Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 40.05 governs admission to the Wisconsin Bar for attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions. The process in Wisconsin is called Admission on Proof of Practice. Attorneys must have been substantially engaged in the practice of law in a state, territory, the federal government, or the District of Columbia for three of the past five years prior to filing an application for admission.
Reciprocal Jurisdictions
The process in Wisconsin is not based on bar reciprocity with other jurisdictions. Attorneys meeting the requirements may apply for admission.
| Attorneys from these states may be Admitted on Motion in Wisconsin |
Additional Requirements
Wisconsin’s additional reciprocity requirements include:
Law Degree. The reciprocity rule does not address a law degree requirement. Attorneys must comply with the practice requirement.
Character and Fitness. Attorneys must meet the applicable character and fitness standards.
Good Standing and Prior Bar Exam. Attorneys must be in good standing where admitted and cannot have failed the Wisconsin bar exam.
Practice of Law. Attorneys must have been substantially engaged in the practice of law in a state, territory, the federal government, or the District of Columbia for three of the past five years prior to filing an application for admission. “Practice of law” includes:
- Private practice
- Judges (state, federal, DC courts of record)
- Government Attorneys (local, state, or federal)
- Judicial Clerks (local, state, or federal)
- Law Professors teaching at ABA approved law schools
MPRE. The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (“MPRE”) is not required.
Wisconsin Bar Reciprocity Application Procedure
Attorneys eligible for Admission on Proof of Practice must complete the Application. Applications may be accepted at anytime. The average time between submitting an application and admission to the Wisconsin bar is three to six months.