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NEW JERSEY BOARD of BAR EXAMINERS

NEW JERSEY BOARD of BAR EXAMINERS

Independence - Integrity - Fairness - Quality Service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


The following questions are frequently asked about admission to the bar of New Jersey. Each of the questions is linked to the corresponding answer. For complete information, please refer to the New Jersey Supreme Court Rules Governing Admission to the Bar as well as corresponding areas of this website.

No information provided on this website overrides, waives, or amends the provisions of the rules and regulations.

For technical assistance with our website via email or to provide feedback regarding the website, click here.

Admitted Attorneys

Bar Exam: Application

Bar Exam: ILG Exam360 (Laptop Program)

Bar Exam: (Uniform Bar Examination, UBE)

- What are the dates for future exams?
- What is the Uniform Bar Examination?
- When did New Jersey begin administering the UBE?
- What is the UBE testing schedule?
- When are bar examination results released?
- Will I be permitted to use scratch paper?
- Do I need to bring my government ID to the exam?
- Can I type the essay answers?
- When will I receive my site assignments?
- What are the requirements to sit for the New Jersey Bar Examination?
- What UBE score is required to apply for admission in New Jersey?
- I am taking the UBE in another UBE jurisdiction. Can I transfer my score to New Jersey?
- How long will it take to get admitted with a transferred UBE score?
- How do I transfer my UBE score to or from New Jersey?
- If my score was not high enough for admission in the jurisdiction where I sat for the UBE, can I still transfer my score to New Jersey?
- How long does my UBE score remain valid?
- I am taking/took the UBE in another UBE jurisdiction. Can I transfer my score to New Jersey?
- I planned on taking the Pennsylvania (or another state) and New Jersey bar examinations concurrently. Can I still do that?
- I am admitted in another UBE jurisdiction that did not require a Juris Doctor from an American Bar accredited law school. Can I transfer my score to New Jersey?
- I sat in a jurisdiction that administered all components of the UBE – MEE, MPT and MBE but isn’t a UBE state. Can I transfer my score from that jurisdiction to New Jersey?
- Will food be available at the bar examination test sites?

Character and Fitness Questionnaire

General Questions

In-House Counsel

Non-Standard Testing Accommodations (NTA)


Admitted Attorneys


My license has been administratively revoked. How can I get my license reinstated?

The May 30, 2008, Notice to the Bar can be found here.

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How do I get information on Continuing Legal Education?

You can find the Notice to the Bar dated January 27, 2010 here.

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What can I do if I've been administrative revoked?

Administratively revoked attorneys must either go through the bar admission process again, including sitting for the exam and being certified by the Committee on Character, or an attorney may petition the Court.  Information regarding revocation can be found here.

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How do I resign without prejudice?

https://www.njcourts.gov/sites/default/files/forms/11313_resign_wo_prejudice_bar.pdf 

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I have a question about Continuing Legal Education. Who can I contact?

To contact the Board on Continuing Legal Education, call 609-815-2930 or see http://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/attcle.html 

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I have been admitted to the NJ bar and I am applying for admission to another state. How do I get a letter from the NJ grievance committee stating that no charges have been filed against me?

The Office of Attorney Ethics issues these letters.  You must request the letter in writing to: The Office of Attorney Ethics, PO Box 963, Trenton, NJ 08625-0963. Include your name, date of birth, social security number, date of admission to the N.J. State Bar, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. There is no cost for this service. Allow 2 to 3 weeks. The hotline does not answer inquiries about certificates of ethical conduct.

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How do I obtain the forms for a name change?

NAMES CHANGES:  Complete the Name Change form and return it to the address provided.  If you require a new wall license with your new name, please complete and submit the Request for Wall License form, along with a certified check or money order for $40 made payable to Secretary, New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners.

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What else is required for admission in New Jersey with a transferred UBE score?

Applicants seeking admission in New Jersey must fulfill ALL other application and admission requirements, such as proof of graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor, certification by the Committee on Character, and all other requirements of Rule 1:24 and Rule 1:27.

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How do I obtain the forms for an address change?

Please submit your changes on-line through the Attorney Registration page or in writing to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.  They will accept address changes by mail at PO Box 961, Trenton, NJ  08625-0961 or by fax at 609-394-3637.

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How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing?

