Connecticut Bar Reciprocity

Connecticut Practice Book § 2-13 governs admission to the Connecticut Bar for attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions. The process is called Admission Without Examination (Admission on Motion). Attorneys must have been duly licensed and lawfully engaged in the practice of law as their principal means of livelihood for at least five of the ten years (60 months) immediately preceding the application filing date.

Reciprocity

Admission without examination generally requires admission in at least one jurisdiction that will admit Connecticut attorneys without examination under provisions similar to § 2-13. Reciprocity is determined as of the filing date. Full-time faculty members or full-time clinical fellows at an accredited Connecticut law school may qualify even if admitted only in a non-reciprocal jurisdiction.

Reciprocal Jurisdictions

See the Connecticut Bar Examining Committee’s current reciprocal list on the Admission Without Examination page (including the U.S. Virgin Islands). The map above matches the U.S. states and D.C. on that list. Always confirm the list as of your filing date.

Additional Requirements

Connecticut’s requirements under § 2-13 include:

Law Degree. A J.D. or equivalent from an ABA or Committee-approved law school, or Committee-approved foreign legal education under Art. II-3 of the CBEC Regulations.

Good Standing. Good moral character, fitness to practice, and good standing in each jurisdiction of admission.

Prior Bar Exam. An attorney who was unsuccessful on the Connecticut bar examination within the past five years is not eligible for admission without examination (§ 2-13(a)(2)(B)).

Practice of Law. At least five of the last ten years as principal means of livelihood. “Practice of law” under § 2-13(b) includes private practice; government/military lawyers; teaching at an accredited law school (including clinical supervision); judges of courts of record; judicial law clerks; and authorized house counsel (including certain Connecticut Rule 2-15A practice).

MPRE. A score of at least 80 on the MPRE, or a “C”/“Pass” in professional responsibility/legal ethics at an ABA or Committee-approved law school, before recommendation for admission. NCBE must report MPRE scores (1999–present) directly to Connecticut.

Citizenship / Lawful Residence. U.S. citizen or alien lawfully residing in the United States (including lawful work authorization) (§ 2-13(a)(3)).

Connecticut Application Procedure

Apply online through the Connecticut Bar Examining Committee. The application fee is non-refundable. Meet the five-of-ten practice requirement before filing.