Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Character & Fitness Questions
Eligibility Questions

Bar Applications

        Completing, Mailing & Filing of Application
        Supplemental Items & Required Forms
 

  Applications for Admission Without Examination SCR 2.110 (by reciprocity)

        Completing, Mailing & Filing of Application
        Supplemental Items & Required Forms

General 

1. Who governs admission to the Bar in Kentucky?
    
2. Who is on the Board of Bar Examiners?
    
3. Who will be recommended for admission to the bar?
    
4. How do I obtain a copy of my application?
    

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Character & Fitness 

1. What does the good character and fitness standard require?
    
2. What kinds of conduct might show a deficiency in the necessary qualities of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence or reliability?
    
3. How does the Committee conduct further inquiry, when that is necessary?
    
4. How does the Committee determine the appropriate weight and significance to be given the prior conduct?
    
5. What can I do if my record includes problems or events which might cause the Committee to inquire further?
    
6. Why is evidence of rehabilitation so important?
    
7. What kind of inquiry will be conducted if I have had a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, or treatment for either?
    
8. If I get alcohol or drug treatment during law school, won't it delay my admission?
    
9. What kind of inquiry will be conducted if my record includes a history of psychiatric or psychological counseling?
    
10. Once I disclose my confidential medical, psychological, or chemical dependency treatment records to the Committee, will the Committee keep those records confidential?
     
11. Why does the Committee inquire about misdemeanor or felony arrests which did not result in convictions?
     
12. Why are financial problems such as past due debts, defaulted student loans or an old bankruptcy, relevant to my admission?
     
13. What is the most common reason for denial of a bar applicant?

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Eligibility to Sit for the Bar Examination

1. What are the requirements to be eligible to sit for the Kentucky Bar exam?
    
2. Is the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) required?
    
3. What happens if I do not pass the MPRE?
    
4. May one who has graduated from a law school located outside the United States sit for the Kentucky Bar Examination?  

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Bar Applications –  

Completing, Mailing & Receipt of Application

1.  How do I obtain a bar application?
    
2. If I am completing the printable application, must it be typewritten?
    
3.  What do I do if I am not able to save the computer fill-in application to my computer?
    
4. What is the deadline for filing my bar application?
    
5. Is a postmark date acceptable for filing my application?
    
6. Are any applications accepted after the extended late filing deadline?
    
7. Will a personal check be accepted as payment for my application fee?
    
8. Are my fees refundable?
    
9. Does any part of my application fee carry over to a future exam if I withdraw from an examination?
    
10. Where do I mail my application?
     
11. How will I know my application has been received?
     
12. How do I inform the Office of Bar Admissions if I change my address (postal and/or e-mail)?
     
13. How do I inform the Office of Bar Admissions if I have a name change or correction?
     
14. How will I receive correspondence?
     
15. What do I do if I want to withdraw from the bar exam?

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Bar Applications - 

Supplemental Items & Required Forms - 

1. What forms are required to be submitted at the time I file my application?
    
2. Must supplemental items such as driving records, criminal history records, etc. be received at the time I file my application?
    
3. If the supplemental items are sent prior to or after filing my application, where to I send them?
    
4. What is the deadline for submitting supplemental items such as driving records, criminal history records, etc.?
    
5. Where do I find contact information for requesting criminal history records, driving records and certificates of good standing?
    
6. From what states do I obtain criminal history records?
    
7. Do I need to submit criminal history records even though I do not have a criminal record?
    
8. Are the Authorization & Release forms necessary?
    
9. Do I need to complete the Medical Release forms?

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   Last modified: May 06, 2008