AWOX for Attorneys with ABA-approved JDs

1. Rules
Rules

Rule 13 §2, Exemption from the Texas Bar Examination for Applicants Who Are Authorized to Practice Law in Another State, provides:

An Applicant who is authorized to practice law in another State must meet the requirements imposed on any other Applicant under these Rules, except that the Applicant is exempt from the requirement of successfully completing the Texas Bar Examination if the Applicant has been actively and substantially engaged in the lawful practice of law as the Applicant’s principal business or occupation for at least 5 of the last 7 years immediately preceding the filing of the Application.

It is your responsibility to carefully read the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas, in particular Rules 2 and 13, to determine whether you qualify. We cannot give any advisory opinions, nor can any determination of eligibility occur before an application is filed.

2. Electronic Communications
Electronic Communications

It is important that you check this website and your ATLAS account on a regular basis to review our latest postings. We will correspond with you primarily through your ATLAS account, but we may also correspond with you by e-mail and through the U.S. postal service. You must keep your e-mail address and mailing address updated in your ATLAS account.

You are deemed by the Board to have received and read:
  • e-mail we send to the e-mail address you have provided in your ATLAS account
  • messages we post in your ATLAS account
  • mail we send to you at the mailing address you have provided in your ATLAS account.

TIP: Add @ble.texas.gov and noreply@ble.texas.gov to your contacts or address book to ensure that your internet provider does not filter out e-mails we send you.

3. Filing Fee and Deadlines
Filing Fee and Deadlines

Your application is subject to the filing fees and deadlines set out in the Rules.

Deadlines are strictly enforced.

Fees are not refunded or transferred.

4. Personal Information
4.1 Identifying Information
If you need to update your full name, as it appears on your government-issued ID, or your place of birth, click the "Personal Info" tab at the top of this screen.
Please type your name as you would like it to appear on your law license.
A law license may be issued only in the name shown on a valid, government-issued identification card, except that a given name may be omitted or represented by an initial if the Applicant so requests in writing. No license may be issued using an alias, assumed name, nickname, or abbreviation of a name. For more information, please see FAQs – Grade Release, Swearing-In, and Licensing.
4.2 Other Names
Explanation of Change
 
4.3 Contact Information
If you need to update your contact information, click the "Personal Info" tab at the top of this screen.
4.4 Emergency Contact
Provide the following information for someone who can reach you in case of emergency.
4.5 Past Residences
List each city (including any in Texas), state, and/or foreign country where you have resided, worked, or attended school during the last 10 years. Do not answer N/A for this item.
5. Educational Information
5.1 Law School Information
5.1.1 Indicate the Law School from which you will receive or have received your J.D. or other initial law degree. If your law school is located in the United States, but is not ABA-approved, select NON-ABA APPROVED U.S. LAW SCHOOL. If your law school is located outside of the United States, select FOREIGN LAW SCHOOL. (Do not enter LL.M. information here.)
Note: If you attended law school within the last 5 years, provide a signed copy of the application (including all attachments, amendments, and updates) you filed with each law school you have attended.
Indicate the Law School in which you are enrolled for an LL.M. program or form which you have received an LL.M. degree.
Note: If you attended law school within the last 5 years, provide a signed copy of the application (including all attachments, amendments, and updates) you filed with each law school you have attended.
5.2 Previous Law School Information
Describe reason for your attendance or reason you no longer attended this school
 
Describe reason for your attendance or reason you no longer attended this school
 
Note: If you attended law school within the last 5 years, provide a signed copy of the application (including all attachments, amendments, and updates) you filed with each law school you have attended.
5.3 College or University Information
5.3.1 List all colleges or universities that you have attended, including junior colleges, community colleges, and any periods of study abroad, and indicate the degree, if any, that you received.
5.4 School Discipline
Description of discipline
 
Note: Upload copies of relevant documentation for this discipline.
5.5 LSAC Information
You must provide your Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) Account Number. Your LSAC number is the letter L, followed by an 8-digit number (ex: L01010101). The link for the LSAC account number lookup is http://lsaclookup.lsac.org/lookup.aspx. If you have interacted with LSAC in any way, you have an LSAC account number. If you do not have an LSAC account number, you need to create an account by going to http://lsaclookup.lsac.org/lookup.aspx. This number is NOT the same as your NCBE Account Number.
Provide detailed description of the circumstances
 
