New Hampshire Bar Reciprocity
New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 42(XI) governs Admission by Motion without Examination. For the general reciprocal path, attorneys must have been primarily engaged in the active practice of law for five of the seven years immediately preceding the application. Special pathways exist for Maine and Vermont attorneys with different practice and CLE rules.
Reciprocity
New Hampshire publishes a preliminary reciprocal-jurisdiction list; the applicant bears the burden of establishing reciprocity. See the reciprocal jurisdictions page. Vermont is not on the general reciprocal list for Rule 42(XI)(a) but has a separate special path.
| Attorneys from these jurisdictions may seek general Admission by Motion in New Hampshire (published reciprocal list) | |
| Attorneys from these jurisdictions are not on New Hampshire’s published general reciprocal list (special ME/VT paths may still apply) |
Reciprocal Jurisdictions
See New Hampshire’s published reciprocal jurisdictions list (including the Virgin Islands). The map above matches the U.S. states and D.C. on the general list.
Additional Requirements
New Hampshire Admission by Motion requirements include:
Law Degree. A J.D. from an ABA-approved law school (Rule 42(V)(b); foreign equivalency and special VT path rules may differ).
Practice of Law. General path: five of the seven years immediately preceding the application. Applicants must have passed a bar exam in a reciprocal jurisdiction or practiced five of seven years in reciprocal jurisdictions. Maine/Vermont special paths use different practice and CLE rules (commonly three years continuous practice in that state plus New Hampshire CLE).
Failed Exam Lookback. Failed the New Hampshire bar examination within five years of filing → ineligible. Resigned New Hampshire members are not eligible for motion admission.
MPRE. A score of 79 or greater on the MPRE must be on file before filing the motion. NCBE generally will not report scores older than fifteen years; see Board Regulation IV for alternatives.
Practical Skills Course. Required after admission.
New Hampshire Application Procedure
Apply through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch Admission by Motion page (Form A / Form B packets).