Pennsylvania Bar Reciprocity Requirements
Quick Answer: Pennsylvania only accepts admission on motion from attorneys whose home states
offer reciprocity to Pennsylvania attorneys. This reciprocal-only policy makes Pennsylvania more restrictive than
many states. Total costs range from $19,900-$25,900 including opportunity costs, with processing times varying by
applicant's home state.
Key Requirements Summary
Pennsylvania follows a strict reciprocal-only admission policy under Rule 204. To
qualify for admission on motion, attorneys must meet these essential requirements:
-
Reciprocity Requirement: Must be admitted in a state that offers reciprocity to Pennsylvania
attorneys
- Practice Experience: At least 5 of the last 7 years of active legal practice
- Good Standing: Current admission and good standing in all jurisdictions where admitted
- Education: JD from ABA-accredited law school
- Character & Fitness: Pass Pennsylvania's character and fitness review
- MPRE Score: Minimum score of 75 (may vary based on when taken)
Important: Pennsylvania's reciprocal requirement means attorneys from non-reciprocal states (like
California or Florida) cannot use admission on motion and must take the Pennsylvania bar examination.
Reciprocal States Network
Pennsylvania maintains reciprocal agreements with the following states and jurisdictions:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component |
Amount |
Notes |
| Application Fee |
$1,500 |
Required for all applicants |
| Investigation Fee |
$300 |
Character & fitness review |
| Administrative Costs |
$100 |
Miscellaneous processing |
| Total Cash Cost |
$1,900 |
Direct expenses |
| Time Investment (90-120 hours) |
$18,000-$24,000 |
Opportunity cost at $200/hour |
| Total Economic Cost |
$19,900-$25,900 |
All-in investment |
Processing Timeline
Application Preparation (2-4 weeks)
Gather required documents, complete application forms, obtain certifications from current bar jurisdictions.
Initial Review (2-3 months)
Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners conducts preliminary review of application and supporting materials.
Character & Fitness Investigation (4-6 months)
Comprehensive background investigation including employment verification, reference contacts, and financial
review.
Final Processing (1-2 months)
Board review, final approval, and admission ceremony scheduling.
Total Timeline: 9-15 months from application submission to admission
Application Process Steps
-
Verify Reciprocal Status: Confirm your home state offers reciprocity to Pennsylvania attorneys
-
Complete Application: Submit Pennsylvania Application for Admission on Motion (available
online)
-
Gather Supporting Documents:
- Certificate of good standing from all bar jurisdictions
- Law school transcript and diploma
- MPRE score report
- Character & fitness documentation
- Employment verification letters
- Pay Required Fees: Submit application fee ($1,500) and investigation fee ($300)
-
Character & Fitness Interview: Participate in background investigation process if required
- Board Review: Await final decision from Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
- Admission Ceremony: Attend swearing-in ceremony upon approval
Pennsylvania Legal Market Analysis
55,000+
Licensed Attorneys
Philadelphia Market
-
Practice Areas: Corporate law, securities, financial services, healthcare, intellectual
property
- Major Firms: Ballard Spahr, Drinker Biddle, Morgan Lewis headquarters
- Opportunities: Fortune 500 companies, major financial institutions, biotech corridor
- Salary Premium: 15-20% above state average
Pittsburgh Market
- Practice Areas: Manufacturing law, energy, healthcare, technology, labor & employment
- Industries: Steel, healthcare systems, energy companies, robotics
- Growth Sectors: Technology startups, medical devices, renewable energy
- Cost Advantage: Lower cost of living with competitive salaries
Strategic Considerations for Northeast Corridor Practice
Geographic Advantages
- Central Location: Easy access to New York, Washington DC, and major Northeast markets
- Transportation Hub: Major interstate corridors and airports
- Multi-State Practice: Ideal for attorneys serving clients across multiple states
- Federal Courts: Eastern and Middle Districts handle significant federal litigation
Market Positioning
- Regional Strategy: Pennsylvania admission complements New York and DC bars
- Industry Focus: Strong manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services sectors
- Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs than New York or DC
- Client Base: Mix of Fortune 500 companies and growing mid-market businesses
Practice Development Opportunities
- Corporate Transactions: Significant M&A activity in healthcare and manufacturing
- Regulatory Work: State and federal regulatory compliance across industries
- Litigation: Complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts
- Emerging Technologies: Growing tech sector, particularly in robotics and AI
Need Help with Pennsylvania Bar Admission?
BCG Attorney Search has successfully guided hundreds of attorneys through the Pennsylvania bar reciprocity
process. Our legal recruitment experts understand the nuances of Pennsylvania's requirements and can help you
navigate the application process efficiently.
Contact us for personalized guidance on your Pennsylvania bar admission strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can attorneys from California or Florida apply for Pennsylvania admission on motion?
A: No. Pennsylvania's reciprocal-only policy means attorneys from non-reciprocal states like California and
Florida must take the Pennsylvania bar examination. They cannot use admission on motion.
Q: How long does the Pennsylvania bar reciprocity process take?
A: The complete process typically takes 9-15 months from application submission to final admission, depending on
the complexity of your background and current application volume.
Q: What is Pennsylvania's MPRE score requirement?
A: Pennsylvania generally requires a minimum MPRE score of 75, though requirements may vary based on when the
exam was taken. Check with the Board of Law Examiners for current requirements.
Q: Can I practice in Pennsylvania while my admission on motion application is pending?
A: No. You cannot practice Pennsylvania law until you are formally admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. However,
you may be able to practice federal law in federal courts if admitted in another jurisdiction.
Q: Are there any continuing legal education requirements after admission?
A: Yes. Pennsylvania requires 12 hours of CLE annually, including 2 hours of ethics, with additional
requirements for newly admitted attorneys in their first two years of practice.
Q: What happens if my application is denied?
A: Denied applicants can request reconsideration or appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Board will
provide specific reasons for denial, which may be addressable through additional documentation or remedial
actions.
Q: Do I need malpractice insurance to practice in Pennsylvania?
A: While not mandatory, professional liability insurance is strongly recommended. Many employers and clients
require coverage, and it provides essential protection for practicing attorneys.
Related Resources
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Pennsylvania bar reciprocity
requirements as of 2025. Requirements may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult the
Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners and consider professional guidance for your specific situation.
