Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners - Boston, MA

Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners

Legal Licensing and Admission

The Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners (BBE), situated within the historic John Adams Courthouse, is the agency responsible for evaluating the qualifications of individuals seeking admission to the bar. The BBE administers the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) twice a year and conducts rigorous character and fitness investigations for all petitioners. Their mission is to ensure that every attorney admitted to practice in the Commonwealth meets the necessary standards of education, knowledge, and professional integrity. 🎓⚖️

Courthouse Location

Operating from Suite 5-140, the BBE handles petitions for admission by examination, motion, and transfer of UBE scores. While much of the application process is handled through their online portal, the physical office is located in a high-security judicial facility. Visitors must pass through strict security screening; cell phones and electronics are typically prohibited for the general public within the courthouse. Applicants are encouraged to communicate via email or phone for routine inquiries regarding exam schedules or file status. 📵👮u200d♂️

• Bar Exam: Administration of the two-day Uniform Bar Examination.
• Character: Background checks and fitness interviews for applicants.
• Foreign: Evaluation of education for foreign-trained attorneys.