Tennessee

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 NCBE COVID-19 Updates 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. 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. (Information last updated Apr 11, 2022.)

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 7
  • Bar Exam Application Fees: See Chart 7

UBE Adoption

  • UBE Adoption: Yes
  • UBE First Administration Date: February 2019
  • 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: 2nd January 2019
  • Minimum Score: 270
  • Maximum Score Age: 3 years/5 years, See Chart 5
  • Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes See Chart 5
  • UBE Score Services

Tennessee 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 Tennessee:

  • First Bar Admission (Examinee)
  • Attorney
  • Foreign-Educated/Foreign-Licensed
  • In-House Counsel
View Character and Fitness Services for Tennessee

Admission on Motion

  • Admission on Motion: Yes See Chart 14 and Chart 15
  • Number of Years of Practice Required: 5 of past 7

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Bar Admission Agency
Tennessee Board of Law Examiners

511 Union St., Ste. 525

Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (615) 741-3234

Email: BLE.Administrator@tncourts.gov

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Bar Admission Online Guide

Jurisdiction-specific bar admission requirements 
and directory of state bar admission agencies.