Massachusetts

IMPORTANT: Since jurisdiction rules and policies change, you are strongly advised to consult the jurisdiction's bar admission agency directly for the most current information. Note that many jurisdictions are making emergency changes to rules, policies, and exam administrations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit February 2021 Bar Exam: Jurisdiction Information for more information.

Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements Cover

The information provided on this page is drawn from the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements ("Guide"). Links are provided to specific charts in the Guide; each chart is followed by jurisdiction-specific supplemental remarks. Please consult both the chart and its remarks for complete information. NOTE: The Guide is updated on an annual basis, while the website is updated throughout the year. The website supersedes the Guide where the two differ. (Website jurisdiction information last updated Dec 08, 2020.)

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

  • ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required: No See Chart 3
  • Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility: Yes See Chart 4
  • Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines: See Chart 9
  • Bar Exam Application Fees: See Chart 9

UBE Adoption

  • UBE Adoption: Yes
  • UBE First Administration Date: July 2018
  • UBE Minimum Passing Score: 270
  • UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes See Chart 5

Admission on Transferred UBE Score

  • Admission on Transferred UBE Score: Yes
  • Effective Date: March 2018
  • Minimum Score: 270
  • Maximum Score Age: 36 months, See Chart 5
  • Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes See Chart 5
  • UBE Score Services

Massachusetts Bar Exam Components

  • The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): Yes
    • Accepts Transferred MBE Scores: No
  • The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE): Yes
  • The Multistate Performance Test (MPT): Yes
  • Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam: No

MPRE Requirements

Character and Fitness Investigations

NCBE provides character and fitness services for the following applicant types in Massachusetts:

  • Attorney - Admission On Motion
View Character and Fitness Services for Massachusetts

Admission on Motion

Change Jurisdiction

Bar Admission Agency
Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners

John Adams Courthouse
One Pemberton Square, Suite 5-140

Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 482-4466

Fax: (617) 542-5943

Email: bbeinfo@jud.state.ma.us

Visit Website
compguidecallout2020
Bar Admission Guide

Information on bar 
admission requirements
and directory of state
bar admission agencies