From the download menu, you will find the Certificate of Good Standing Request Form and appropriate instructions.

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How do I apply for a wall license after being admitted to the New Jersey Bar?

Newly admitted attorneys will receive a wall license order form with their admission materials.  If you did not initially order a wall license when you were admitted, you may order one by completing the Request for Wall License form and sending it to the New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners, P.O. Box 973, Trenton NJ 08625-0973.  Be sure to include a check or money order for $40 payable to the Secretary, New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners.  NOTE:  Wall licenses can take three to four months to be produced.  If you have not received yours after four months please contact bar.mailbox@njcourts.gov for a status update.

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Does New Jersey have reciprocity with any other jurisdiction (out-of-state attorneys only)?

Yes, Effective September 1, 2016, New Jersey adopted Admission by Motion for out-of-state attorneys from states with which New Jersey has reciprocity. Please refer to Application Forms under Admission by Motion on the website. 

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I am administratively ineligible to practice law in New Jersey because I am not current with my obligations to the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection. How do I become eligible to practice in New Jersey?

You must contact the Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection at 855-533-3862 or via email at: lfcp.mbx@njcourts.gov to obtain information on fees owed. You may also be administratively ineligible for failure to comply with Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements or IOLTA. You may contact the Board on Continuing Legal Education at 609-815-2930 or via email at: sctcle.mailbox@njcourts.gov.  Questions concerning IOLTA compliance should be addressed to IOLTA at 732-247-8222 or via email: info@ioltanj.org.

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Bar Exam: Application


What are the requirements for an uploaded photo?

You are required to upload a recent photo prior to submission of your application that is at least 300 pixels by 300 pixels and be a .png, .jpg, or .jpeg file. The photo must also meet the following requirements: 

The photo must contain the head and part of the shoulders.
The photo must be high resolution.
The photo must have appropriate brightness and contrast.
The photo must be taken with uniform lighting and not show shadows.
The photo must be taken with uniform lighting and not show flash reflections.
Eyes

The photo must show you looking directly at the camera.
The photo must show your eyes open and clearly visible.
The photo must show you with no hair across your eyes.
The photo must show you with no red eyes.
Orientation

The photo must show you facing square on to the camera.
Background

The photo must be taken with a plain light-coloured background.
The photo must show you alone.
Glasses

The photo must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection.
The photo must show your eyes clearly with no tinted lenses.
Expression

The photo must show you with a neutral expression.
The photo must show you with the mouth closed.

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What types of application require an uploaded photo?

Only applicants for admission by examination are required to upload a photo.

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My Photo is "Expired." How do I upload a new photo?

If your photo is over 6 months old, or your appearance has changed you are required to upload a new photo taken within the last 6 months that reflects your current appearance. To do so, click the "Personal Info" link in the upper right corner of your user home page. The "Upload New Photo" button is located below the "Place of Birth" field.

Please submit a Technical Support Request, found at the bottom of the screen, if you have any issues uploading your photo.

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Are MPRE scores transferable?

MPRE scores are transferable.  You must arrange to have your scores transferred to New Jersey.  Scaled scores of 75 or higher meet our requirement.  Note, if you have taken a Professional Responsibility Ethics Class in law school, and have passed with a grade of a “C” or better, you do not have to take the MPRE.

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Can I use an MBE score from a previous exam?

No. New Jersey first implemented the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) with the February 2017 exam.  The UBE is a standardized test of minimum competency designed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).  The test is comprised of the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).  Applicants must take all portions of the UBE in the UBE jurisdiction in order to earn a portable UBE score. 

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Is the bar examination application fee refundable? The Board of Bar Examiners will consider a request to carryover bar examination fees due to extenuating circumstances. You must email your case file manager with an explanation for your fee carryover request to obtain the Application Fee Carryover Request form. Supporting documentation may be requested. You will be notified via email regarding the final decision within 14 days. 

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Bar Exam: ILG Exam360 (Laptop Program)


What are the minimum system requirements to use the software?

