Bar Admissions

This page has some information about the bar admission process in Maryland including:

  1. The Supreme Court's orders ratifying the recommendations of the State Board of Law Examiners that certain persons are qualified to be admitted to the bar 
  2. Information about the May 20, 2025 Bar Admissions Ceremonies for those who passed the February 2025 Bar Exam
  3. Information for out-of-state attorneys who are military spouses or affiliated with programs providing legal services to low-income individuals and who wish special authorization to practice law in the State of Maryland

For general information about becoming a Maryland Lawyer, click here.

Ratification Orders

The orders posted on this page announce the Supreme Court’s ratification of the State Board of Law Examiners’ recommendation that the persons listed on the attachment to the orders be admitted to practice law in Maryland subject to certain conditions. There are separate orders for bar admission candidates who have passed the Uniform Bar Exam in Maryland (Rule 19-211(a)), candidates who wish to transfer their Uniform Bar Exam results for tests taken in other states (Rule 19-211(b)), and candidates who qualify for admission without examination (Rule 19-216). Any person who wishes to file exceptions to the admission of any candidate may do so by filing their exceptions as to any relevant matter with the Clerk of the Supreme Court at 361 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, Maryland by the date stated in each order, usually 30 days after the order is filed. The Supreme Court can extend the period for filing exceptions if the person has not taken the oath.

Archive of Orders Nisi and Ratification Orders  
 

Information about the May 20, 2025, bar admissions ceremonies (February 2025 Bar Exam).

For those who passed the February 2025 Bar Exam, information regarding your next steps in becoming a Maryland attorney is available here. This includes information about the bar admissions ceremonies which will be held May 20, 2025. The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the Court's webcast page and on the Bar Admissions Webcast page.

 

Special Authorization to Practice Law

Affiliation with Programs Providing Legal Service to Low-Income Individuals – If you are an out-of-state attorney employed by or associated with a program that provides legal services for low-income individuals, you may be eligible to practice law in the Maryland under Rule 19-218. Please review that rule for eligibility and application requirements. If you wish to practice under special authorization pursuant to Rule 19-218, please mail your written request, the documents required by Rule 19-218(c), and a check or money order for $10.00 to the Clerk’s Office. You may pay in cash if you hand deliver your application.

Military Spouse – If you are a military spouse who is an out-of-state attorney, you may be eligible to practice law in Maryland under Rule 19-219. Please review that rule for eligibility and application requirements. If you wish to practice under special authorization pursuant to Rule 19-219, please mail your written request, the documents required by Rule 19-219(c), and a check or money order for $10.00 to the Clerk’s Office. You may also pay in cash if you hand deliver your application.

If you are specially authorized to practice law under these programs, you are not admitted to the Maryland Bar and cannot hold yourself out as a Maryland attorney. Please call the Clerk’s Office if you have any questions: (410)260-1500.