Frequently Asked Questions For Motion Application

What are the requirements for admission by Motion?
How can I obtain a Motion application?
What is the fee?
What documents must be submitted with the application?
What should the letters of recommendation include?
How do I get an individual MPRE Score Report?
Can I have my MPRE Score sent directly to you from the National Conference of Bar Examiners?
How long is the application process?
When can I begin to practice as a Massachusetts Attorney?
When will I be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar?
When do I get my Bar Registration Number?


1. What are the requirements for admission by Motion?
Rule 3:01, Sec. 6 Admission on Motion


For more information, see instructions.


How can I obtain a Motion application?

There are three different procedures for obtaining an application:

1. Download the application from this site.
2. Send a written request to this office.
3. Send an e-mail requesting that an application be mailed to you.

What is the fee?
The Admission on Motion Massachusetts' Application filing fee is $1015.00 payable by bank check or money to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This office will not accept personal checks.

NCBE application fee for $250.00 payable by certified bank check or credit card. See the NCBE Application.

What documents must be submitted with the application?

(1) $1015.00 filing fee in the form of a money order or bank check
(2) Letters of Recommendation. See instructions.
(3) Current certificate(s) of admission and good standing from every jurisdiction of which you are a member.
(4)  Passing MPRE Score Report if he or she has not previously passed that examination in another jurisdiction.
(5) The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) Request for Preparation of a Character Report with the $250.00 fee.

This office will not accept any materials separate from the application. All materials must be submitted with the application.

For more information, please see the instructions.


What should the letters of recommendation include?
Because the Board of Bar Examiners' members read all of the letters of recommendation, they rely on the complete candor of the author. It is strongly suggested that the authors of the letters state their knowledge of you and any specific facts that pertain to your character. The letters should be at least one page in length.

How do I get an individual MPRE Score Report?
You must contact the National Conference of Bar Examiners and request that your individual Score Report indicating a Scaled Score of 85 or greater be sent directly to you, so that you can submit it with your application.

Can I have my MPRE Score sent directly to you from the National Conference of Bar Examiners?
No. Because the MPRE score report is a filing requirement, you may not have the MPRE sent directly to this office or the Board of Bar Examiners. Your Score Report must be submitted with your application.

How long is the application process?
The entire application process can take 4 to 6 months.

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

When will I be admitted to the Massachusetts Bar?
After the public posting and the Board of Bar Examiners recommends your admission, you MUST be officially admitted either at the formal admission ceremonies or by the alternate admission procedure.

When do I get my Bar Registration 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.