 

Windows Requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or higher - Windows S Mode IS NOT supported
  • Processor manufactured after 2010
    and also Pentium 4 or newer processor that supports SSE2
  • 4096 MB Memory (RAM)
  • 500 MB hard drive space available
  • Minimum resolution of 1024 x 768
  • Ability to connect to the Internet

Mac Requirements:

  • Operating System: MacOS 10.12.0 or higher
  • Processor manufactured after 2010
    and also Pentium 4 or newer processor that supports SSE2
  • 4096 MB Memory (RAM)
  • 500 MB hard drive space available
  • Minimum resolution of 1024 x 768
  • Ability to connect to the Internet
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Does my laptop need to have an active USB?

Yes, it is recommended that your laptop have an active USB port. Your laptop should have an active USB port if the jurisdictions requires a manual backup using a USB device. Additionally, if for some reason the software requires a reinstall at the exam site, an active USB is required.

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How do I pay the software fee? If applicable to your state, click the registration link and follow the prompts to pay the software fee. Back to TOP

How do I download the software? A link will be made available to the ILG Exam360 download from your user home page. Simply click on the download link, select the proper operating system and install the software. Back to TOP

How do I install the software on a Windows machine? If a warning screen appears during installation, click on the option to run the install file anyway. This button may be hidden under the “More Info” link. You might also need to disable your antivirus software during the download and installation process. Back to TOP

How do I install the software on a Mac?

Once extraction is finished, you should drag and drop the icon into the applications folder. A common problem that you might have is that the OS might block the installation. In the event this occurs, you will have to change the security parameter or add an exception as explained on Apple support.

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How do I log into ILG Exam360? You must use the same login information you use to log into your user account. Your email address must be entered in all lower case letters, your password and select the proper state. Back to TOP

What steps do I need to take in order to be considered registered?

In order to register the software, you must notify the jurisdiction of your intent to take the exam using your laptop, you must pay the software licensing fee, download the software, install the software and complete the before exam tasks including taking the Trial Exam and uploading the Trial Exam.

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How do I know if I have the latest version of ILG Exam360? Prior to the exam, you can always login to ILG Exam360 while you have an internet connection. If there is an update to the software you will be prompted to install the new version. You can do so by logging into your user home page and following the download instructions. Back to TOP

Are there any functions on my computer that I should disable before using the software?

Yes, prior to the exam you should disable your antivirus software, screensaver and turn off any sleep mode. If you are using a Mac laptop you should also disable hot corners, touch bar and touchpad gestures.

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Does my computer user profile need to have administrator rights?

You will need administrator rights in order to install the software and should have administrator rights when using the software.

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What keyboard shortcuts are available?

 

Windows Function Mac

Ctrl + B

Bold

+ B

Ctrl + I

Italic

+ I

Ctrl + U

Underline

+ U

Ctrl + C

Copy

+ C

Ctrl + X

Cut

+ X

Ctrl + V

Paste

+ V

Ctrl + Z

Undo

+ Z

Ctrl + Y

Redo

+ Y

Ctrl + L

Align Left

+ L

Ctrl + E

Align Center

+ E

Ctrl + R

Align Right

+ R

Ctrl + J

Justify Text

+ J

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What formatting options will be available?

The following formatting functions are available; however, availability for your specific exam is dictated by the individual jurisdiction. The functions below are options that may be available. The final options available will be included in your Trial Exam.

Font Font Size Copy Cut (although we recommend copy/past to avoid data loss) Paste
Undo Redo Bold Italics Underline
Left Align Center Right Align Justify Bullets
Numbering Spell Check Word Count Character Count  
 
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How do I complete a Trial Exam? After logging into the software for the first time you will be required to review and complete the Help & Information section as well as the Before Exam Checklist. Once those tasks are complete, you will have access to start the Trial Exam. Click on the Start button to begin work in the Trial Exam Answer Files. Once you’ve completed your work in the Trial Exam Answer Files you can click the Finish button. You will be prompted to confirm that you wish to exit the exam. Back to TOP

How do I upload a Trial Exam?

Upon reopening the software after completing the Trial Exam, you can click on the Upload button found on the Upload Trail Exam tile.

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What do I need to bring with me to the exam?

When you arrive at the exam, you should bring with you your laptop (with battery installed) and power cord. You should consult with the jurisdiction for any other specific requirements and prohibited items.

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What do I do if I need to get up from my seat during the exam?

ILG Exam360 provides applicants the option to lock their exam when they are away from their seats. When you return to your seat, you will be prompted to re-enter your personal login password.

