Pennsylvania Bar Reciprocity
Pa.B.A.R. 204 governs admission without examination. Applicants must have been engaged in the majority practice of law for five of the past seven years and satisfy reciprocity (passed a reciprocal-state exam or practiced five of seven in reciprocal state(s)). See the Board reciprocity list and Rule 204 tips.
Reciprocity
Pennsylvania publishes reciprocal YES/NO lists. Confirm Board pages for any July 2026 amendments before relying on older practice summaries.
| Attorneys from these jurisdictions may seek Rule 204 admission in Pennsylvania (published reciprocal list) | |
| Attorneys from these jurisdictions are on Pennsylvania’s published non-reciprocal list |
Additional Requirements
Law Degree. J.D./LL.B. from an ABA-accredited school at matriculation or graduation (per Board tips).
Practice. Majority practice (>50% / typically >20 hours/week) for five of the past seven years.
Failed Exam. Prior Pennsylvania bar failure is no longer an absolute bar (ban removed January 2022).
MPRE. Score of 75 or greater; official score to the Board.
Pennsylvania Application Procedure
Apply via the Board’s Rule 204 application page.