New York Board Of Law - Examiners

For experienced attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions, BOLE also handles . New York has reciprocity agreements with specific states (including those that offer reciprocal admission to New York attorneys). Attorneys who have practiced for five of the last seven years in a reciprocal jurisdiction may be admitted without taking the bar exam, though they must still pass the NYLE and satisfy character and fitness requirements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several states (e.g., Utah, Washington) adopted temporary diploma privilege, allowing graduates to be admitted without an exam. The BOLE consistently rejected diploma privilege, maintaining that the exam ensures minimal competence. However, the pandemic forced the BOLE to administer the October 2020 remote bar exam (which suffered significant technical glitches). In response, the BOLE implemented the NYLE’s remote format permanently and expanded score portability. new york board of law examiners

The BOLE consists of , each a resident of New York and a member of the state’s bar for at least ten years. Commissioners are appointed by the Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court (First through Fourth Departments) for five-year terms, with staggered appointments to ensure continuity. The Board elects a Chair and Vice-Chair annually. The commissioners serve without compensation but are reimbursed for expenses. The Board maintains a permanent staff in Albany to manage logistics, scoring, and candidate communications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several states (e

In recent years, the Board has faced modern challenges, including navigating health crises and debates regarding the standard for passing scores. Through these challenges, BOLE remains the central administrative hub for the legal profession in New York, serving as the bridge between law school graduation and the swearing-in ceremony. In response, the BOLE implemented the NYLE’s remote