Obtaining a license to practice law (being admitted to the bar) in a jurisdiction is governed by each jurisdiction’s Board of Law Examiners. Each jurisdiction’s requirements vary, but the process typically involves:

• Satisfactorily and timely applying for, taking, and earning a minimum score required by the jurisdiction on the Bar Exam.
• Completing and satisfying the jurisdiction’s Character & Fitness
• Satisfactorily and timely applying for, taking, and earning a minimum score required by the jurisdiction on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE)

Academic Eligibility

Generally, applicants must have completed all the requirements to receive their JD to sit for the bar exam.

Transcripts

Official University of South Carolina transcripts are processed by the Office of the University Registrar. Applicants are responsible for requesting the transcripts. Many jurisdictions require applicants to submit transcripts for all institutions attended. It is the responsibility of the applicant to request each transcript.

Law School Certification/Dean’s Certification Form

Many jurisdictions require a certification form, which certifies your attendance, academic standing, disciplinary standing, etc. This may be sent directly to the law school by the bar jurisdiction, or you may be asked to submit the form. Forms can be submitted to lawreg@law.sc.edu by email or by mail at the below address. Please check with the jurisdiction for the method of delivery to the law school. Some jurisdictions require the original to be mailed.

University of South Carolina School of Law
Office of Law Registrar
1525 Senate Street
Suite 128
Columbia, SC 29201  

Notarized Forms

The law school has several notaries, as listed below:

Lisa Davis, Clinic Department, room 358
Hailey Floyd, Career & Professional Development, room 126
Vanessa McQuinn, Faculty Support, room 209

Character and Fitness

Each jurisdiction wants to know that applicants possess good character and fitness to practice law. Typically, the Law Registrar’s Office will facilitate the completion of a Character and Fitness form using details in our records, including disciplinary records, application amendments, and incident reports.

Fingerprints

Visit the website for the bar jurisdiction or contact the office of bar admissions for the jurisdictions for information about the fingerprints requirement.

 

MultiState Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE)

The MPRE is a standardized exam based on the rules and standards for the professional conduct of attorneys that is administered nationally in the fall, spring, and summer.  It is required for admission to most jurisdictions, though each jurisdiction that requires the MPRE sets its own passing score. If seeking admission to more than one jurisdiction, applicants should be aware of what each jurisdiction requires.

The MPRE is a standardized test, administered nationally in the spring (March/April), the summer (August), and the fall (October/November). 

MPRE registration is a multi-step process.

1. Register for the exam through the NCBE;
2. Schedule your test appointment with Pearson VUE (instructions will be provided to you via email after you register for the exam. The email will come from Pearson VUE, not the NCBE); and
3. Pay the test fee by the deadlines.

• National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBEX)
• Supreme Court of South Carolina Office of Bar Admissions
• North Carolina Board of Law Examiners
• ABA Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions Requirements
• MPRE

For the most up to date information about admissions requirements and the application process, visit the South Carolina Office of Bar Admissions.

According to the SC Office of Bar Admissions, to obtain a license to practice law in South Carolina, you must:

1. Complete all graduation requirements and receive your Juris Doctorate.
2. Pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) with a score of at least 77
3. Pass South Carolina’s Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) with a score of at least 266
4. Complete a Course of Study on South Carolina Law 
5. Meet all Character and Fitness Requirements
6. Submit a completed application for admission
7. Fingerprinting
8. Driving records

The filing periods and filing fees for applicants who wish to take the UBE in South Carolina are shown below:

July Applications Filed:	February Applications Filed:	Filing Fee
December 1 to January 10	August 1 to August 31	$1000.00
January 11 to January 31	September 1 to September 30	$1500.00