2.022 Application for admission by examination

The Application for Admission by Examination shall be on a verified form approved by the Board and may not be filed more than 90 days before the filing deadline outlined below.

(1) Every person who intends to apply for admission to the Kentucky Bar by examination must electronically submit a complete, verified Application for Admission by Examination form and pay the required fee to the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions. An application must be complete at the time of its filing, including a properly executed Authorization & Release form; and must include the following fee:

(a) Applicants not previously admitted to practice law-$875.00

(b) Attorney applicants admitted in another jurisdiction-$1,200.00

The filing deadline is October 1 for the February Bar examination and February 1 for the July Bar examination.

(2) Additional costs will be imposed if required by the Character and Fitness Committee in conducting the background investigation necessary for certification of eligibility. These additional costs are incurred when circumstances require a more intensive background investigation. The cost of any record, document, or inquiry concerning an application or transcript of record as a result of a hearing shall be paid by the applicant. Any additional expenses incurred must be paid prior to the release of any examination results for the applicant.

(3) Upon notice from the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions, the Deans of each law school shall file individual certifications attesting to each applicant's character and fitness and date of graduation. The Dean's certification shall be specific as to each applicant and on a form provided by the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions.

(4) Any applicant whose application to the Bar of another jurisdiction has been refused for any reason is ineligible to take the Bar examination in this Commonwealth unless the refusal was based upon a failure to pass the Bar examination in that jurisdiction.

(5) Any applicant who is a member of the Bar in another jurisdiction must produce a certificate of good standing with the application. The applicant must also produce a statement from the disciplinary board or equivalent body of that jurisdiction indicating whether any complaints have been filed against the applicant and their disposition. Any applicant who has a complaint(s) pending, is under disciplinary action, suspended, or any other action that would prohibit the practice of law as a member of the Bar in another jurisdiction is not eligible for admission in Kentucky. Any applicant who is disbarred in another jurisdiction is not eligible for admission in Kentucky.

(6) An applicant who wishes to withdraw from the Bar examination must notify the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions, in writing, not later than 5 days prior to the examination date or have a verified excuse; otherwise, the Bar examination fee of $175.00 shall be forfeited.

(7) No part of any fees or expenses as stated in the paragraphs above shall be refundable.

Note: Former Rules of Appellate Procedure (RAP) were amended and redesignated as Rules of the Supreme Court (SCR) by Order of the Supreme Court effective January 1, 1978. Prior Rules of the Court of Appeals (RCA) had been redesignated as Rules of Appellate Procedure effective March 12, 1976.