Texas Bar Reciprocity

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Texas bar reciprocity relies uponRule XIII. This regulation, known as Texas Admission Without Examination indicates how attorneys that are licensed in other states can be licensed in the state of Texas. To be admitted to practice in Texas attorneys in other states must:

  • Have admitted via bar exam in another jurisdiction allowing similar admission standards to that of Texas
  • Or have engaged in active legal practice in any of the states or territories of the United States for a minimum of 5 years out of 7 years.

Texas Bar Reciprocity

Attorneys must be admitted in another jurisdiction, known as the admission on motion process, before they can be considered a licensed Texas attorney. Texas Bar Reciprocity admission is based upon the receipt of a complete bar application.

Reciprocal Jurisdictions

Texas allows all attorneys licensed in other states to be admitted via admssion on motion. A attorney trying to achieve Texas bar reciprocity generally also must have a passing MPRE score. In addition

Additional Texas Bar Reciprocity Requirements

  • Law Degree from a ABA law school
  • Good standing in all other jurisdictions where admitted before bar exam
  • No failure of the bar exam within 5 years of a previous application for admission
  • Passage of the MPRE
  • Active practice of law in at least one state for 5 of 7 years
    • In-house counsels (can not be used for duration requirement)
    • Legal Professors
    • Judicial Law Clerks
    • Judges
    • JAG Attorneys