Rhode Island Bar Reciprocity

What Alternative Admission Options Are Available in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island does not offer admission on motion, but attorneys licensed elsewhere may have other pathways:

• Experienced attorney examination: Attorneys who have practiced or taught law full-time for at least 5 of the past 10 years may qualify to take only the MPT and MEE portions of the Rhode Island bar examination. The MBE is not required.
• UBE score transfer: Applicants with a qualifying UBE score may seek full admission by transferring their score to Rhode Island.
• Military spouses: Qualifying spouses of active-duty Armed Services members may seek temporary or limited admission.
• In-house counsel: Attorneys licensed elsewhere may register to provide legal services for a qualifying Rhode Island employer.
• Temporary admission: Certain out-of-state attorneys working with approved programs providing legal services to indigent clients may qualify for temporary admission.

These pathways are separate from general admission on motion.

Other Rhode Island Bar Admission Requirements

• Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? No
• Is Rhode Island admission on motion based on reciprocity? Not applicable
• Are attorneys admitted by diploma privilege eligible for admission on motion? Not applicable
• Must I pass the MPRE? Yes, minimum score of 80
• Is character and fitness review required? Yes

Rhode Island UBE Score Transfer Requirements

Rhode Island accepts qualifying Legacy UBE scores earned in other jurisdictions. This pathway provides full admission but is separate from admission on motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I waive into the Rhode Island Bar?

No. Rhode Island does not offer general admission on motion. Experienced attorneys who have practiced or taught law full-time for at least 5 of the past 10 years may qualify to take a reduced version of the Rhode Island bar examination.

Can I transfer my UBE score to Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island accepts qualifying Legacy UBE scores of at least 270 earned within 2 years before filing the petition for admission. NextGen UBE transfer requirements are still to be announced.

Does Rhode Island have bar reciprocity with other states?

No. Rhode Island does not have a general reciprocity agreement or admission-on-motion pathway for attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions.