Rule I. ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW

ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW

Section 1.

General Requirements.

To be admitted to the practice of law in Ohio, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following

requirements:

(A)

Be at least twenty-one years of age;

(B)

Have earned a bachelor’s degree or doctoral-level degree from an accredited

college or university;

(C)

Have earned a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree from a law school that was approved by

the American Bar Association at the time the degree was earned or, if not located in the United

States, from a law school evaluated and approved in accordance with Sections 2(C), 10(C)(12), or

11(B)(7) of this rule;

(D)

Prior to taking the Ohio bar examination, being admitted without examination

pursuant to Section 10 of this rule, or being admitted by transferred Uniform Bar Examination

(UBE) score pursuant to Section 11 of this rule, have demonstrated that the applicant possesses

the requisite character, fitness, and moral qualifications for admission to the practice of law and

have been approved as to character, fitness, and moral qualifications under procedures provided in

this rule;

(E)

Have passed the Ohio bar examination or been admitted by transferred UBE score

pursuant to Section 11 of this rule, passed the Ohio Law Component, and passed the Multistate

Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), or have been approved for admission without

examination pursuant to Section 10 of this rule;

(F)

Have taken the oath of office as provided in Section 9 of this rule.

Section 2.

Preliminary Registration Requirements.

(A)

Every applicant who intends to take the Ohio bar examination shall file with the

Office of Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court an Application to Register as a Candidate for

Admission to the Practice of Law in Ohio. The applicant shall file the registration application by

the fifteenth day of November in the applicant’s second year of law school.

.

Preliminary Registration Requirements.

(A)

Every applicant who intends to take the Ohio bar examination shall file with the

Office of Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court an Application to Register as a Candidate for

Admission to the Practice of Law in Ohio. The applicant shall file the registration application by

the fifteenth day of November in the applicant’s second year of law school.

(B)

The registration application shall be on forms furnished by the Office of Bar

Admissions and shall include all of the following:

(1)

A certificate from the dean of the law school the applicant is attending, certifying

that the applicant has begun the study of law;

A properly authenticated transcript of college credits showing the applicant has

earned a bachelor’s degree in compliance with Section 1(B) of this rule or a certificate from the

dean of the law school the applicant is attending, certifying that the applicant is participating in a

three-plus-three program;

A front and back copy of a driver’s license, other state-issued photo identification

card, or passport-style photo;

(4)

A registration fee of seventy-five dollars;

(5)

A fee in the amount charged by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)

for its character investigation and report;

(6)

A typed and completed character questionnaire in the form prescribed by the Board

of Commissioners on Character and Fitness;

(7)

Authorization and release forms in the number required by the Office of Bar

Admissions.

gistration fee of seventy-five dollars;

(5)

A fee in the amount charged by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)

for its character investigation and report;

(6)

A typed and completed character questionnaire in the form prescribed by the Board

of Commissioners on Character and Fitness;

(7)

Authorization and release forms in the number required by the Office of Bar

Admissions.

(C)

If an applicant’s undergraduate or legal education was not received in the United

States, an additional fee of one hundred fifty dollars shall accompany the application for the

evaluation of the applicant’s education. An applicant’s education shall be reviewed to determine

whether the education is equivalent to the education required of applicants educated in the United

States. In order to receive a review of education received outside of the United States, an applicant

must submit the following documents with the registration application:

(1)

If an applicant’s undergraduate education was not received in the United States, the

applicant must submit an education evaluation completed by an education evaluation service

approved by the Court. The applicant’s education evaluation from an education evaluation service

must show that the applicant has completed at least three years of fulltime post-secondary

education in order to find undergraduate educational equivalence. Undergraduate equivalence

may be found where an applicant’s education evaluation shows that the applicant has completed

at least two years of fulltime post-secondary education, provided the applicant also submits an

educational evaluation showing that the applicant’s secondary education included study equivalent

to one year of undergraduate study. The registration application shall be processed while the

applicant’s undergraduate education is evaluated.

ucation evaluation shows that the applicant has completed

at least two years of fulltime post-secondary education, provided the applicant also submits an

educational evaluation showing that the applicant’s secondary education included study equivalent

to one year of undergraduate study. The registration application shall be processed while the

applicant’s undergraduate education is evaluated.