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If something goes wrong with my laptop at the exam what should I do?

If you require assistance either prior to, during or after the exam, please follow the jurisdiction’s procedure for seeking technical assistance. Please note however, that if you seek technical assistance during the exam, the jurisdiction will not provide any additional time based on your decision to seek assistance.

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Will there be technical support available at the exam?

Yes, technical support will be available prior to, during and after the exam. If for some reason your laptop experiences technical difficulties during the exam, you can seek technical assistance; however, you will be taking time away from the administration of the exam. Jurisdictions will not provide you additional time in order to seek technical assistance with your laptop.

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Will I need to do a USB backup at the exam?

Backup procedures are unique to each jurisdiction. You should consult with the individual jurisdiction to determine if you will need a USB backup at the exam.

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How do I know if my answer files were uploaded?

Once your answer files are uploaded you will receive an upload confirmation on screen. Additionally, you can click on the "My Account" button in ILG Exam360 to check on the progress toward completion of the required tasks, the status of your account and even confirm the confirmation upload date and time by clicking on the “Upload Status” tab. Furthermore, you will receive a number of confirmations based upon your preferences (email confirmation and text message or both). You can also log onto your user homepage and confirm your upload status. Please note that with exception to the onscreen confirmation and your "Upload Status" within ILG Exam 360, it could take up to 15 minutes to receive any of the confirmations sent and for your user homepage status to be updated.

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What kind of confirmations will I receive after I upload?

Immediately following a successful upload, you will see an onscreen confirmation. Your “My Account” page within ILG Exam360 will also update immediately showing that you have completed all of the required steps for the exam. The “Upload Status” tab will also display the date and time you uploaded your answers. Within 15 minutes, based upon your confirmation preferences, you will also receive an email confirmation in addition to a text message confirmation if you signed up for SMS messaging. Finally, your Exam360 user homepage will display a message confirming your upload.

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How do I contact technical support?

You can contact technical support at the exam site, by submitting a technical support ticket either from your user homepage or from the software (preferred method) or by contacting 833-ILG-SUPP (833-454-7877).

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My touchpad/mouse stopped working. How do I resolve this issue?

If you are using a Microsoft Windows laptop and have the Windows 10 Creators update and are having mouse/touchpad issues you can follow these instructions for assistance.

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Can I copy/paste in the essay (MPT/MEE) portion of the exam?

Yes, when using ILG Exam 360 software, you will be able to copy/paste when typing your responses to the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) and Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) portions of the exam.

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Bar Exam: (Uniform Bar Examination, UBE)


What are the dates for future exams?


July 30-31, 2024

 

February 25-26, 2025

 

July 29-30, 2025

 

February 24-25, 2026

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What is the Uniform Bar Examination?

The UBE is a standardized test of minimum competency designed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).  The test is comprised of the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).  Applicants must take all portions of the UBE in the UBE jurisdiction in order to earn a portable UBE score.
 

The UBE tests general principles of law, legal analysis and communication skills. UBE jurisdictions administer the same examination and follow the same grading policies, which allows the scores to be transferred from one UBE jurisdiction to another.  Each UBE jurisdiction determines its own specific requirements for admission, including the minimum passing score on the UBE, in order to be considered for admission.

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When did New Jersey begin administering the UBE?


New Jersey administered its first UBE examination in February 2017.

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What is the UBE testing schedule?

The UBE is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July.  The test is administered as follows:
 

Tuesday Schedule

7:30 am – 9:00 am       Registration and seat check in

9:00 am – 9:30 am       Instructions

9:30 am – 12:30 pm    MPT

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm    Break – one hour

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm      Instructions (applicants must be seated for instructions)

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm      MEE
 

Wednesday Schedule

7:30 am – 9:00 am       Registration and seat check in

9:00 am – 9:30 am       Instructions

9:30 am – 12:30 pm    MBE morning session – 100 questions

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm    Break – one hour

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm      Instructions (applicants must be seated for instructions)

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm      MBE afternoon session – 100 questions

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When are bar examination results released?

While the Board does not set a specific date for the release of bar examination results, historically results from the February exam are released in mid-May and the results from the July exam are released in mid-November. Results will be posted to each candidate’s User Home Page.  A list of successful candidates will be posted on our website within 48 to 72 hours after results are posted to the User Home Pages.

