Bar Admission
In order to work as a lawyer, you must become admitted to practice law in the jurisdiction in which you plan to work.ÌýEach state's highest court sets the requirements for admission to practice law. Requirements and application deadlines vary from state to state. So, we encourage you to check the information for the state(s) in which you are interestedÌýas soon as possible.
- Learn aboutÌýsuccess strategies for the bar exam and consider taking Analytical Strategies in the Spring.
- Review the application requirements for the state in which you plan to practice. See below for information on where to look for state application requirements.
- ReviewÌýtheseÌýGetting Certified to Take the Colorado Bar FAQsÌýfor help on the certification process.
- Attend CDO and Student Affairs'Ìýinformational programs.
- Educate yourself aboutÌýbar exam review courses, all students should use a bar exam prep course.
- Think about how to plan for the expense of taking the bar exam as the exam plus bar prep runs a total of $2,500+. Meet with Financial Aid early to ensure you have the funds you need for licensure.
- Review your state's applications timeline to ensure you are completing the admission requirements in a timely manner. Some states, like Georgia, have deadlines as early as December 1st of the year prior to the July Bar exam.
Admission to Practice Law in Colorado
For the most complete and up-to-date information about admission requirements and the application process, visit theÌý. You should review all the information on that site, particularly the information about character and fitness.ÌýThe below checklist is provided for your convenience only.
To obtain a license to practice law in Colorado, you must:
- Complete your graduation requirements.
- Take theÌýÌýoffered by the Colorado Bar Association.
- Pass the with a scaled score of at least 85.
- Pass Colorado'sÌýUniformÌýBar ExamÌý(UBE) with a scaled score of at least 270. In 2028, Colorado will begin administering the NextGen Bar Exam.
- Meet theÌýcharacter and fitness requirementsÌýset forth by the Colorado Office of Attorney Admissions.
- Submit a complete for admission.ÌýDriving records, extensive personalÌýhistories and official records need to beÌýcompiled in order to complete the application; this information can take weeks to months to gather.ÌýA few notes on the application process:
- When you apply for to take the bar exam in Colorado, the Office of Attorney AdmissionsÌýwill request a certificate of graduation and a copy of yourÌýlaw school application.ÌýThe Law School will complete this on your behalf if you authorize us to do so, have graduated from our law school, and plan to sit for the Colorado Bar Exam.
- To provide your authorization, submit this Ìýto the Law School. (If you have trouble accessing the form, first sign out of any google accounts you are signed into, then re-click on the link, then enter your IdentiKey user name and password.)
- You will need fingerprints taken within 30 days prior to submitting your application.
- You will need to request an official copy of your driving record (possibly from more than one state).
- If you are a graduate applying on motion or via score transfer, send forms to lawreg@colorado.eduÌýfrom your @colorado.edu email address.
- When you apply for to take the bar exam in Colorado, the Office of Attorney AdmissionsÌýwill request a certificate of graduation and a copy of yourÌýlaw school application.ÌýThe Law School will complete this on your behalf if you authorize us to do so, have graduated from our law school, and plan to sit for the Colorado Bar Exam.
Admission to Practice Law in Other States
Each state maintains its own rules and regulations regarding the licensing of attorneys and has its own bar examination. The ABA provides aÌý, which contains a synopsis of each state’s bar admission requirements and relevant dates. We encourage you to look into these requirements and dates as soon as possible during your third year, as some of the requirements can take some time to complete (e.g., pro bono hours).Ìý
Please emailÌýlawreg@colorado.eduÌýif you need specific paperwork filled out orÌýyour application forwarded to a state other than Colorado. If you need a transcript sent,ÌýYou can find more information about how to order an official transcript here: /registrar/students/transcripts. Please include in your email any relevant due dates for these materials.ÌýStudents and alumni who need information such as LSAT scores or their law school application should contact directly.ÌýAgain, we will certify your graduation only after grades are final and you have completed all graduation requirements.