(2)

If an applicant’s legal education was not received in the United States, the applicant

must submit an education evaluation completed by an education evaluation service approved by

the Court and a properly authenticated transcript showing successful completion of thirty credit

hours of courses taken at a law school approved by the American Bar Association. Twenty of the

thirty hours of coursework must be chosen from a list of courses specified by the Court; the

remaining ten hours of coursework do not have to be chosen from the list of courses. The thirty

hours of coursework must be completed within a period not greater than forty-eight calendar

months. The applicant’s education evaluation from an education evaluation service must show

that the applicant has completed at least three years of fulltime post-secondary formal legal

education and received a law degree in order for the Court to find legal educational equivalence.

The registration application shall not be processed until the applicant’s legal education is approved

by the Court.

(D)

If an applicant does not file a complete registration application on or before the

fifteenth day of November in the applicant’s second year of law school, the applicant shall pay an

additional late fee of two hundred dollars.

e Court to find legal educational equivalence.

The registration application shall not be processed until the applicant’s legal education is approved

by the Court.

(D)

If an applicant does not file a complete registration application on or before the

fifteenth day of November in the applicant’s second year of law school, the applicant shall pay an

additional late fee of two hundred dollars.

(E)

An applicant may not apply to take the February Ohio bar examination unless the

applicant has filed a complete registration application by the fifteenth day of August immediately

preceding the February examination. An applicant may not apply to take the July Ohio bar

examination unless the applicant has filed a complete registration application by the fifteenth day

of January immediately preceding the July examination.

(F)

Until admitted to the practice of law in Ohio, the applicant is under a continuing

duty to update the information contained in the registration application, including the character

questionnaire, and to report promptly to the Office of Bar Admissions all changes or additions to

information in the application.

(G)

Unless the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness grants an extension

to the applicant, a registration application shall be deemed withdrawn, and the applicant shall no

longer be considered a candidate for admission, if either of the following occurs:

(1)

The applicant fails to take the Ohio bar examination within four years after filing

the registration application;

cation.

(G)

Unless the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness grants an extension

to the applicant, a registration application shall be deemed withdrawn, and the applicant shall no

longer be considered a candidate for admission, if either of the following occurs:

(1)

The applicant fails to take the Ohio bar examination within four years after filing

the registration application;

(2)

The applicant takes but fails the Ohio bar examination and does not retake one of

the four immediately ensuing bar examinations.

Section 3.

Application for Ohio Bar Examination; Updating Character and

Fitness Information after the Examination.

(A)

An applicant who has filed a registration application pursuant to Section 2 of this

rule and who seeks to take the Ohio bar examination shall file with the Office of Bar Admissions

of the Supreme Court an Application to Take the Bar Examination. An application to take the

February examination shall be filed by the first day of November immediately preceding the

examination. An application to take the July examination shall be filed by the first day of April

immediately preceding the examination.

(B)

The examination application shall be on forms furnished by the Office of Bar

Admissions and shall include all of the following:

(1)

An affidavit that the applicant has read and studied the Rules for the Government

of the Bar of Ohio, the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Code of Judicial Conduct

adopted by the Court;

An affidavit that the applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

A certificate signed by the dean or associate dean of the applicant’s law school

certifying that the signatory does not have knowledge of any information that would cause

signatory to doubt the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to practice law;

Judicial Conduct

adopted by the Court;

An affidavit that the applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

A certificate signed by the dean or associate dean of the applicant’s law school

certifying that the signatory does not have knowledge of any information that would cause

signatory to doubt the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to practice law;

(4)

A typed and completed supplemental character questionnaire in the form prescribed

by the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness, updating the information on the

applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications furnished on the applicant’s registration

application pursuant to Section 2 of this rule;

(5)

A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for the UBE components;

(6)

A fee of three hundred thirty dollars if the examination application is filed on or

before the dates set forth in division (A) of this section. The fee shall be four hundred thirty dollars

if either of the following applies:

(a)

An examination application for the February examination is filed after the first day

of November but on or before the tenth day of December;

(b)

An examination application for the July examination is filed after the first day of

April but on or before the tenth day of May.

(C)

The Office of Bar Admissions shall refer the examination application to the

regional or local bar association admissions committee in accordance with Section 13 of this rule.

