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Massachusetts - Admission, Eligibility, Deadlines, Fees and Scores

Bar Admission Agency

Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners

John Adams Courthouse
One Pemberton Square, Suite 5-140
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 482-4466
Fax: (617) 542-5943
Email: info@bbe.state.ma.us

Visit Website

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required ✕ No
Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility ✓ Yes
July 2026: First filing deadline At least 75 days
July 2026: Late filing deadline
February 2027: First filing deadline At least 75 days
February 2027: Late filing deadline

Score Portability

Accepts Legacy UBE Score ✓ Yes
Minimum Legacy UBE Score 270
Accepts NextGen UBE Score ✓ Yes
Minimum NextGen UBE Score 620
Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score July 2026
Maximum Score Age 5 years
Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement ✓ Yes
Accepts Transferred MBE Scores ✕ No

Character & Fitness Investigations

NCBE conducts investigations only for those seeking admission on motion in Massachusetts.

Process Overview

Submission

Requirements, deadlines, and processing times vary among jurisdictions. Application processes are determined solely by the jurisdiction to which you are applying. Contact your jurisdiction for specific application instructions and deadlines.

Application and Fee

Completing and submitting a character and fitness application is only part of the bar application process.

View NCBE Fee Schedule

How to Apply

Please visit your jurisdiction’s website for submission instructions. If your jurisdiction requires you to complete an NCBE application, it can be accessed from your NCBE Account.

Submit all requested documentation with the application. Incomplete or inaccurate responses will cause delay.

NCBE Account

Processing by NCBE

NCBE may contact the schools, employers, courts, etc., identified in your application to gather relevant information. A prompt response to any inquiries from NCBE staff is required to prevent delays. The jurisdiction to which you are applying may also contact you and others to gather information. If NCBE conducts an investigation, you may log in to your NCBE account to view status updates and you should monitor your email, NCBE Account, and text messages in case our investigators need additional information.

Final Review

The jurisdiction will review your application materials and, in some instances, NCBE's investigation report, and may require you to provide additional information or explanation or to appear for a personal interview. NCBE makes no determinations or recommendations regarding who is eligible or ineligible to practice law. Jurisdictions make this determination.

Character & Fitness Services for Massachusetts

MPRE Requirements

MPRE Required ✓ Yes
MPRE Minimum Passing Score 85

Admission on Motion

Rules Provide for Admission on Motion ✓ Yes
Number of Years of Practice Required 5 of past 7

Bar Exam

NextGen UBE ✓ Yes
Date First Administration July 2028
Minimum Passing Score 620
NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement ✓ Yes
Legacy UBE ✓ Yes
Date Final Administration February 2028
Legacy UBE Minimum Passing Score 270
Legacy UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement ✓ Yes
Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam ✕ No
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