Hawaii

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.

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 28, 2023.)

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 11
  • Bar Exam Application Fees: See Chart 11

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 9

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
  • Military Spouse
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

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Bar Admission Online Guide

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