Kentucky Bar Reciprocity
Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 2.110 governs admission without examination. Attorneys must have been engaged in the active practice of law as a principal means of livelihood for five of the seven years immediately preceding the application, generally in a jurisdiction that has reciprocity/comity with Kentucky (or under the Rule 2.110(4) escape hatch). See the Office of Bar Admissions reciprocity list.
Reciprocity
Kentucky publishes a list of jurisdictions that have reciprocity with Kentucky. The list is subject to change. Rule 2.110(4) may allow practice from a jurisdiction that admits Kentucky lawyers even if that jurisdiction is not on the printed “HAVE reciprocity” list — confirm with OBA before relying on that path.
| Attorneys from these jurisdictions may seek admission without examination in Kentucky (published reciprocal list) | |
| Attorneys from these jurisdictions are on Kentucky’s published non-reciprocal list |
Reciprocal Jurisdictions
See OBA’s current reciprocity list (including the Virgin Islands). The map above matches the U.S. states and D.C. on that list.
Additional Requirements
Kentucky admission without examination requirements include:
Law Degree. A J.D. from an ABA or AALS approved law school (SCR 2.014).
Practice of Law. Active practice for five of the seven years immediately preceding the application, with a major portion of practice in a qualifying jurisdiction and rules no more restrictive than Kentucky’s. Full-time ABA law teaching may count.
MPRE. A score of 80 or greater on the MPRE (SCR 2.015); no time limit under current OBA guidance.
Practice Pending. SCR 2.117 Practice Pending admission may be available — confirm with OBA.
Kentucky Application Procedure
Apply online through the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions. See OBA fee and alternate-admission pages for current instructions.