be recent (within the last year) and it must be different from your government ID (i.e. do not scan your driver’s license or passport).
STEP 6 - NOTARIZATION
Upload a signed and notarized Applicant Verification Form and Authorization and Release.
STEP 7 – FEES
Pay the application fee.
$850 for applicants for admission on motion.
STEP 8 – CLICK THE FINAL SUBMIT BUTTON
After conducting a final review of your application to ensure it is complete and accurate and that you have complied with all instructions, click the Final Submit button.
The date you click the Final Submit button is the date your application is considered FILED. If the Admissions Office finds you have clicked the Final Submit button and your application is not complete, you may be subject to additional fees or your application may be rejected.
POST-SUBMISSION
STEP 9 – MPRE SCORE REPORT
Request a copy of your MPRE score report be sent to the Bar.
MPRE scores are deemed valid only if transferred to the Utah State Bar directly from the MPRE testing authority. Please visit the NCBE’s website for information on requesting the transfer of your score to Utah.
All Applicants are required to receive a scaled score of 86 on the MPRE before admission. Applicants who do not have the required score on the MPRE must retake the exam and submit the passing score to Utah. The MPRE is administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Any questions about registration, content or study helps should be directed to the NCBE. Please see the NCBE’s website for more information.
STEP 10 – EMAIL
Check your email and your online account regularly for announcements and correspondence. Respond promptly if the correspondence requests anything from you.