2026 Regular Session
HB 5465
Allow anyone with a master’s degree to sit for WV Bar exam and become licensed attorney
In Committee
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes the requirements for becoming a licensed attorney in West Virginia. It allows individuals who hold a master’s degree, regardless of their field of study, to take the bar exam and become licensed to practice law in the state. The bill removes a previous restriction that limited admission to those with degrees from law schools.
Key provisions
- Permits individuals with master’s degrees to take the bar exam.
- Eliminates the requirement that applicants must have graduated from a law school.
- Maintains the requirement of demonstrating good moral character and residency.
- Requires applicants to pass an examination prescribed by the Supreme Court of Appeals.
- Specifies that the Supreme Court of Appeals will establish rules and regulations for the examination.
Who is affected
- Aspiring attorneys
- Law school graduates
- Individuals with master’s degrees
- The West Virginia Bar
- Potential clients of West Virginia attorneys
Notable changes
- Changes the admission requirements for attorneys.
- Expands eligibility for the bar exam beyond law school graduates.
- Updates the existing statute regarding the examination process.
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