Reciprocity

Admission to the Washington State Bar Association by Lawyers Admitted to Practice in Another Jurisdiction Pursuant to Admission to Practice Rule 18

The Washington Supreme Court has approved a procedure for admission to the bar in the state of Washington for lawyers from other states or territories of the United States or the District of Columbia under conditions substantially similar to the procedures and conditions under which Washington lawyers could be admitted to practice in the corresponding jurisdiction. For example, if a Washington lawyer could be admitted to the bar of another state without taking that state's bar examination, then a lawyer from that state could be admitted to practice in Washington on those same terms.

See the Rules of General Application.

What are the Requirements of Rule 18?

All applicants should read Washington Admission to Practice Rule 18 for full admission requirements under that rule. In summary, to apply for admission under APR 18, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

present satisfactory proof of both admission to the practice of law, together with current good standing, in another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, and active legal experience as a lawyer or counselor at law at the time of the application;

possess the good moral character and fitness requisite for a member of the Bar of the State of Washington;

complete a current approved application form, and submit any other required information or documentation;

establish the terms and conditions under which the other jurisdiction to which applicant is admitted allows the admission of licensed Washington lawyers;

if the state or territory or the District of Columbia that licensed the lawyer applicant 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; and

pay all required fees.

What are the Deadlines?

See Current Bar Exam Schedule and Deadlines

If you are required to sit for the Professional Conduct examination, your completed Rule 18 application must be postmarked 120 days prior to the exam. Applications will be received accompanied with a late filing fee until 5:00 P.M. 50 days prior to the exam. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 50 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXAM.

Allow 16 weeks for applications to be processed through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Applicants required to take and pass the Washington Professional Responsibility Examination must comply with the normal examination deadlines.

Corresponding Jurisdictions

Members of the Washington State Bar Association who wish to waive into other bars:

Idaho State Bar

Oregon State Bar

All other states

Professional Responsibility Examination (PRE)

Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE): 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, administered twice a year in February and July.

What are the application fees?

Application fee for Rule 18 (pending Supreme Court approval):

U.S. Attorneys - $735 ($485 + current investigation fee of $250).

Foreign Attorneys - $985 ($485 + current invetigation fee of $500)
(effective 1/1/05)

How can I get further information?

Further information about the bar exam, such as exam location, special accommodations, and the content of the exam packet, is available at the Bar Exam Schedule and Deadlines page.

Any other questions should be directed to the WSBA Admissions Department at (206) 727-8209, or mailed to the WSBA address. E-mail the Director of Admissions at maryb@wsba.org, or Admission Staff at merryf@wsba.org , gusq@wsba.org or amandaf@wsba.org.