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Will I be permitted to use scratch paper?

For the essay portions of the exam (MPT and MEE), applicants who have registered for the Laptop Program will be provided one sheet of scratch paper for each session and they may write in their test booklets if more note space is needed. 

 

Applicants who have not registered for the Laptop Program and choose to write their essay responses have scratch paper included in the answer books provided, and they may write in their test booklets if more note space is needed.

 

Scratch/scrap paper is not permitted for the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) portion of the exam.

 

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Do I need to bring my government ID to the exam?

Yes.  The name on your photo ID must match the name listed on your applicant account.

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    Can I type the essay answers?

    A laptop program is available.  Information will be on the website approximately 2 months prior to the exam.

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    When will I receive my site assignments?

    You will receive your admission ticket and site assignments approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the exam.  Site assignments will be posted to your User Home Page.  Under no circumstances will site assignments be changed or discussed over the telephone.

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    What are the requirements to sit for the New Jersey Bar Examination?

    Candidates must: (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) have graduated with a JD or LLB Degree from an ABA Accredited Law School (LLM Degree is not acceptable), and (3) be in good standing in all jurisdictions to which they have been admitted to the bar.

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    What UBE score is required to apply for admission in New Jersey?

    New Jersey requires a UBE score of 266 or greater.

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    I am taking the UBE in another UBE jurisdiction. Can I transfer my score to New Jersey?

    The UBE score must have been earned (based on the last day of the month of the examination) no more than 36 months prior to submitting a completed application to New Jersey.  The score must meet or exceed New Jersey’s cut score of 266 in order to be accepted.  Do not apply without a UBE score of 266 or greater.  You must meet all other requirements for application and admission, such as having earned a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school.  Do not apply if you do not meet all requirements.
     

    A completed application consists of submission of the online character and fitness questionnaire, the one page signed and notarized application form (uploaded), the one page signed and notarized application form (uploaded) and payment, which can be made by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
     

    The UBE score transfer should be requested as soon as a UBE application is submitted but no later than 30 days after submitting a completed application.  Law school certificates and all other standard application documents (see UBE Application Checklist at njbarexams.org under UBE Information) should be submitted as soon as possible but must be submitted within 90 days of submitting a completed application.  Supplemental documents, such as police or court records, must also be submitted within 90 days of submitting a completed application.  Applicants will not be considered for admission until all documentation has been received.

    Once your file is complete, it will be submitted to the Committee on Character for review.  Please refer to the Committee on Character Regulations for more information.

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    How long will it take to get admitted with a transferred UBE score?

    This will vary by file.  Once a file is complete (all required documentation is submitted) the file will be reviewed by the Committee on Character.  This review will be completed as quickly as possible.  Incomplete files, regardless of the type of application (New Jersey bar examination, UBE score transfer or admission on motion), will not be reviewed.

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    How do I transfer my UBE score to or from New Jersey?


    The National Conference of Bar Examiners is responsible for UBE score transfers.  The website is ncbex.org.  Select NCBE EXAMS, UBE, and Scores.  Select UBE Score Services for information on how to transfer your UBE score from one jurisdiction to another.  At this time the transfer fee is $25 but the NCBE may change this at any time.  Please contact the NCBE for the most up to date fee amount.

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    If my score was not high enough for admission in the jurisdiction where I sat for the UBE, can I still transfer my score to New Jersey?

    Yes, if it meets the New Jersey requirement of 266 or greater.  Applicants must meet all admission requirements, such as graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor, certification by the Committee on Character, and all other requirements of Rule 1:24 and Rule 1:27.

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    How long does my UBE score remain valid?


    UBE score transfer periods are determined by each jurisdiction.  New Jersey will accept scores not older than 36 months from the date of the UBE exam for which the score is being transferred to the date of a completed submitted application.  UBE score transfer applications will be accepted beginning October 1, 2016.

    PLEASE NOTE - the jurisdiction must have already been a UBE jurisdiction when you took the examination in that jurisdiction for you to have earned a portable UBE score.  For example, if a jurisdiction adopts the UBE in July 2016 and you took the examination in that jurisdiction in July 2015, you DID NOT earn a transferrable UBE score in that jurisdiction.

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    I am taking/took the UBE in another UBE jurisdiction. Can I transfer my score to New Jersey?