Note: Upload copies of relevant documentation for this alleged misconduct or irregularity.
6. Bar Admissions and Applications
6.1 State Bar Admissions
For each period of inactivity, list the date your license became inactive, the date it became active again (if applicable), and the reason it was inactive:
 
Note: Provide a Certificate of Standing and a Statement of Disciplinary History issued no more than 30 days before the date you submitted your application from each state or foreign jurisdiction in which you are licensed or authorized to practice. This document is required even if your license or authorization to practice is inactive.
6.2 Federal Bar Admissions
For each period of inactivity, list the date your license became inactive, the date it became active again (if applicable), and the reason it was inactive:
 
6.3 Foreign Bar Admissions
For each period of inactivity, list the date your license became inactive, the date it became active again (if applicable), and the reason it was inactive:
 
Note: Provide a Certificate of Standing and a Statement of Disciplinary History issued no more than 30 days before the date you submitted your application from each state or foreign jurisdiction in which you are licensed or authorized to practice. This document is required even if your license or authorization to practice is inactive.
6.4 Pending Bar Application
Note: If you are admitted in this jurisdiction while your application in Texas is active, amend Question 6.1 to include licensure in that jurisdiction.
6.5 Past Bar Application or Registration Submitted But Not Admitted
Detailed explanation
 
Detailed explanation
 
6.6 Hearing or Inquiry
Detailed explanation, including the outcome of the hearing or inquiry.
 
Note: Provide copies of relevant documentation, including the final outcome of the hearing or inquiry.
6.7 Attorney Discipline
Note: If you have been disciplined for professional misconduct in the course of practicing law, or if you have resigned a law license in lieu of disciplinary action, read Rule 4(e) carefully. You may be prohibited from filing this application.
Detailed explanation
 
Note: Provide relevant documentation for this discipline.
6.8 Attorney Complaint or Grievance, Regardless of Discipline
Detailed explanation
 
Note: Provide relevant documentation for the charges/complaints/grievances filed.
7. Other Professional or Occupational Licenses
7.1 Professional Applications
Why not?
 
7.2 Professional Licenses
7.3 Professional Grievances
Description of complaint
 
Resolution of complaint
 
Note: Upload copies of relevant documentation.
7.4 Pending Professional Grievances
Description of complaint
 
Resolution of complaint
 
Note: Upload copies of relevant documentation.
8. Employment
Employment

If an employer is no longer in business, you should enter the phrase "no longer in business" on the line for the supervisor’s name, instead of listing the name of your supervisor.

If your immediate supervisor is no longer employed by the employer, you have a choice: either list the name of another supervisor still employed by the employer who will be able to respond to an inquiry from the Board staff as to your honesty, etc., or list the current address of your former supervisor, wherever that person is now, or if neither is a viable option, state "personnel department."

If you cannot locate any documentation that indicates the exact dates you were employed, list the approximate dates, but indicate that they are approximate.

If you were employed in a non-paid, intern-type position, you should list such employment situations. Board staff will elicit responses as to your honesty, etc., so the fact that you were not paid is not important.

8.1 Non-Legal Employment
Beginning with your current or most recent employment, list all non-law-related employment (including self-employment, externships, paid and unpaid internships, clerkships, part-time employment, and temporary employment) you have held for any period of time since your 18th birthday or during the last 10 years, whichever is shorter. Do not list legal or law-related employment here—you will list legal and law-related employment in the next section.
Reason For Leaving
 
Explain
 
8.2 Legal Employment
Beginning with your current or most recent employment, list all law-related employment (including self-employment, externships, paid and unpaid internships, clerkships, part-time employment, and temporary employment) you have held for any period of time since your 18th birthday or during the last 10 years, whichever is shorter.
Reason For Leaving
 
Explain
 
Please read carefully, and choose the one paragraph that describes your practice of law in Texas
Please explain
 
Please explain how it was lawful to practice law in the jurisdiction without being licensed there. Cite appropriate rules, statutes, or opinion, and use the “Upload Required Documents” feature to upload copies of cited authorities.
 
