Hawaii

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.
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 Jun 10, 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: No

Admission on Transferred UBE Score

  • Admission on Transferred UBE Score: No

Hawaii 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: Yes See Chart 7

MPRE Requirements

Character and Fitness Investigations

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

  • First Bar Admission (Examinee)
  • Attorney
  • Foreign-Educated/Foreign-Licensed
View Character and Fitness Services for Hawaii

Admission on Motion

Change Jurisdiction

Bar Admission Agency
Board of Examiners
Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii

Ali'iolani Hale, Rm. 103
417 S. King St.

Honolulu, HI 96813-2912

Phone: (808) 539-4919

Fax: (808) 539-4978

Email: baradmissions@courts.hawaii.gov

Visit Website
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Bar Admission Guide

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