Legal Soft > Resources > Bar reciprocity by state > South Carolina
South Carolina Bar Reciprocity
South Carolina does not offer general admission on motion to attorneys licensed in other states. Admission without examination is limited to certain deans and tenured law professors who meet South Carolina’s requirements.
Written & Reviewed By:
Hamid Kohan
Last Updated: September 10, 2026
South Carolina’s Limited Admission Without Examination Requirements
| Requirement | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Admission on Motion | Limited only |
| Practice Requirement | No general years-of-practice pathway |
| Admission Without Examination Fee | $1,000 |
| Is the MPRE required? | No, for the qualifying law professor pathway |
Note: Admission requirements vary by state. Review each state’s page for additional eligibility requirements and conditions.
Who May Qualify for Admission Without Examination in South Carolina?
South Carolina limits this pathway to certain law school faculty. A qualifying applicant must:
- Serve as the dean or a tenured professor at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law or Charleston School of Law
- Have been admitted to practice in another U.S. state or the District of Columbia for at least 5 years
- Have served continuously as a full-time faculty member with the rank of assistant professor or higher for at least 3 complete academic years
- Receive the required recommendation from the law school
Qualifying deans and professors are exempt from the UBE, MPRE, and Course of Study on South Carolina Law requirements for admission under this pathway.
I’m Licensed in South Carolina: Where Can I Apply for Admission on Motion?
Attorneys licensed in South Carolina may qualify to apply for admission on motion in:
Can Attorneys From Other States Apply for Admission on Motion in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not offer general admission on motion for attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions. Attorneys who do not qualify for a limited or other special admission pathway generally need to use South Carolina’s standard bar admission process.
Other South Carolina Limited Admission Requirements
- Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? Yes
- Is South Carolina admission on motion based on reciprocity? Not applicable
- Are attorneys admitted by diploma privilege eligible? Not applicable
- Must I be in good standing? Yes
- Is character and fitness review required? Yes
South Carolina UBE Score Transfer Requirements
South Carolina accepts qualifying Legacy UBE scores earned in other jurisdictions. This pathway is separate from South Carolina’s limited admission-without-examination pathway.
| Requirement | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| UBE Score Transfer | Yes |
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 266 |
| Maximum UBE Score Age | 3 years |
| NextGen UBE | Transfer acceptance TBA; South Carolina first administers the NextGen UBE in July 2028 |
| Minimum NextGen Score | TBA |
Looking to Practice or Expand in South Carolina?
Whether you’re expanding into South Carolina or growing an existing practice, Legal Soft helps law firms build legal teams with experienced paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal professionals across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I waive into the South Carolina Bar?
Not through general admission on motion. Admission without examination is limited to qualifying deans and tenured professors at certain South Carolina law schools.
Can I transfer my UBE score to South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina accepts qualifying Legacy UBE scores of at least 266 earned within the past 3 years. Its NextGen UBE transfer requirements are still TBA.
Does South Carolina have bar reciprocity with other states?
No general reciprocity pathway exists for attorneys seeking admission to South Carolina based solely on their license and years of practice.
Explore Bar Reciprocity Requirements by State
Join our newsletter today Get instant updates
- © 2026 Legal Soft. All rights reserved.