Please use the “Upload Required Documents” feature on your ATLAS home page to upload a sample of the business card(s) you used, and indicate the time period during which each sample was used.
Please use the “Upload Required Documents” feature on your ATLAS home page to upload sample(s) of the letterhead you used, and indicate the time period during which each sample was used.
8.3 Other Legal Employment Outside of Licensing Jurisdiction(s)
In order to have such employment considered for purposes of meeting any practice requirement of Rule 13 or Rule 14, you must cause the jurisdiction in which the activity occurred to confirm in writing to the Board that it regards such practice as lawful. If it is demonstrated that written confirmation of lawful practice has been sought from the jurisdiction and cannot be obtained, alternate proof of lawfulness can be provided in the form of a written statement citing court rule, statute or other authority in the jurisdiction, demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Board that the jurisdiction does not regard such activity or practice as unlawful.
8.4 Pro Hac Vice
9. Military Service
Military Service
Explain the reasons for your discharge. If you are currently serving, list that in your explanation instead.
 
Note: Upload a copy of your discharge document listing character of service.
Note: Upload a copy of relevant documentation.
10. Criminal History Information
10.1 Criminal History Question 1
NOTE: If you have ever been convicted of a felony, or have been placed on probation for a felony, with or without an adjudication of guilt, read Rule 4(d) carefully. You may be prohibited from filing this form.

NOTE: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: Matters expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02, or pursuant to another state’s statute with the same force and effect, need not be disclosed. While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket, or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you obtain a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket, or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, raises questions related to truthfulness in addition to questions regarding the offense itself.

NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosure: Pursuant to Government Code Section 552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure you are not required to reveal those criminal matters on this form. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to Government Code Section 411.0765(b)(5), the Texas Board of Law Examiners is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. Therefore, if the Board of Law Examiners discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal that matter, the Board of Law Examiners may ask you to provide information about that criminal matter.


Arrest/offense reports: If any of the offenses you describe resulted from an arrest (as opposed to a citation or a ticket) that occurred within five years of the date you sign this Application, you are responsible for either providing legible copies of the arrest/offense reports for such offenses, or providing proof that you made a written request for such reports. You are not required to provide copies of citations or tickets.

Court records: If any of the offenses you describe, whether they resulted from an arrest, citation or ticket, occurred within five years of the date you sign this Application, you are responsible for either providing legible copies of all court records for all such offenses, or providing proof that you made a written request for such court records.

It is very important that you make your written requests to the correct agency or court.

Records required to be provided
Disposition (If probation, deferred adjudication, or deferred prosecution, give summary.)
 
Detailed description of events and circumstances leading to arrest, citation, or ticket and/or criminal charge.
 
List specific allegations
 
List outcome of allegations
 
10.2 Criminal History Question 2
Disposition (If probation, deferred adjudication, or deferred prosecution, give summary.)
 
Detailed description of events and circumstances leading to arrest, citation, or ticket and/or criminal charge.
 
List specific allegations
 
List outcome of allegations
 
10.3 Criminal History Question 3
Provide complete description of the subject of the inquiry and the current status of that inquiry
 
11. Fitness Information
11.1 Conduct or Behavior
Date(s)
Description
 
11.2 Mitigation
The purpose of this inquiry is to determine the current fitness of an applicant to practice law. The mere fact of treatment, monitoring, or participation in a support group is not, in itself, a basis on which admission is denied; the Board of Law Examiners encourages applicants who may benefit from assistance to seek it.
Dates of the proceeding
Disposition (if any)
 
Description of conduct at issue
 
Defense or mitigation offered in response to the investigation or allegation
 
12. Civil Litigation
12.1 Civil Litigation
Note: If you are a defendant in a matter that is pending, provide a copy of the docket sheet and the most recent complaint or petition.

Note: If you are a defendant in a matter that has been concluded, provide a legible copy of the docket sheet. If a judgment was rendered against you, provide a legible copy of the judgment and proof of satisfaction, if applicable. Provide an explanation if the judgment has not been satisfied. If the matter resulted in a settlement, provide a summary of the terms as they relate to you and a statement as to whether you adhered to same.
Summary
 
Describe the allegations and the outcome if resolved.
 