The admissions committee shall review the examination application, conduct further investigation

and interviews under Section 13 of this rule if appropriate or necessary, and report its final

recommendation regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to the Board

of Commissioners on Character and Fitness on a form prescribed by the Board. The Board shall

make a final determination regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to

practice.

d interviews under Section 13 of this rule if appropriate or necessary, and report its final

recommendation regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to the Board

of Commissioners on Character and Fitness on a form prescribed by the Board. The Board shall

make a final determination regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to

practice.

(D)

Notwithstanding an applicant’s timely filing of an Application to Register as a

Candidate for Admission to the Practice of Law and an Application to Take the Bar Examination,

an applicant may not take the Ohio bar examination unless the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness has issued a final approval of the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral

qualifications at least three weeks prior to the examination.

(E)

At least thirty days before the date fixed for the examination, the applicant shall

submit all of the following:

(1)

A certificate signed by the dean or associate dean of the applicant’s law school

certifying that the applicant has received a law degree, has sufficient knowledge and ability to

discharge the duties of an attorney at law, and has successfully completed a course of not fewer

than ten classroom hours of instruction in legal ethics;

A certificate from a law school or a continuing legal education sponsor, certifying

that the applicant has received at least one hour of instruction on substance abuse, including causes,

prevention, detection, and treatment alternatives. Substance abuse instruction that is provided by

a continuing legal education sponsor qualifies under this section only if it has been accredited by

the Commission on Continuing Legal Education as an approved activity under Gov. Bar R. X.

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that the applicant has received at least one hour of instruction on substance abuse, including causes,

prevention, detection, and treatment alternatives. Substance abuse instruction that is provided by

a continuing legal education sponsor qualifies under this section only if it has been accredited by

the Commission on Continuing Legal Education as an approved activity under Gov. Bar R. X.

(3)

A properly authenticated transcript of college credits showing the applicant has

earned a bachelor’s degree in compliance with Section 1(B) of this rule if the applicant earned the

bachelor’s degree through a three-plus-three program.

(F)

The applicant is under a continuing duty to update the information contained in the

examination application, including the supplemental character questionnaire, and to report

promptly to the Office of Bar Admissions all changes or additions to information in the application

that occur prior to the applicant’s admission to practice.

(G)

If an applicant passes the Ohio bar examination but is not admitted to practice

within twelve months following that bar examination, the applicant shall file another supplemental

character questionnaire with the Office of Bar Admissions. The supplemental character

questionnaire shall supplement the information on the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral

qualifications furnished in the applicant’s examination application. The Office of Bar Admissions

shall refer the supplemental character questionnaire to a regional or local bar association

admissions committee in accordance with Section 13 of this rule. The admissions committee shall

review the supplemental character questionnaire, conduct further investigation and interviews

pursuant to Section 13 of this rule, if appropriate and necessary, and report to the Board its

recommendation regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to practice

law

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admissions committee in accordance with Section 13 of this rule. The admissions committee shall

review the supplemental character questionnaire, conduct further investigation and interviews

pursuant to Section 13 of this rule, if appropriate and necessary, and report to the Board its

recommendation regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to practice

law. The applicant shall not be admitted to the practice of law unless the Board reissues a final

approval of the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications no fewer than six months

before the applicant’s admission.

(H)

As used in this rule:

(1)

“Accredited college or university” means a college or university approved by one

of the following accrediting associations or, if not located in the United States or Canada, a college

or university evaluated and approved in accordance with Sections 2(C), 10(C)(12), or 11(B)(7) of

this rule: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Higher Education;

New England Association of Schools and Colleges--Commission on Institutions of Higher

Education; Higher Learning Commission; Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges;

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools--Commission on Colleges; Western Association of

Schools and Colleges--Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges; and Universities Canada.

(2)

“Three-plus-three program” means an education program requiring six years of

full-time study through which an individual earns a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college

or university while simultaneously earning a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree from a law school approved

by the American Bar Association at the time the J.D. or L.L.B. degree is earned.

Section 4.

Bar Examiners; Readers.

