Updated: March 25, 2022

Lawyer Bar Exam and Licensing

Washington administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) in February and July of each year. The two-day exam is held in Lynnwood and Yakima, Washington. Candidates for the lawyer bar exam must meet all qualifications for taking the exam and are subject to character and fitness review.

 

Admission by Motion and UBE Score Transfer

Lawyers licensed to practice law in other states and territories of the United States may be eligible for Admission by Motion or by Uniform Bar Exam Score transfer to Washington.

Limited Practice for Lawyers

Lawyers licensed to practice law in other U.S. states and territories or outside of the U.S may be eligible for limited licenses to practice in Washington.

  • House Counsel and Multi-Jurisdictional Practice

    Limited license to practice through Washington Supreme Court APR 8(f), and Multi-Jurisdictional practice through Washington Supreme Court RPC 5.5.

  • Pro Hac Vice

    The Washington State Bar Association's limited license for lawyers practicing in a particular case or proceeding.

  • Foreign Law Consultants

    Limited licenses for lawyers only licensed outside the U.S., to advise about the law of their licensing country.

  • Indigent Representation

    Represent indigents while waiting to take the lawyer bar exam, or while their application is pending for admission by motion or UBE score transfer.

 

 

Please Note : All applicants are subject to a character and fitness review prior to being admitted to practice law in Washington.  Factors considered by Admissions staff and Bar Counsel when determining whether an applicant should be referred to the Character and Fitness Board are set forth in Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rules (APR)  20-24.2(a). 

Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, Bylaws and policies.