Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Alternate Admission Procedure

When will I receive my admission materials?
Do I need to make an appointment to have the admission procedure completed?
How can I find out who is authorized to administer the Massachusetts Attorney's Oath in a different State?
Who can administer the Massachusetts Attorneys' Oath in a foreign country?
When can I begin to practice as an Attorney?
When am I officially a member of the Massachusetts Bar?
When will I obtain my Board of Bar Overseers number?

1. When will I receive my admission materials?

If you are an applicant from an examination, you will receive your admission materials two weeks after the formal admission ceremonies.

2. Do I need to make an appointment to have the admission procedure completed?

If you are coming to this Court, you do not need an appointment. You can appear at this Court Mon-Fri. 10 am to 4 pm.

If you are going to a Superior Court outside of Suffolk County, you should contact that Court for more information.

3. How can I find out who is authorized to administer the Massachusetts Attorney's Oath in a different State?

You should contact that State's Bar Examiners office and inquire as to who is authorized to swear in the Attorneys from that State. Whoever administers that state's Attorneys' Oath has the authority to administer the Massachusetts Attorneys' Oath. You can contact Bar/Bri for a listing of Bar Examiners within the Country.

4. Who can administer the Massachusetts Attorneys' Oath in a foreign country?

Outside the United States, you must go to a United States Embassy and have an official of the Embassy administer the Oath to you.

5. When can I begin to practice as an Attorney?

You may begin to practice as a Massachusetts Attorney once you have officially been admitted to the bar.

6. When am I officially a member of the Massachusetts Bar?

Your official date of admission is the date you were administered the Oath. However, this Court will not recognize that date until the completed admission materials have been returned to this Clerk's office.

7. When will I obtain my Board of Bar Overseers number?

After you have been admitted, this office will forward your name, address and date of admission to the Board of Bar Overseers. The Board of Bar Overseers will forward the requisite registration materials to you.

You MUST register within 90 days of your admission. While you await your Bar Registration number or your bar card, it is advised that you use "pending" in lieu of the number.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ADMISSIONS.