    Yes, if your score meets the minimum required score of 266 and you meet all other requirements, such as graduation from an American Bar Association accredited law school with a Juris Doctor, and all other requirements of Rule 1:24-1.  You will also need to meet, after application, all of the plenary admission requirements of Rule 1:27.  The UBE score you earned in another UBE jurisdiction will be valid for 36 months from the examination for which you earned the qualifying UBE score.

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    I planned on taking the Pennsylvania (or another state) and New Jersey bar examinations concurrently. Can I still do that?


    No, the New Jersey Uniform Bar Examination is given on Tuesday and Wednesday so applicants can no longer test in two jurisdictions concurrently.

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    I am admitted in another UBE jurisdiction that did not require a Juris Doctor from an American Bar accredited law school. Can I transfer my score to New Jersey?


    No, applicants must meet all New Jersey requirements in Rule 1:24 and Rule 1:27 even if they are admitted or qualify in another jurisdiction.

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    I sat in a jurisdiction that administered all components of the UBE – MEE, MPT and MBE but isn’t a UBE state. Can I transfer my score from that jurisdiction to New Jersey?


    No.  Although some jurisdictions administer all portions of the UBE, unless they are UBE states, they are not required to conform to certain grading, administration and scoring standards and therefore are not UBE jurisdictions and the scores cannot be transferred.

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    Will food be available at the bar examination test sites? No.  Food will not be available for purchase at the exam site. Please bring your own lunch. Back to TOP

    Character and Fitness Questionnaire


    How long are fingerprint cards good for and who is authorized to fingerprint me?

    Applicants must submit to a criminal history check through the fingerprinting process.  Fingerprints are submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey State Police, who perform a records check.  Fingerprint submissions are required for each exam taken.  By federal and state laws, fingerprints taken by another New Jersey agency or another jurisdiction may not be used for the bar examination.  Onlya  alaw enforcement agency is authorized to take fingerprints.

     

    You cannot be printed until you receive a Case Contributer's Number.  If you are printed before receiving this information in your Acknowledgement Packet, you will have to be reprinted and pay the fee again.

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    The application requires me to get abstracts of my driving record for the past seven years. The state in which I am licensed provides only a three-year abstract. How do I comply with New Jerseys requirement?

    The Board of Bar Examiners requires a “Complete Certified Abstract” for every jurisdiction in which you have held a driver’s license during the past seven years.   This does not mean that the abstract has to be for seven years.  Your request to Motor Vehicles must, however, state that you require a “complete certified abstract.”

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    My student loans have been consolidated. Do I need to list them individually or may I just list the consolidated lender?

    List just the lender with whom you have consolidated your loans.  Note: this applies to applicants who have overdue amounts on their student loans.

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    I held a summer position several years ago but cannot remember my supervisor's name, may I leave it blank?

    If you have done your best to fill in all information, you may write in “do not recall.”

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    General Questions


    Does New Jersey have reciprocity with any other jurisdiction (out-of-state attorneys only)?

    Yes, Effective September 1, 2016, New Jersey adopted Admission by Motion for out-of-state attorneys from states with which New Jersey has reciprocity only. Please refer to Application Forms under Admission by Motion on the website. 

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    How do I petition the Supreme Court?

    Instructions for petitioning the Supreme Court can be found here.

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    In-House Counsel


    I am no longer employed by the company I listed on my application. Whom do I notify?

    You must notify the Board of Bar Examiners within 90 days of termination of employment. If you are employed by another company, please complete the Change of Employer form located on our website. Your admission will expire if you are not employed by another company within one year of termination of employment and another application must be filed if you are subsequently hired by another company as an in-house attorney.

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    The application requires me to get abstracts of my driving record for the past seven years. The state in which I am licensed provides only a three-year abstract. How do I comply with New Jerseys requirement?

    The Board of Bar Examiners requires a “Complete Certified Abstract” for every jurisdiction in which you have held a driver’s license during the past seven years. This does not mean that the abstract has to be for seven years. Your request to Motor Vehicles must however, state that you require a “complete certified abstract.” The State of New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles requires a written request to obtain a complete abstract.

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    I am admitted to several states and federal courts. Do I need to file Certificates of Good Standing from each of them?

