Bar Admissions - Instructions for Admission on Motion/Reciprocity

BAR ADMISSIONS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADMISSION ON MOTION/RECIPROCITY

The West Virginia Board of Law Examiners processes applications for admission on motion/reciprocity year round, and such applications are not subject to the biannual deadlines imposed on bar examination applicants.

RECIPROCITY TIME FRAME

This varies according to the precision with which the application is completed and the applicant's background information. The NCBE recommends allowing a minimum of six months for completion of the character and fitness background investigative report; this can be completed in much less time if reference information is current and all application details are accurate. All applicants take part in the in person jurisdiction-specific character interview process following receipt of all required credentials, including the completed NCBE report. Admission takes place in person in front of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in the Courtroom at the Capitol Complex. Admissions ceremonies are scheduled throughout the Court's two terms each year.

APPLICATION FEES
WV Application fee:	$2,000
NCBE Report:	The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) requires a fee, separate from and additional to the WV Application Fee, to complete a required character and fitness background investigative report. The fee varies, but typically begins at $550. See NCBE’s website for their fee schedule.
MPRE:	Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam administration fees. Information is available at the NCBE site.
Other:	Fees may be assessed for transferring scores (MPRE) and requesting certificates of good standing, copies of required application supporting documents, and copies of applications previously filed in other jurisdictions. Travel expenses may be incurred for the in person jurisdiction-specific character interview and for the in person admission ceremony.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

FIRST: Read and familiarize yourself with the Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law in West Virginia. These Rules govern all applications to practice law in West Virginia, and all applicants are charged with knowledge of the Rules’ requirements. Anyone wishing to apply to this jurisdiction must confirm they meet the Rules’ requirements and follow all instructions and Rules as available on the website. Verify that you are admitted in one of West Virginia's approved Reciprocity Jurisdictions. Thoroughly review the instructions on this page, these FAQs and Tips for application by reciprocity, and the National Conference of Bar Examiners instructions for answers to your questions regarding the application process. Neither the WVBLE office nor the Board can give advisory opinions. An application must be filed according to the Rules and instructions. There are no waivers to the Rules or instructions.

SECOND: Go to the website of the National Conference of Bar Examiners and fill out the online West Virginia-specific character and fitness application (hereinafter referred to as "application").

THIRD: Follow the NCBE’s instructions for submitting the required supporting material to the NCBE with your payment. This payment is separate from and additional to payment to the WVBLE. We will accept NCBE supplemental reports only if the original NCBE report was completed no more than three (3) years prior to the date of your application to West Virginia.

FOURTH: Mail the following materials together in one envelope to the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners at:

WVBLE
WEST VIRGINIA JUDICIAL TOWER
4700 MACCORKLE AVE SE STE 700B
CHARLESTON WV 25304

Do NOT include staples, post-it notes, and/or exhibit tabs with your application. Do not fold your application or supporting materials (excludes envelopes containing transcripts). Application materials are scanned upon receipt and using such items may cause your application to be torn or shredded during the scanning process. All materials must be submitted on paper measuring 8½” x 11” and must be single-sided.

The following materials and/or information must be provided or your application will be returned as deficient:

Application Filing Fee payable to the State of West Virginia. Please reference the Application Filing Fee Schedule for acceptable payment types and applicable fee.
One copy of the application submitted to the NCBE (see SECOND above) with bar code and number and "finalized" date at the bottom of each page. You must attach any required documents (e.g., copies of pleadings, orders, criminal complaints, military separation documents, financial, etc.), if applicable, which the application directs you to include to both the NCBE and WVBLE. If you no longer have the materials listed, contact the court(s)/issuing agency to provide copies of these documents (or provide their response, in writing, if they are unable to do so). The application finalized date (bottom right corner) must be no more than sixty (60) days prior to the date of submission to our jurisdiction.
One (1) completed Application Affidavit with original/wet signatures of applicant and Notary Public, dated no more than sixty (60) days prior to your application submission.
One (1) completed Affidavit of Authorization and Release with original/wet signatures of applicant and Notary Public, dated no more than sixty (60) days prior to your application submission.
One (1) completed Affidavit of Active Practice – listing the time you have practiced after admission – with original/wet signatures of applicant and Notary Public, and all appropriate boxes checked and information accurately completed (make sure there are no discrepancies with these same details reported in your application), dated no more than sixty (60) days prior to your application submission.
Affidavits of Practitioner with original/wet signatures, evidencing your good character from two attorneys, signed no more than sixty (60) days prior to your application submission.
Official transcript from the school(s) that awarded your undergraduate degree(s). Transcripts must show that your degree has been awarded and the date on which it was awarded. Photocopies and unofficial printouts will not be accepted. If the transcript indicates that it must be in its original, sealed envelope to be official, send it to the Board of Law Examiners without opening the envelope. If the college or university provides transcripts via electronic service you must request ashton.bias@courtswv.gov as the designated recipient and include a cover letter with your application listing the name that appears on the transcript (if different than the name on your application), the issuing college/university, and the date you requested the document. Items submitted under separate cover will be held for no more than thirty (30) days prior to submission of a complete application.
Official transcript from the school that awarded your law degree. Transcripts must show that your degree has been awarded and the date on which it was awarded. Photocopies and unofficial printouts will not be accepted. If the transcript indicates that it must be in its original, sealed envelope in order to be official, send it to the Board of Law Examiners without opening the envelope. If the college or university provides transcripts via electronic service, you must request ashton.bias@courtswv.gov as the designated recipient and include a cover letter with your application listing the name that appears on the transcript (if different than the name on your application), the issuing college/university, and the date you requested the document. Items submitted under separate cover will be held for no more than thirty (30) days prior to submission of a complete application.
An original credit report dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the date your application is postmarked. A credit report printed from an online free annual credit reporting agency or from any website that provides detailed history on each account is acceptable. A print-out that shows only your credit score is insufficient. The report must include your full name and the date it was issued and no pages may be redacted.
Original Certificates of Good Standing from the Clerk of the Supreme Court from each state where you have been admitted to practice, signed no more than sixty (60) days prior to your application submission. If these are issued solely electronically, you must request ashton.bias@courtswv.gov as the designated recipient and include a cover letter with the issuing agency and the date you requested the document. Items submitted under separate cover will be held for no more than thirty (30) days prior to submission of a complete application. (If you have been admitted or are seeking admission in multiple jurisdictions, separate each certificate with colored copy paper.)
Official score report from the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). If you specified West Virginia as one of the reporting states when you took the exam, you must inform our office in writing of the date you took the MPRE so that we can confirm your score without the need for an official score report. Pursuant to Rule 4.4, applicants for admission on motion must achieve a scaled score of at least 80 on an exam administered no more than 25 months prior to application for admission. There will be no exceptions to or waivers of this rule. Although you may send in your application for admission prior to sitting for the MPRE, your application file will not be complete and you will not be eligible for admission until we receive your passing MPRE score. Items submitted under separate cover will be held for no more than thirty (30) days prior to submission of a complete application.

FIFTH: Keep the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners apprised of any changes in the information provided on your application by submitting an Application Update Form when necessary (please submit update items according to the instructions in red above). You must also inform the NCBE of changes to your application using the NCBE’s amendment forms available under your NCBE online account.