(A)

The Board of Bar Examiners shall be appointed by the Court and shall consist of

eighteen members of the bar of Ohio in good standing. The term of office of each bar examiner

or university while simultaneously earning a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree from a law school approved

by the American Bar Association at the time the J.D. or L.L.B. degree is earned.

Section 4.

Bar Examiners; Readers.

(A)

The Board of Bar Examiners shall be appointed by the Court and shall consist of

eighteen members of the bar of Ohio in good standing. The term of office of each bar examiner

shall be five years, beginning the first day of November immediately following the appointment.

No bar examiner shall be appointed to more than two full terms of office. Vacancies for any cause

shall be filled by appointment by the Court for the unexpired term. Such partial term appointment

shall not count toward the two-term limit. Each year, the Court shall designate one bar examiner

as Chair of the Board and one bar examiner as Vice-Chair of the Board. The Director of Attorney

Services or the Director’s designee shall serve as secretary of the Board.

(B)

The Board shall be responsible for examination of applicants for admission to the

practice of law in Ohio. Subject to the Court’s approval, the Board may promulgate rules and

adopt procedures to aid in the administration and conduct of the examination, which may include

resolution of allegations related to testing irregularities.

(C)(1) A bar examiner shall devote the time necessary to perform the duties of the office.

(2)

A bar examiner shall be conscientious, studious, thorough, and diligent in

considering, developing, and implementing sound testing and grading procedures; in preparing the

Ohio Law Component and in seeking to improve the administration of the examination, including

resolution of allegations related to testing irregularities.

(3)

A bar examiner shall be just and impartial in performing the duties of the office.

be conscientious, studious, thorough, and diligent in

considering, developing, and implementing sound testing and grading procedures; in preparing the

Ohio Law Component and in seeking to improve the administration of the examination, including

resolution of allegations related to testing irregularities.

(3)

A bar examiner shall be just and impartial in performing the duties of the office.

(4)

A bar examiner should not have adverse interests, conflicting duties, or inconsistent

obligations that will in any way interfere or appear to interfere with the proper administration of

the bar examiner’s duties. A bar examiner shall not participate directly or indirectly in courses for

the preparation of applicants for bar admission or act as a trustee, administrator, professor, adjunct

professor, or instructor for a law school or for a university of which a law school is a part, or with

which a law school is affiliated. The conduct of a bar examiner shall be such that there may be no

suspicion that the bar examiner’s judgment may be swayed by improper considerations.

(D)

The secretary of the Board shall notify the Chief Justice and the Administrative

Director of the Court if a bar examiner misses three meetings of the Board within a twelve-month

period. Upon such notice, the Administrative Director shall inform the Justices of the Court in

order that the Justices may consider the replacement of the bar examiner.

(E)

The Court will select readers to assist with grading the written portion of the Ohio

bar examination. Readers shall be members of the bar of Ohio in good standing and satisfy the

same standards of conduct as those required of bar examiners, to the extent those standards are

applicable to readers. Readers shall not be related by blood, marriage, adoption, or domestic

partnership to the bar examiner with whom they are assigned to grade. The Board shall train and

supervise the readers.

Section 5.

Ohio Bar Examination.

f the bar of Ohio in good standing and satisfy the

same standards of conduct as those required of bar examiners, to the extent those standards are

applicable to readers. Readers shall not be related by blood, marriage, adoption, or domestic

partnership to the bar examiner with whom they are assigned to grade. The Board shall train and

supervise the readers.

Section 5.

Ohio Bar Examination.

(A)

Two Ohio bar examinations shall be held each year in Ohio, one commencing in

February and one commencing in July. The examinations shall be the UBE prepared by the NCBE

and shall be scheduled consistent with the dates designated by the NCBE for administration of the

UBE. The UBE shall consist of the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), two Multistate

Performance Test (MPT) items, and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), which are

administered in four half-day sessions over a period of two days. The UBE covers such subjects

and skills as published by the NCBE on its website.

(B)(1) The MBE shall be graded by the NCBE or its agent. An applicant’s MBE scaled

score shall be used in computing the applicant’s Ohio bar examination score.

