D.C. UBE portability Forum

[kathj06]

I have kind of an odd question, and thought I'd post on TLS before reaching out to my law school:

Say I pass the Maryland Bar, which I took in July. I am planning on applying to the D.C. bar this year if I score well enough on the Maryland Bar to do so. Once I'm admitted to the D.C. bar (I know this process can take about a year), can I then apply to another UBE state (say, NY or Massachusetts) since DC is now a UBE state? Or, would I have to retake the bar exam in NY or Mass, since, although DC is a UBE state, the original state I took the bar exam in (Maryland) is not a UBE state?

I'm sorry if this post is an incomprehensible mess. There is a long and boring personal-life related backstory here, but thought I'd spare TLS.

[jess]

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[kathj06]

Thanks, Jess! By taking the UBE, you mean I'd have to retake the MBE and the MPT, and take the MEE?

[Yardbird]

Thanks, Jess! By taking the UBE, you mean I'd have to retake the MBE and the MPT, and take the MEE?

Depending on the state you may be able to reuse your MBE. You’ll have to do the UBE essays/MPTs though.

[kathj06]

Gotcha--not retaking the MBE would be great news. Thanks!

[EDM]

Also, some states won't let you use your UBE score in other states if you use a previously-earned MBE score when you take the UBE. For example, if you use your Maryland MBE score to take the Alabama UBE, Alabama will not let you use your UBE score to gain admission into other UBE states, like New York. Just something to think about.