Navigating the path to bar admission can seem complex, especially when considering score transfers from the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). If you’re aiming to practice law in Washington State and have taken the UBE in another jurisdiction, understanding the transfer process is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of transferring your UBE score to Washington, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.
Key Updates and Announcements for UBE Score Transfers
Stay informed about recent changes that may affect your UBE score transfer process in Washington.
Washington Supreme Court Order on UBE Passing Score
In a significant announcement on March 15, 2024, the Washington Supreme Court issued an order that retroactively reduces the minimum UBE passing score in Washington. This reduction from 270 to 266 is applicable for all bar exams administered from July 2020 onwards. This includes exams already conducted in February 2023, July 2023, and February 2024. Crucially, this revised minimum passing score of 266 also applies to UBE Score Transfers under APR 3(d), broadening the scope of eligibility for many applicants.
Acceptance of October 2020 Remote Exam Scores
Further expanding accessibility, as of March 5, 2021, the Washington Supreme Court has authorized the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) to accept October 2020 remote exam scores from UBE jurisdictions. This score transfer opportunity is specifically for applicants who have earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-approved law school. It’s important to note that transfers are only accepted from jurisdictions that were UBE jurisdictions at the time of the October 2020 exam.
Transferring Your UBE Score: The Essentials
Washington State allows you to transfer a qualifying UBE score earned in another jurisdiction for bar admission purposes. This transferred score remains valid for 40 months from the date of the UBE administration. For exams taken from July 2020 onwards, Washington’s qualifying UBE score is 266.
To be eligible for admission in Washington via UBE score transfer, you must also fulfill the general qualifications for lawyer bar examination as outlined in Washington Supreme Court APR 3(b).
Application Timeline and Important Deadlines
Once you submit your application for admission by UBE score transfer, you have a 12-month window to complete the entire admission process. This includes ensuring that the WSBA receives your official qualifying UBE score transcript. Failure to complete the admission within this 12-month period will necessitate a new application and fee. Therefore, it may be strategic to delay your UBE score transfer application until you are certain you have achieved a qualifying score.
Washington State only accepts complete, official UBE score transcripts directly from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). They do not accept partial score transfers for individual UBE components, and applicants cannot register for specific sections of the exam.
MPRE Score Requirement
In addition to the UBE, a qualifying Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) score is also required. This MPRE score must be obtained no earlier than three years before, or no later than 40 months after, the date of the UBE in which you achieved a passing score, as per APR 4(d)(2).
To request official UBE and MPRE transcripts, contact the NCBE directly.
UBE Transfer Requirements: Are You Eligible?
You can submit your UBE transfer application to Washington at any time, provided you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Qualifying UBE Score: You must possess a qualifying UBE transfer score at the time of application.
- Application Submission: You need to apply to Washington as a UBE-score transfer applicant while also applying to take the UBE in another UBE jurisdiction. In your Washington application, you must specify the state where you are taking the UBE with the intention of transferring your score. Remember, a Washington UBE score transfer application is valid for 12 months from the date of filing.
- Exclusive Application Type: It is crucial to note that you cannot simultaneously apply for admission in Washington both as a candidate to take the Washington bar exam and as a UBE score transfer applicant. You must choose one application path.
Processing Time for UBE Transfer Applications
The processing time for UBE transfer applications varies based on your admission history:
- Applicants Licensed in Other Jurisdictions: If you are already licensed to practice law in another jurisdiction, the application approval process typically takes approximately four to six months from the date of submission.
- Applicants Never Admitted in Another Jurisdiction: For those who have never been admitted to any bar, the application approval process is generally shorter, taking around two to three months from submission, assuming Washington has received your qualifying UBE and MPRE scores.
Once your application is approved, you will be notified via email.
Important Note on Application Completion: You have a strict one-year period from the date of your UBE score transfer application submission to finalize the admission process (APR 5(e)(1)). This includes ensuring that Washington receives your qualifying transferred UBE score. After this year, a new application and fee are required to restart the 12-month completion period. You retain the option to withdraw your application at any point, but please be aware of a $400 nonrefundable administrative fee. Fees paid to the NCBE are also nonrefundable.
For any inquiries regarding transferring your UBE score to Washington, please contact the WSBA Admissions Department at [email protected] or by phone at 206-727-8209.
This guide aims to clarify the UBE score transfer process to Washington State, helping you navigate your path to bar admission with confidence. Remember to always refer to the official Washington State Bar Association website for the most up-to-date information and regulations.
