Maryland State Board of Law Examiners – Annapolis, MD

Maryland State Board of Law Examiners: Admitting Legal Professionals

Protecting the Legal Profession

The Maryland State Board of Law Examiners (SBLE), an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Maryland, is tasked with ensuring that every attorney admitted to practice in the state meets the highest standards of legal competence and moral character. Located in the Judiciary A-POD building on Taylor Avenue, the Board manages the comprehensive bar admission process. This includes administering the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), reviewing petitions for admission without examination (for experienced out-of-state attorneys), and overseeing the transfer of UBE scores from other jurisdictions.

Application and Examination Services

The Board is the central hub for all bar applicants. Its responsibilities are vast and critical to the judicial system:

• Bar Exam Administration: The SBLE organizes the bi-annual bar examination, handling logistics, grading, and the release of results.
• Character and Fitness: rigorous background investigations are conducted to evaluate the ethical standing of every applicant, ensuring the integrity of the profession.
• eBar Management: The office maintains the electronic filing system where candidates submit their Notices of Intent and Character Questionnaires.

Location and Visitor Information

The SBLE offices are part of the larger Maryland Courts complex near the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Due to its affiliation with the Judiciary, the facility maintains strict security protocols. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entry. While the office handles administrative inquiries, many filings are now required to be submitted electronically or via mail. Parking for the facility is primarily available at the adjacent stadium lots (Gates 5 or 7) for a daily fee, as immediate onsite parking is often restricted to staff and authorized personnel.