Illinois

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 Jan 21, 2021.)

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

  • ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required: Yes
  • 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 2019
  • UBE Minimum Passing Score: 266
  • UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component: No

Admission on Transferred UBE Score

  • Admission on Transferred UBE Score: Yes
  • Effective Date: 3rd January 2019
  • Minimum Score: 266
  • Maximum Score Age: 4 years , See Chart 5
  • Jurisdiction-Specific Component: No
  • UBE Score Services

Illinois Bar Exam Components

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

MPRE Requirements

Character and Fitness Investigations

This jurisdiction does not use NCBE's character and fitness services; please contact Illinois for filing instructions.

Admission on Motion

  • Admission on Motion: Yes See Chart 12 and Chart 13
  • Number of Years of Practice Required: 3 of past 5

Change Jurisdiction

Bar Admission Agency
Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar

625 S. College St.

Springfield, IL 62704-2521

Phone: (217) 522-5917

Fax: (217) 522-3728

Visit Website
compguidecallout2020
Bar Admission Guide

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