Admission by Motion without Examination

Lawyers admitted to the bar in another state, territory or the District of Columbia may be eligible to apply for admission to the New Hampshire bar without examination. The requirements for admission on motion without examination are set forth in Supreme Court Rule 42(XI), and vary depending upon the state or territory in which the lawyer is practicing. As discussed more fully below, there are specific eligibility requirements applicable to lawyers practicing in Maine and Vermont, and general provisions applicable to lawyers practicing in other reciprocal jurisdictions. An applicant seeking admission on motion should consult the list of Reciprocal Jurisdictions for Admission on Motion to the New Hampshire Bar to determine which jurisdictions have been determined to be reciprocal with New Hampshire.

A. Maine and Vermont Lawyers

The eligibility requirements for admission without examination of lawyers practicing in Maine are set forth in Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(c); the eligibility requirements for admission without examination of lawyers practicing in Vermont are set forth in Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(b).

Maine is also considered a reciprocal jurisdiction under the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(a), which does not include a CLE requirement. Therefore, Maine attorneys may apply under either Rule 42(XI)(a) or 42(XI)(c). Information regarding applications made pursuant to Rule 42(XI)(a) is set forth below in Section II B.

Please note that Maine and Vermont lawyers seeking admission under Rule 42 (XI)(b) or (c) must complete 15 hours of continuing legal education on New Hampshire practice and procedure before filing a motion for admission. An applicant must file a Certificate of Completion of Continuing Legal Education to establish that the continuing legal education requirement has been met.

Applicants from Maine or Vermont seeking admission on motion pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 42 (XI)(b) or (c) must submit: (1) the Petition and Questionnaire for Admission to the Bar of New Hampshire and submit all documentation requested in the petition and questionnaire; (2) Form B, the Motion For Admission Without Examination, New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 42 (XI)(b) or (c); and (3) a Certificate of Completion of Continuing Legal Education to establish that the continuing legal education requirement has been met. Please use the Packet Completion Checklist (Vermont or Maine Admission) to make sure that your submission is complete.

Applicants for admission without examination must successfully complete the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) before filing their motions for admission.

The fee for filing a motion for admission without examination is $1,225.00, which must be made payable to the State of New Hampshire.

Applicants seeking admission to the bar by motion without examination are cautioned that the process of review for such motions by the Committee on Character and Fitness and the Supreme Court may be lengthy.

B. Lawyers from Other States, Territories and the District of Columbia

The eligibility requirements for admission on motion without examination for lawyers from other states are set forth in Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(a). An applicant seeking admission on motion pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(a) should consult the list of Reciprocal Jurisdictions for Admission on Motion to the New Hampshire Bar.

Applicants seeking admission on motion pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(a) must submit: (1) the Petition and Questionnaire for Admission to the Bar of New Hampshire and all documentation requested in the petition and questionnaire; and (2) Form A, the Motion For Admission Without Examination, New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(a). Please use the Packet Completion Checklist (Admission in Reciprocal Jurisdiction) to make sure that your submission is complete.

Applicants for admission without examination must successfully complete the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) before filing their motions for admission.

The fee for filing a motion for admission without examination is $1,225.00, which must be made payable to the State of New Hampshire.

Applicants seeking admission to the bar by motion without examination are cautioned that the process of review for such motions by the Committee on Character and Fitness and the Supreme Court may be lengthy.