Sydney Lisy
Created Aug 21, 2023Completing the Bar Application: A Step-by-Step Process
Anytime your address or phone numbers change, please notify us as soon as possible. You may either email the Change of Address form to admissions@nvbar.org or mail the form to the State Bar Offices. This form may be found on www.nvbar.org, select “Admissions” and choose the “Forms” link.
In all sections of the application, depending on your answers, there may be additional information to submit on the form and to the Admissions office.
If you claim citizenship other than by birth in the United States, you must provide your naturalizations certificate to the Admissions Department.
If you have ever been divorced: You must provide a copy of the decree, including all orders for spousal and/or child support to the Admissions Department.
Provide two (2) references (excluding persons related to you by blood or marriage) from each metropolitan area in which you have resided for the immediately preceding five years. The references must have lived in the same metropolitan area at the time that you did, but do not need to still reside in that area. If you have resided in only one metropolitan area within the preceding five years, you must provide a minimum of four references.
A metropolitan area is a major city together with its suburbs and nearby cities. (E.g. Las Vegas and Henderson are part of the same metropolitan area)
From this list, select two references who will submit letters of reference. They should be individuals who have known you for at least five years, if that is not possible, pick individuals who know you well and can comment on your integrity, character and reputation.
We require original certified undergraduate school transcripts as well as your law school transcript that has your JD Conferred Date listed.
We accept official digital copies of your transcripts if they are sent directly from your school or through an authorized provided (e.g. Parchment). It's best to send your transcript electronically if possible as it will minimize the chance of them not arriving.
Proof of receiving your JD must be received by Admissions no later than the 10th of the month of the bar exam (e.g. February 10th or July 10th).
Provide all employment, including periods of unemployment, for the last ten years immediately preceding the filing of this application.
Include businesses or professional associations owned or operated by you, and all internships and externships, whether paid or unpaid.
Complete this form for each period of employment or unemployment. For periods of unemployment indicate "Unemployed" for name of employer, the beginning and ending dates of the period of unemployment, and the reason for unemployment (i.e. full-time student, maternity leave, health reasons, etc.).
If you have previously applied to take the bar exam in Nevada or another jurisdiction, use the "Add Previous SBN Bar Exam" or "Add Previous Bar Exam In Other State" button on the main application page.
Submit an entry for each such application, even if you did not take the exam because of a withdrawal.
If you have previously engaged in the practice of law, you will be required to submit information for three attorneys and two clients who know you from each office at which you were employed or engaged in the practice of law. The names of attorneys and clients should be individuals other than those listed as references in the "References" section of the application.
The time frame for this question is the last 10 years of employment.
For client references, if you have not had direct contact with clients or do not have clients who are familiar with your legal work, note that information in the Previous Employment Contacts section.
You are required to fully disclose all information requested irrespective of any statute, court order or legal proceeding withholding adjudication; expunging the information from any record; sealing the records that contained the information requested; or dismissing, vacating or setting aside any arrest, accusation or conviction, including juvenile proceedings, which purport to authorize any person to deny the existence of such matters. ANY ADVICE FROM ANY SOURCE THAT SUCH INFORMATION NEED NOT BE DISCLOSED SHALL NOT EXCUSE LESS THAN FULL DISCLOSURE. The submission of documentation from law enforcement agencies in lieu of an answer is not sufficient. You must answer the question.
Failure to disclose any act or event in the following questions is often more significant and may lead to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Any substantial discrepancy between your application and the facts is grounds for adverse action, including to, denial of admission to the Bar. Good moral character is an essential trait for any attorney. Providing truthful and complete answers is your chance to exhibit that character.
Include all juvenile matters, moving traffic violations and parking violations regardless of the disposition of the charge.
If you cannot remember or obtain specific information about a citation you know occurred, include as much information as possible in your disclosure.
Have you taken the MPRE and received a score of 85 or higher within the past three calendar years?
You must have taken the MPRE no later than three years prior to the Exam you will be sitting for, and you will have three years after sitting for the Bar Exam and have received a scaled score of an 85 or higher. If you have not taken/passed the MPRE when you take and pass the Nevada bar exam, we will hold your application for up to three years. After three years, your application will be withdrawn.
Regardless of the timing of your application submission and payment - it will describe the fee as a "LATE FEE." However, the system does not charge the $550 late fee until after the on-time submission date has passed.
You can confirm the proper fees here: Admissions Online Application – State Bar of Nevada (nvbar.org)
