New York Bar Reciprocity

Rule 520.10 of the New York Court Rules for Admission of Attorneys and Counselors of Law governs admission to the New York Bar for attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions.  The process in New York is called Admission on Motion/Reciprocity. Attorneys must be admitted to a reciprocal jurisdiction and have practiced for five of the preceding seven years of the application for admission.

Reciprocity

The Admission on Motion/Reciprocity procedure in New York is based on bar reciprocity. At least one jurisdiction where the attorney is admitted must similarly admit New York attorneys without examination.

Reciprocal Jurisdictions

New York’s Reciprocity List contains the reciprocal jurisdictions. The map above identifies the states with which New York has bar reciprocity.

Additional Requirements

New York’s additional reciprocity requirements include:

Age Over 26.  Attorneys must be over 26 years of age.

Law Degree.  A law degree from an ABA approved law school.

Character and Fitness.  Attorneys must meet the applicable character and fitness standards.

Good Standing and Prior Bar Exam.  Attorneys must be in good standing.

Practice of Law.  Attorneys must be admitted to a reciprocal jurisdiction and have practiced for five of the preceding seven years of the application for admission. Admitted to practice includes (1) admission in the highest court of original jurisdiction in a state or territory of the United States or District of Columbia, (2) Federal military or civilian legal service in a position that requires admission to the bar or for employment or performance of duties even if the government, civilian, or military attorney was not in a jurisdiction where the attorney was admitted to practice, or (3) legal services as counsel or assistant counsel to a corporation where admitted.

“Practice of law” includes:

• Private Practice (see above)

• Judges, Magistrates, Referees, or Similar Officials (local, state, or federal government in a tribunal of record)

• Government Attorneys (see above)

• Judicial Clerks (provided employment requires admission to the Bar)

• Military Attorneys (see above)

• Law Professors teaching full-time as part of the faculty at an ABA accredited law school (attained rank of professor or associate professor)

• Corporate Counsel (see above)

• Not specifically enumerated (but included):  No major categories.

MPRE. The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is not required.

New York Bar Reciprocity Application Procedure

Attorneys eligible for Admission on Motion in New York must complete the Certificate of Admission. Applications may be accepted at any time.