(2)

All answers to the written portion of the examination, which shall consist of both

the MEE and the MPT, shall be graded under the direction of the Board of Bar Examiners. The

Board shall adopt rules and policies for grading that are consistent with the sound testing practices

followed by all jurisdictions that administer the UBE. The rules shall include a provision for the

NCBE to covert the raw scores on the written portion of an examination to the MBE scale by the

methodology used for UBE jurisdictions. The rules also shall include a provision for regrading of

the written portion of the examination, prior to announcement of examination results, for any

applicant whose total examination score after scaling falls within two points below the minimum

passing score.

BE to covert the raw scores on the written portion of an examination to the MBE scale by the

methodology used for UBE jurisdictions. The rules also shall include a provision for regrading of

the written portion of the examination, prior to announcement of examination results, for any

applicant whose total examination score after scaling falls within two points below the minimum

passing score.

(3)

In calculating UBE total scores, the MEE shall be weighted thirty percent, the MPT

shall be weighted twenty percent, and the MBE shall be weighted fifty percent. Subject to the

Court’s approval, the Board shall determine and publish the total score necessary to pass the

examination.

(4)

Except where a mathematical or clerical error has been made, scores determined in

accordance with this section and Board rules shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal.

(C)

To earn a portable UBE score that is transferable to other UBE jurisdictions,

persons taking the Ohio bar examination shall sit for and take all components of the bar

examination in a single administration.

(D)

Within a reasonable time following the announcement of examination results, the

Board may publish the MEE and MPT used on the examination. The Board may publish a

selection of applicant answers to the written portion of the examination. For a reasonable fee,

applicants who did not pass the examination may obtain copies of their answers to the written

portion of the examination. All other examination and Board materials shall not be considered

public information.

(E)(1) Information regarding whether an applicant has taken or passed a particular bar

examination shall be public information. Except as provided in division (E)(2) of this section, an

applicant’s bar examination scores shall not be public information.

ir answers to the written

portion of the examination. All other examination and Board materials shall not be considered

public information.

(E)(1) Information regarding whether an applicant has taken or passed a particular bar

examination shall be public information. Except as provided in division (E)(2) of this section, an

applicant’s bar examination scores shall not be public information.

(2)

The applicant’s raw bar examination score shall be provided to the NCBE to

calculate scaled scores. Upon request by an applicant, the NCBE will certify and transfer the

applicant’s scaled written score, scaled MBE score, and total UBE score to other UBE

jurisdictions. The NCBE may also release to an applicant, upon request by the applicant, the

applicant’s scaled MBE score, scaled written score, and total UBE score.

Section 6.

Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.

(A)

Before being admitted to the practice of law in Ohio by examination or by

transferred UBE score, an applicant shall take and pass the MPRE prepared and administered by

the NCBE. An applicant may take the MPRE at any time before or after taking the bar

examination.

(B)

An applicant shall make arrangements for taking the MPRE directly with the NCBE

and shall pay the fee for the MPRE to the NCBE.

(C)

Subject to the Court’s approval, the Board of Bar Examiners shall determine and

publish the scaled score necessary to pass the MPRE.

Section 7.

Ohio Law Component.

(A)

Before being admitted to the practice of law in Ohio by examination or by

transferred UBE score, an applicant shall take and pass the Ohio Law Component prepared and

maintained by the Board of Bar Examiners. If applying to transfer a UBE score, an applicant may

take the Ohio Law Component any time after the acceptance of the application by the Office of

Bar Admissions. If applying by examination, an applicant may take the Ohio Law Component at

any time after the applicant completes the final day of the Ohio bar examination.

Ohio Law Component prepared and

maintained by the Board of Bar Examiners. If applying to transfer a UBE score, an applicant may

take the Ohio Law Component any time after the acceptance of the application by the Office of

Bar Admissions. If applying by examination, an applicant may take the Ohio Law Component at

any time after the applicant completes the final day of the Ohio bar examination.

(B)

Subject to the Court’s approval, the Board shall determine and publish the score

necessary to pass the Ohio Law Component.

(C)

An applicant shall pay any fee associated with the Ohio Law Component.

Section 8.

Application for Reexamination.

(A)

An applicant who has failed and seeks to retake an Ohio bar examination shall file

with the Office of Bar Admissions an Application for Reexamination. A reexamination

application for the February examination shall be filed by the first day of November immediately

preceding the examination. A reexamination application for the July examination shall be filed by

the first day of April immediately preceding the examination. The secretary of the Board of Bar

Examiners may set a later filing deadline for applicants for reexamination who have taken a bar

examination, the results of which have not been released prior to the filing deadlines established

in this division.

