Reciprocal Admission
Idaho Bar Commission Rule 204A
An applicant for reciprocal admission may be admitted to the practice of law without taking the bar examination by first showing to the satisfaction of the Board of Commissioners the following:
- Received a juris doctorate, or an equivalent basic law degree from an approved law school as defined in Rule 200(a); and
- Passed a written bar examination; and
- Admitted to practice; and
- Currently actively licensed as an attorney by the highest court in any state, United States territory or District of Columbia that grants admission without bar examination under provisions substantially similar to this rule to attorneys licensed in Idaho on the basis of practice in Idaho; and
- Has actively, substantially, and continuously practiced law as defined in Rule 200(j) as his or her principal occupation for no less than three of the last five years immediately preceding application for admission, in Idaho or in another jurisdiction that grants admission without bar examination under provisions substantially similar to this rule to attorneys licensed in Idaho on the basis of practice in Idaho;
- A showing of good moral character; and
- Completing fifteen hours of continuing legal education on Idaho practice to be completed within six months from the date of admission. More information on the reciprocal admission credits requirement.
The burden of proof is on the applicant to establish by clear and convincing evidence that he or she meets each of the above requirements.
The application process could take from 60 to 90 days to complete. The application fee is $800.00. If you have questions about the application process or the admission requirements, please contact Carol McDonald, Admissions Director, at (208) 334-4500.
The text of the reciprocal admission rule is in Idaho Bar Commission Rule 204A.