Note: If you were accused of fraud, regardless of what party you were in a civil suit, provide a copy of the complaint or petition and documentation showing the resolution of the allegation, if not already provided.
12.2 Bankruptcy
Note: Provide legible copies of the bankruptcy petition, all schedules, discharge order (if applicable), and other pleadings relevant to your responses. If you filed a Chapter 7 Petition that resulted in a discharge, include a statement as to whether any of your scheduled debts were not discharged.
Why not?
 
Note: Provide legible copies of the bankruptcy petition, all schedules, discharge order (if applicable), and other pleadings relevant to your responses. If you filed a Chapter 7 Petition that resulted in a discharge, include a statement as to whether any of your scheduled debts were not discharged.
Note: Provide a copy of the documentation related to the allegations of fraud.
List specific allegations
 
List outcome of allegations
 
Describe adversary proceeding
 
List outcome of proceeding
 
Note: Provide a copy of the documentation related to the adversary proceedings.
12.3 Child Support Order
If “yes” provide the contact information of the payee and agency (if applicable) to whom you submit/submitted payment.
Note: Provide copies of relevant documents including any pending court documents, court orders, and child support agreements incident to a divorce.
If you are no longer required to pay child support, explain why not?
 
12.4 Child Support - Past Due
Date(s) of past due payments
Explain why not and when expected to be current?
 
12.5 Child Support - Arrearage Judgment
Explain why not and when you expect to be current.
 
12.6 Contempt of Court
Detailed explanation of events leading to the contempt or sanction
 
Note: Provide copy of court order or judgment and proof of satisfaction (if applicable).
13. Legal and Financial Responsibility
13.1 Debts
Reason for the delinquency
 
Steps being taken to resolve the delinquency
 
Note: Provide a current credit report from EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com) When you provide a credit report, list any debts you dispute and explain why you dispute them.
13.2 Tax Return Filing Issues
Why not?
 
Note: Federal taxes: order Tax Account Transcripts for the relevant year(s) from the IRS (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) and upload them to your account. Ensure you request Tax Account Transcripts.
State taxes: Request a statement confirming that you have filed all required tax returns, and verifying your balance, if any, from the relevant state taxing authority and upload it to your account.
13.3 Tax Payment Issues
Why not?
 
Note: Federal taxes: order Tax Account Transcripts for the relevant year(s) from the IRS (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) and upload them to your account. Ensure you request Tax Account Transcripts.
State taxes: Request a statement confirming that you have filed all required tax returns, and verifying your balance, if any, from the relevant state taxing authority and upload it to your account.
13.4 Withholding Tax Issues
Why not?
 
Note: Federal taxes: order Tax Account Transcripts for the relevant year(s) or quarter(s) from the IRS (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript) and upload them to your account. Ensure you request Tax Account Transcripts.
State taxes: Request a statement confirming that you have filed all required tax returns, and verifying your balance, if any, from the relevant state taxing authority and upload it to your account.
13.5 UPL
Outcome of investigation
 
Description of circumstances
 
Note: Upload copies of relevant documentation.
13.6 Oath
If not, explain fully the reason you will not execute the required oath of office.
 
14. References
14.1 Character References
List 6 character references who can give information about your past activities and candid opinions concerning your character. Do not list relatives, persons with whom you attended law school in the past 5 years, or any person named in your response to the questions asked in the Employment section, above.
14.2 Attorney References
List 2 attorney references, excluding relatives and persons with whom you attended law school. We will ask these references to give information about your past activities and candid opinions concerning your character.
14.3 Client References
Client references, excluding relatives and persons with whom you attended law school. If you have not had any clients, substitute the names of two law professors or other attorneys. We will ask these references to give information about your past activities and candid opinions concerning your character. Indicate the type of reference by selecting from the type dropdown list.
15. MPRE and Texas Law Component
MPRE
Rule 5 of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas requires that an applicant for admission to the Bar must earn a scaled score of at least 85 on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
The NCBE does not maintain scores before March 1999. You must contact each jurisdiction to which the score might have been reported and request that they mail a letter, on their official letterhead, to our office with the date you took the MPRE and your scaled score. If the scaled score is not available, request that they mail a letter, on their official letterhead, to our office with their minimum MPRE score at the time you were licensed. If your scaled score was not 85 or higher, or if the scaled score is not available and their minimum scaled score was not 85 or higher at the time you were licensed, you will need to retake the exam. We must receive the mailed original letter directly from the jurisdiction; applicant-provided scores and photocopies are not acceptable.
Contact the NCBE to have your score officially transferred to Texas at http://www.ncbex.org/ncbe-exam-score-services/mpre-score-services/.
You must take the MPRE. Visit https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre to obtain information on upcoming exams.
You must take the MPRE. Visit https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre to obtain information on upcoming exams.
Texas Law Component
You must complete the Texas Law Component before you can be licensed in Texas. See our FAQs for information on how to satisfy this licensing requirement.
16. Upload Required Documents
Upload Required Documents
Government Issued ID

