Washington

Admission By UBE Transfer to Washington

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Understanding the UBE

The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a standardized bar examination designed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). It is composed of three parts: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The UBE is administered over two days and is designed to test knowledge and skills that every lawyer should have before becoming licensed to practice law. The UBE score is portable, meaning it can be transferred to other UBE jurisdictions, subject to each jurisdiction's specific rules and requirements.

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Washington State Bar Association UBE Score Transfer

Washington State accepts the transfer of UBE scores from candidates who have taken the UBE in another jurisdiction. Detailed information about this process can be found on the Washington State Bar Association's website (WSBA) and the NCBE's jurisdiction guide for Washington (NCBE).

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Minimum UBE Score

In Washington, the minimum UBE score required for admission by transfer is 270. This score is consistent with several other jurisdictions but is important to note as it sets the benchmark for eligibility.

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Time Limit for Score Transfer

Washington State allows a generous time frame for the transfer of UBE scores. Candidates can transfer their UBE score to Washington within 40 months of sitting the examination. This time limit is crucial for planning, especially for those who may be considering multiple jurisdiction admissions or who may need additional time to meet other admission requirements.

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Jurisdiction-Specific Component

Washington requires candidates transferring their UBE score to complete an online open-book multiple-choice test for its jurisdiction-specific component known as the Washington Law Component (WLC). The WLC is designed to ensure that incoming lawyers are familiar with Washington State's specific laws and regulations. It is an open-book, online test that covers topics such as Washington's court rules, professional conduct, and specific state laws. Completing the WLC is a mandatory step in the admission process for those transferring their UBE score to Washington.

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Resources and Further Reading

For those looking to delve deeper into the specifics of transferring a UBE score to Washington or seeking official documents and forms, the following resources are invaluable:

• Washington State Bar Association UBE Score Transfer: WSBA
• Washington - NCBE: NCBE
• Supreme Court of Washington Orders: Order 25700-B-710 and Order 25700-B-651
• Transferring Your UBE Scores - NCBE: NCBE UBE Score Portability