South Dakota

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: Yes
  • 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

South Dakota Bar Exam Components

  • The Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): Yes
  • 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 South Dakota:

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

Admission on Motion

  • Admission on Motion: Yes See Chart 14 and Chart 15
  • Number of Years of Practice Required: 3 of past 5

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Bar Admission Agency
South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners

500 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: (605) 773-4898

Fax: (605) 773-8479

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Bar Admission Online Guide

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