(B)

The reexamination application shall be on forms furnished by the Office of Bar

Admissions and shall include all of the following:

An affidavit that the applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

A typed and completed supplemental reexamination character questionnaire in the

form prescribed by the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness, updating the previously

furnished information on the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications;

(3)

A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for the UBE components;

pplicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

A typed and completed supplemental reexamination character questionnaire in the

form prescribed by the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness, updating the previously

furnished information on the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications;

(3)

A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for the UBE components;

(4)

A fee of three hundred thirty dollars if the reexamination application is filed on or

before the dates set forth in division (A) of this section or any later filing deadline set by the

secretary of the Board of Bar Examiners. The fee shall be four hundred thirty dollars if either of

the following applies:

(a)

A reexamination application for the February examination is filed after the first day

of November or any later filing deadline set by the secretary of the Board of Bar Examiners, but

on or before the tenth day of December;

(b)

A reexamination application for the July examination is filed after the first day of

April but on or before the tenth day of May.

(C)

The Office of Bar Admissions shall refer the reexamination application to the

regional or local bar association admissions committee in accordance with Section 13 of this rule.

The admissions committee shall review the reexamination application, conduct further

investigation and interviews under Section 13 of this rule if appropriate or necessary, and report

its recommendation regarding the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to the

Board on a form prescribed by the Board.

(D)

Notwithstanding an applicant’s timely filing of a reexamination application, an

applicant may not take an Ohio bar examination unless the Board reissues a final approval of the

applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications at least three weeks prior to the

examination.

he applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to the

Board on a form prescribed by the Board.

(D)

Notwithstanding an applicant’s timely filing of a reexamination application, an

applicant may not take an Ohio bar examination unless the Board reissues a final approval of the

applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications at least three weeks prior to the

examination.

(E)

Applicants for reexamination shall be admitted to the February examination only,

provided, however, that applicants for reexamination may be admitted to the July examination if

the physical limitations of the examination hall permit after all applicants for examination have

been admitted. If all applicants for reexamination cannot be admitted to the July examination

because of the physical limitations of the examination hall, the reexamination applicants shall be

admitted in the order in which their reexamination applications were received by the Office of Bar

Admissions.

(F)

The applicant is under a continuing duty to update the information contained in the

reexamination application, including the supplemental reexamination character questionnaire, and

to report promptly to the Office of Bar Admissions all changes or additions to the information in

the application that occur prior to the applicant’s admission to practice.

Section 9.

Induction to the Bar.

(A)

Each applicant accepted for admission to the practice of law in Ohio shall take the

following oath of office:

I, ____________________, hereby (swear or affirm) that I will support the Constitution

and the laws of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of Ohio, and I will

abide by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

In my capacity as an attorney and officer of the Court, I will conduct myself with dignity

and civility and show respect toward judges, court staff, clients, fellow professionals, and

all other persons.

swear or affirm) that I will support the Constitution

and the laws of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of Ohio, and I will

abide by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

In my capacity as an attorney and officer of the Court, I will conduct myself with dignity

and civility and show respect toward judges, court staff, clients, fellow professionals, and

all other persons.

I will honestly, faithfully, and competently discharge the duties of an attorney at law. (So

help me God.)

(B)

An applicant’s statement of the oath shall indicate that the applicant either swears

or affirms to be bound by the oath.

(C)

Following administration of the oath, the Court shall present the applicant with a

certificate of admission. A duplicate certificate shall not be issued by the Court unless the original

certificate is lost or destroyed. A replacement certificate may be issued to a licensed attorney who

has had a legal change of name.

(D)

The oath for successful bar examination applicants shall be administered by a state

or federal judge. In no event shall the oath of office of an applicant occur prior to the bar

admissions ceremony that the applicant qualified to attend. If the applicant does not attend the bar

admissions ceremony, an affidavit for administration of the oath, in a form prepared by the Office

of Bar Admissions, shall be executed and returned to the Office of Bar Admissions.

Section 10.

Admission Without Examination.