    You must file a Certificate of Good Standing from every jurisdiction, state and federal, to which you have ever been admitted.  If you have officially been granted inactive status, the jurisdiction should supply confirmation of the recognized status.  If you have ceased paying dues or have allowed your license to lapse, you will have to regularize your status in the jurisdiction so that proper certification can be submitted.

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    The application requires me to submit letters of disciplinary history. What if that jurisdiction does not have disciplinary authorities?

    If the jurisdiction does not have disciplinary authorities, i.e., federal jurisdictions and agencies no documentation is required from them.  It is expected that if you have been disciplined by such jurisdiction or agency, full disclosure is expected to be made.

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    I am admitted in New Jersey working as in-house counsel. I am administrative ineligible because I have not kept up with my annual dues. What must I do to continue as in-house counsel?

    You must be current with your annual dues.  The fees must be paid to the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection immediately.

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    I have had a number of civil and administrative suits filed against the business entity I am employed. Do I have to submit the documentation?

    If there was a judgment of liability against the you personally or in your official capacity as an officer or principal of the business entity, the matter must be disclosed and the relevant documents attached.  If you were not personally sued and named only in the capacity of an officer or an employee of the company and no judgment of liability issued against you, the suit need not be disclosed and documents do not need to be attached.

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    What kind of professional references are needed in the application?

    Professional references from New Jersey for those who have been employed in the state for a number of years, as opposed to jurisdictions in which you have been admitted but had limited or no professional contact.  You need not present references from overlapping jurisdictions, for example from each department in New York and the Eastern District.

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    I am a patent attorney at a corporation. Do I have to apply for in-house counsel?

    Because patent attorneys are federally regulated, you do not have to apply for in-house counsel licensure, unless you do other contractual work that would require a state license.

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    Can foreign attorneys apply for In-House Counsel?

    Attorneys must be admitted to practice law before the highest court of an United States jurisdiction, such as any other state, territory of the United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, in order to apply for In-House Counsel licensure.

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    How do I obtain the forms for name changes?

    Complete the Name Change form and return it to the address provided. If you require a new wall license with your new name, please complete and submit the Request for Wall License form, along with a certified check or money order for $40 made payable to Secretary, New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners.

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    How do I notify you with a change of address?

    Complete the Address Change form and return it to the address provided.

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    How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from New Jersey once I am admitted?

    On admission, all in-house counsel will receive a Certificate of Good Standing. If you need an additional Certificate, click here for a Certificate of Good Standing Request Form and appropriate instructions.

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    Non-Standard Testing Accommodations (NTA)


    What are non-standard testing accommodations (NTA)?

    The New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners is a "public entity" covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As such, non-standard testing accommodations (NTA)—to the extent such accommodations are reasonable, consistent with the nature and purpose of the examination, and necessitated by the candidate's disabilities—can be requested by "qualified individuals with disabilities." All requests for testing accommodations are submitted to an independent consulting expert for review and recommendation. For more detailed information including a separate Non-Standard Testing Accommodations (NTA) Application, see Information & Applications > ADA Testing Accommodations > Non-Standard Testing Accommodations.

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    Can I apply for testing accommodations for non-ADA related medical situations such as breastfeeding?

    While breastfeeding is not generally considered an ADA accommodation, nursing applicants can do one of two things.  Applicants who wish to test at a non-ADA site can complete the medical authorization form available online a couple of weeks prior to the exam and bring equipment and a cooler to the primary sites (it will not be allowed in the testing room but can be kept outside the room for ready access at lunch time).  Applicants may also complete the Non-ADA Accommodations Request Form available under the Exam Forms tab and will typically receive a semi-private room along with a proctored non-testing room for pumping and a refrigerator or space to store a cooler.

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    What do I need to provide in order to apply for a testing accommodation?

    In addition to the standard application forms, applicants seeking non-standard testing accommodations for the New Jersey bar examination must complete: 1) the Non-Standard Testing Accommodations (NTA) Application form (required for all NTA applicants); 2) the NTA Certificate of Medical or Psychological Authority form (not required if you are requesting the same accommodations as previously granted by the New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners within the last three years); 3) the NTA Certificate of Law School Official (not required if you submitted one for a previous exam); and 4) the NTA Authorization and Release form (required for all NTA applicants).

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