Kentucky

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 2021
  • UBE Minimum Passing Score: 266
  • UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes See Chart 5

Admission on Transferred UBE Score

  • Admission on Transferred UBE Score: Yes
  • Effective Date: February 2021
  • Minimum Score: 266
  • Maximum Score Age: 5 years
  • Jurisdiction-Specific Component: Yes
  • UBE Score Services

Kentucky 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

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

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
Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions

1510 Newtown Pike, Ste. 156

Lexington, KY 40511-1255

Phone: (859) 246-2381

Fax: (859) 246-2385

Email: info@kyoba.org

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Bar Admission Online Guide

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