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. Videos of recent bar admission ceremonies. 
  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  

Videos of Recent Bar Admissions Ceremonies

Congratulations to all the May 2023 Admittees to the Maryland Bar!

The bar admissions webcast videos will be available at the Bar Admissions Webcast Archive page (https://mdcourts.gov/coappeals/webcasts/baradmissionwebcast) for eight to twelve weeks.
 

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.