(A)

As used in this section:

(1)

“Active practice of law” means one or more of the following:

(a)

Private practice as a sole practitioner or for a law firm, legal services office, legal

clinic, or similar entity, provided such practice was performed in a jurisdiction in which the

applicant was admitted or in a jurisdiction that affirmatively permitted such practice by a lawyer

not admitted to practice in that jurisdiction;

(b)

Representation of one or more clients in the private practice of law;

ractice as a sole practitioner or for a law firm, legal services office, legal

clinic, or similar entity, provided such practice was performed in a jurisdiction in which the

applicant was admitted or in a jurisdiction that affirmatively permitted such practice by a lawyer

not admitted to practice in that jurisdiction;

(b)

Representation of one or more clients in the private practice of law;

(c)

Practice as an attorney for a corporation, partnership, trust, individual, or other

entity, provided such practice was performed in a jurisdiction in which the applicant was admitted

or in a jurisdiction that affirmatively permitted such practice by a lawyer not admitted to practice

in that jurisdiction and involved the primary duties of furnishing legal counsel, drafting legal

documents and pleadings, interpreting and giving advice regarding the law, or preparing, trying,

or presenting cases before courts, tribunals, executive departments, administrative bureaus, or

agencies;

(d)

Practice as an attorney for the federal government, a branch of the United States

military, or a state or local government with the same primary duties as described in division

(A)(1)(c) of this section;

(e)

Employment as a judge, magistrate, referee, or similar official for the federal or a

state or local government, provided that such employment is available only to attorneys;

(f)

Fulltime employment as a teacher of law at a law school approved by the American

Bar Association.

(2)

“Jurisdiction” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto

Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the

jurisdiction of the United States.

vernment, provided that such employment is available only to attorneys;

(f)

Fulltime employment as a teacher of law at a law school approved by the American

Bar Association.

(2)

“Jurisdiction” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto

Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the

jurisdiction of the United States.

(3)

“Primarily engaged” means that for each year in the five-year period prior to the

submission of an application pursuant to division (C) of this section, the applicant spent at least

one thousand hours per year engaged in one or more activities listed in division (A)(1) of this

section.

(B)

An applicant may apply for admission to the practice of law in Ohio without

examination if all of the following apply:

(1)

The applicant has been admitted as an attorney at law in the highest court of another

jurisdiction;

(2)

The applicant has primarily engaged in the active practice of law, provided,

however, that the practice of law:

(a)

Was engaged in subsequent to the applicant’s admission as an attorney at law in

another jurisdiction;

(b)

Occurred for at least five years out of the last seven years prior to the applicant’s

submission of an application pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(3)

The applicant has not taken and failed an Ohio bar examination within the past five

years of applying for admission without examination;

(4)

The applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

The applicant is a citizen or a resident alien of the United States;

The applicant satisfies the general admission requirements of Section 1(A) through

(D) of this rule;

tion.

(3)

The applicant has not taken and failed an Ohio bar examination within the past five

years of applying for admission without examination;

(4)

The applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

The applicant is a citizen or a resident alien of the United States;

The applicant satisfies the general admission requirements of Section 1(A) through

(D) of this rule;

(7)

If applicable, the applicant has registered pursuant to Gov. Bar R. VI, Section 3.

(C)

An applicant for admission to the practice of law in Ohio without examination shall

file with the Office of Bar Admissions an “Application for Admission to the Practice of Law

Without Examination.” The application shall include all of the following:

(1)

An affidavit stating all of the following:

(a)

That the applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

(b)

That the applicant has studied the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, the

Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Code of Judicial Conduct, all as adopted by the Court;

(c)

That the applicant is a citizen or a resident alien of the United States;

(2)

A certificate of good standing from each jurisdiction in which the applicant is

admitted to practice law, dated no earlier than sixty days prior to the submission of the application;

(3)

An affidavit that demonstrates that the applicant has complied with division (B)(2)

of this section and that includes a description of the applicant’s practice of law, the dates of such

practice, and, if applicable, a description of the applicant’s employment subsequent to ceasing such

practice;

o practice law, dated no earlier than sixty days prior to the submission of the application;

(3)

An affidavit that demonstrates that the applicant has complied with division (B)(2)

of this section and that includes a description of the applicant’s practice of law, the dates of such

practice, and, if applicable, a description of the applicant’s employment subsequent to ceasing such

practice;

(4)

To confirm that the applicant has primarily engaged in the active practice of law

for at least five years out of the last seven years prior to the applicant’s submission of the

application, an affidavit from the applicant’s employer or employers verifying the applicant’s

practice of law or, if the applicant has been self-employed, an affidavit from an attorney who is a

member of the bar in the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced and who knows the applicant,

verifying the applicant’s practice of law. For purposes of this section, judicial law clerks, provided

they are admitted to practice law in another jurisdiction, are engaged in the active practice of law.

