MJP/In-house Counsel
Comity Instructions
Amendment Instructions
Re-examination Instructions
Instructions for Application by Exam
Each applicant is now responsible for requesting their own background check from the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Please follow the steps below to apply to take the Tennessee bar examination:
- STEP 1
Read and familiarize yourself with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7.
- STEP 2
Print out the NOTICE OF INTENT (PDF format). Complete it and send it to: 401 Church St., Suite 2200, Nashville, TN, 37243-0740 by the deadline date with the proper fee. (See FEE SCHEDULE) Include the late fee if postmarked after that date.
- STEP 3
Go to http://www.ncbex.org/ea and complete the character and fitness application. When you have completed the application form on-line, print out two originals of your completed NCBE application. Sign and have notarized the appropriate pages as required. Then make 2 photo copies, keep one for yourself. Now mail one original to the NCBE with your payment either by filling in the credit card information or by paying with a check or money order.
- STEP 4
Print out and complete the Tennessee Supplemental (PDF) pages Ei-Eiv.
If you require special accommodations (e.g. extra time, special chair, large type, etc.) print out and complete the SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS form. Be sure to include documentation of your disability and any accommodation previously granted by your college and/or law school and a letter from your treating physician confirming the need for accommodations.
- STEP 5
Submit to the Board of Law Examiners, 401 Church Street, Suite 2200, Nashville, Tn, 37243-0740:
completed and notarized Tennessee Supplemental pages Ei-Eiii, special accommodations form with documentation, if applicable, and original and one copy of the character and fitness application to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners with the $300 exam fee. (PERSONAL CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO: TN BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS) This office does not accept credit cards.
- STEP 6
Print out the UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (Academic Form) verification form. Complete and have notarized the top portion and send the form only to the registrar/records office of the school/university that granted your undergraduate degree. DO NOT send the forms to every school you attended.
Print out the LAW DEGREE verification form. NOTE-THIS IS A TWO PAGE FORM. Complete and have notarized the top portion of the form and send BOTH pages to your law school Dean for completion.
BOTH FORMS MUST BE SENT TO THE BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS DIRECTLY FROM THE SCHOOL AND MUST CONTAIN THE SCHOOL SEAL. IF A TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY THIS OFFICE.
NOTE: if you have been previously admitted in another jurisdiction you must also submit a certificate of good standing from each state.
- STEP 7
Print out the check sheet . Make sure you have completed each item. Sign and date the check sheet and enclose a copy with your application to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Tennessee does not accept previous MBE scores and no longer
permits applicants to take two exams concurrently due to the adoption
of the MPT exam.
Multi-Jurisdictional Practice/In- House Counsel Admission Instructions
Admission under this Rule is governed by Section 10.01 of Rule 7 of the Tennessee Supreme Rules
Please follow the steps below to apply for the MJP/In-house Counsel Practice Certificate:
- STEP 1
Read and familiarize yourself with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7 , Section 10.01.
- STEP 2
Go to www.ncbex.org/ea and complete the character and fitness application. Be sure to select the MJP/In-House Counsel option from the drop down labeled "application type" in the section after selecting which jurisdiction you are applying to. A $12.50 online payment is required for this application; the payment link is accessible from the Application Home Page. You may skip the Fee Schedule section by clicking on "Next Question" as the displayed fees do not apply to MJP/In-House Counsel applicants. Be sure to also check In-House Counsel from the drop down for "Applying As" in the Personal Information section of the application. Print out the completed application, have Authorization and Release Forms executed and include all requested forms and supporting documentation.
- STEP 3
Print out and complete the Supplemental Information for MJP/In-House Counsel applicants and attach the requested documents (i.e. proof of admission and current good standing in all jurisdictions in which you are admitted and an affidavit from your employer. See Rule 7, Section 10.01(a)(iv).)
- STEP 4
Make two copies of steps 2 and 3 documents above. Keep one for yourself and mail the originals and one copy to the Board of Law Examiners, 401 Church Street, Suite 2200, Nashville, TN, 37243-0740. Enclose 1 check or money order made out to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners for $750. This office does not accept credit cards.
- STEP 5
If you have any questions you may call our office between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Central Time or email Karyn.Johnson@tncourts.gov
.
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Instructions for Application by Comity
Each applicant is now responsible for requesting their own background check from the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Please follow the steps below to apply for comity admission to Tennessee:
- STEP 1
Read and familiarize yourself with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7.
- STEP 2
Go to www.ncbex.org/ea and complete the character and fitness application. When you have completed the application form on-line, print out two originals of your completed NCBE application. Sign and have notarized the appropriate pages as required. Then make 2 photo copies, keep one for yourself. Now mail one original to the NCBE with your payment either by filling in the credit card information or by paying with a check or money order.
- STEP 3
Print out and complete the Tennesse Supplemental pages Ci-Cii.
- STEP 4
Submit to the Board of Law Examiners, 401 Church Street, Suite 2200, Nashville, Tn, 37243-0740 a completed and notarized TENNESSEE SUPPLEMENTAL pages Ci-Cii,
and original and one copy of the character and fitness application to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners with the $800 application fee. (PERSONAL CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO: TN BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS) This office does not accept credit cards.
- STEP 5
Print out the check sheet . Make sure you have completed each item. Sign and date the check sheet and enclose a copy with your application to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners.
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Amendment Instructions
Instructions for those who previously submitted a completed first-time application and withdrew before sitting for the Tennessee exam:
- STEP 1
Print out the NOTICE OF INTENT (PDF format).
Complete it and send it to: 401 Church St., Suite 2200 Nashville, TN 37243-0740 by the "first examination" deadline date with the proper fee (See Fee schedule) . Include the late fee if postmarked after that date. - STEP 2
If you require special accommodations (e.g. extra time, special chair, large type, etc.) print out and complete the SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS form. Be sure to include documentation of your disability and any accommodation previously granted by your college and or law school and a letter from your treating physician confirming the need for accommodations. Send it to the above address with your Notice of Intent. - STEP 3
Click here for the Application Amendment form and further instructions. Be sure to pay attention to the deadline dates. The Board cannot waive them under any conditions.
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Application for Re-examination
- STEP 1
Print out the NOTICE OF INTENT (PDF format).
Complete it and send it to: 401 Church St., Suite 2200 Nashville, TN 37243-0740 by the re-exam deadline date with the proper fee (See Fee Schedule) . Include the late fee if postmarked after that date. - STEP 2
If you require special accommodations (e.g. extra time, special chair, large type, etc.) print out and complete the SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS form. Be sure to include documentation of your disability and any accommodation previously granted by your college and or law school and a letter from your treating physician confirming the need for accommodations. Send it to the above address with your Notice of Intent. - STEP 3
Click here for the Re-take Application form and further instructions. Be sure to pay attention to the deadline dates. The Board cannot waive them under any conditions.
