Law license portability rules tweaked in this state
The Rhode Island Supreme Court tweaked its rules of admission to the bar last week, easing regulations for licensed attorneys from other states. (Image from Shutterstock)
The Rhode Island Supreme Court tweaked its rules of admission to the bar last week, easing regulations for licensed attorneys from other states.
One order allows attorneys admitted to any state bar and has five years of experience to only be required to take the essay portion of the Rhode Island bar exam, eliminating the need for retaking the Uniform Bar Examination.
“It is just a baby step towards easing admission,” says Deborah Jones Merritt, a professor emerita at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a 2025 ABA Journal Legal Rebel. “The real question is why states don’t respect either the decisions of other states or the clear demonstration of competence by someone who has practiced for several years. I think these restrictive rules are protectionist.”
Forty-three out of 51 jurisdictions admit attorneys in good standing who have practiced for a set period, usually three, four or five years, without requiring them to take any exam, she adds.
In addition, the state supreme court clarified that examinees who have failed five or more bar exams anywhere in the country would not be permitted to seek admission to the Rhode Island bar via transfer of their UBE score or taking the bar exam.
See also:
Law license portability granted to military members and attorney spouses by DOJ
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