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Qualifications for Military Spouse Admission by Motion Under APR 3(c)(2)
A lawyer admitted to practice law in another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia who does not qualify for admission by motion under APR 3(c)(1) and does not qualify for admission by UBE score transfer under APR 3(d), who is the spouse of an active duty service member of the United States Uniformed Services, who is or will be stationed in Washington and currently resides or will reside in Washington as a spouse of that member of the United States Uniformed Services, is not required to sit for the lawyer bar examination if they present satisfactory proof of admission and current good standing in that jurisdiction, proof of marital status (i.e. marriage certificate), together with the spouse's proof of duty and current/future assignment in Washington. Military spouse admission by motion applicants do not require an NCBE report.
Applications for military spouse admission by motion under Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 3(c)(2) may be filed at any time. Note that Washington Supreme Court APR 5(b) requires that Admission by Motion applicants must complete the pre-admission requirements within one year from the date of filing the application. After one year, applicants must submit a new application and fee. Applicants may withdraw the application at any time subject to a $400 non-refundable administrative fee.
Filing an Application for Military Spouse Admission by Motion
The application for Military Spouse Admission by Motion must be completed through the WSBA Online Admissions System. In addition to filing the application online, applicants must upload to the online application the following documents when complete, prior to submitting the application. These forms must be dated within six months prior to the date the application is submitted:
- One signed and notarized authorization and release form (do not alter this form);
- Two signed Good Moral Character Certificates; and
- One Certificate of Good Standing from each jurisdiction in which you are or have ever been admitted to practice law as a lawyer.
Application Fees
Admission by Military Spouse by Motion: Please review the fee schedule.
Admission Requirements
After an application is submitted and approved, there are additional requirements that must be met prior to recommending to the Washington Supreme Court that it issue an order admitting you to practice in Washington. These requirements will be displayed on your online application page. Please review the New Lawyer Admittee Process Instructions.
Please Note : All applicants are subject to a character and fitness review prior to being admitted to practice law in Washington. Factors considered by Admissions staff and Bar Counsel when determining whether an applicant should be referred to the Character and Fitness Board are set forth in Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rules (APR) 20-24.2(a).
Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, Bylaws and policies.