Use the Gov’t Issued ID” link in the Upload Required Documents feature on your ATLAS home page to upload a scan of your current, valid government-issued photo ID. Driver licenses and passports are acceptable.

You will not be able to submit your application until you have uploaded this Required Document.

Authorization and Release

You must print, complete, and sign the Authorization and Release form that appears on your ATLAS home page, and upload the signed form using "Authorization and Release" link in the "Upload Required Documents" feature on your ATLAS home page—be sure to upload it through the Authorization and Release link.

You will not be able to submit your application until you have uploaded this Required Document.

17. Supplemental Documentation
JD Certification
JD Certification

Use the “JD Certification” form that appears on your ATLAS home page to have your law school certify your JD to us. Complete the top portion of the form and give it to your law school. Your law school must complete the bottom portion of the form, sign the form, affix their seal, and mail the completed form directly from their office to us. We do not accept applicant-provided forms—do not upload this form to your ATLAS account.

Rule 2(a)(5) Requirements
You must upload a birth certificate issued by a U.S. city, county, or state, an original Consular Report of Birth, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship.
You must upload the USCIS document evidencing your status.
You must upload a valid identification card, containing the address where you reside, issued by a governmental body in the jurisdiction in which you reside. In addition, you must execute the Statement of Residency Outside the United States.
To be eligible for admission as a licensed attorney in Texas, you must qualify under one of the categories set out in Rule 2(a)(5).
Practice Documentation
Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) and Statement of Discipline

You must provide a certificate of good standing and a statement of discipline from every state or foreign jurisdiction where you are licensed or authorized to practice law.

Each CGS and statement of discipline must be issued within 30 days of the date that you submit this application.

The CGS and statement of discipline are required even if your license or authorization in a particular jurisdiction is inactive.

You must submit an English translation of any required document that is not written in English.

You will be prompted to upload these documents to your ATLAS account. Keep the originals—you must mail them to us upon request.

Job Descriptions

For each law practice employment you have had, you must provide a copy of the official job description from the employer’s personnel records, describing the position you held. If the employer indicates that no official job description exists, have the employer write to the Board, on firm or company letterhead, and provide a detailed description of the work you performed in the position and a statement as to whether the employment was full­time, and if not, providing detailed documentation of the hours you worked providing legal services in this position.

You will be prompted to upload these documents to your ATLAS account. Keep the originals—you must mail them to us upon request.

18. Satisfying the Practice Time Requirement of Rule 13 §2
Satisfying the Practice Time Requirement of Rule 13§2
You must document that you have been actively and substantially engaged in the lawful practice of law as your principal business or occupation for at least 5 of the last 7 years immediately preceding the filing of this Application. Please see our FAQs-Practice Time Requirements for more information.
19. Fingerprints
Fingerprints
A fingerprint check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is mandatory. The staff of the Board of Law Examiners cannot complete the investigation of your Application without the results of your FBI fingerprint check. See Fingerprinting Information.
20. Verification of Application
Verification of Application

I have completed an application for submission to the Board of Law Examiners through my ATLAS account on the Board’s website, seeking licensure or certification under the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas. I hereby verify that my responses in the application are full, frank, true, and correct. All documents I provided to the Board with the application are to the best of my knowledge true and correct copies of the original documents.

While my application is pending, I am bound by the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas and Sec. 82.001 et seq. of the Texas Government Code, as well as any subsequent amendments.

While my application is pending, I am obligated to promptly amend my application as needed so that my responses remain full, frank, true, and correct, and to promptly furnish any additional information and documentation requested by the Board.