(5)

To confirm that the applicant’s practice was performed in a jurisdiction that

affirmatively permitted such practice by a lawyer not admitted to practice in that jurisdiction, if

applicable, a rule, statute, or other authority verifying that the applicant’s practice was lawful at

the time the practice occurred;

(6)

Such other evidence, as may be reasonably requested by the Court, demonstrating

that the applicant has met the requirements of division (B) of this section;

ffirmatively permitted such practice by a lawyer not admitted to practice in that jurisdiction, if

applicable, a rule, statute, or other authority verifying that the applicant’s practice was lawful at

the time the practice occurred;

(6)

Such other evidence, as may be reasonably requested by the Court, demonstrating

that the applicant has met the requirements of division (B) of this section;

(7)

A certificate by an attorney admitted to the practice of law in Ohio and duly

registered pursuant to Gov. Bar R. VI, who may present the applicant to the Court pursuant to

division (G) of this section, stating that the applicant is of good moral character and recommending

the applicant for admission to the practice of law in Ohio without examination;

A typed questionnaire for use by the NCBE, the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness, and the regional or local bar association admissions committee in

conducting a character investigation of the applicant;

(9)

A fee of one thousand five hundred dollars;

(10) A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for its character investigation and report;

(11) Certificates or official transcripts evidencing compliance with Section 1(B) through

(D) of this rule. If the applicant’s undergraduate or legal education was not received in the United

States, a one hundred fifty dollar fee shall accompany the application for evaluation of the

applicant’s legal education. If the applicant’s legal education was not received in the United States,

the application shall not be processed until the applicant’s legal education is approved by the Court.

of this rule. If the applicant’s undergraduate or legal education was not received in the United

States, a one hundred fifty dollar fee shall accompany the application for evaluation of the

applicant’s legal education. If the applicant’s legal education was not received in the United States,

the application shall not be processed until the applicant’s legal education is approved by the Court.

(D)

The Office of Bar Admissions shall refer the application and the report of the NCBE

to the regional or local bar association admissions committee in accordance with Section 13 of this

rule unless certain criteria are met, as established by the Board of Commissioners on Character

and Fitness. The applicant shall be reviewed and approved as to character, fitness, and moral

qualifications in accordance with the procedures provided in Sections 13, if applicable and 14 of

this rule.

(E)

The applicant is under a continuing duty to update the information contained in the

application, including the character questionnaire, and to report promptly to the Office of Bar

Admissions all changes or additions to information in the application that occur prior to the

applicant’s admission to practice.

(F)(1) The Court shall review the application and in its sole discretion shall approve or

disapprove the application. In reaching its decision, the Court shall consider both of the following:

(a)

Whether the applicant has met the requirements of division (B) of this section;

all changes or additions to information in the application that occur prior to the

applicant’s admission to practice.

(F)(1) The Court shall review the application and in its sole discretion shall approve or

disapprove the application. In reaching its decision, the Court shall consider both of the following:

(a)

Whether the applicant has met the requirements of division (B) of this section;

(b)

Whether the applicant’s past practice of law is of such character, description and

recency as shall satisfy the Court that the applicant currently possesses the legal skills deemed

adequate for admission to the practice of law in Ohio without examination.

(2)

The Office of Bar Admissions shall notify the applicant of the Court’s

determination.

(G)(1) An applicant who has been approved for admission under this section may be

presented to the Court in regular session by an attorney at law of this State or may appear before

and take an oath of office administered by an active Ohio judge or a justice from the highest court

in a jurisdiction in which the applicant is admitted.

Upon approval of the applicant for admission under this Section, the Office of Bar

Admissions shall schedule the presentation before the Court or provide the applicant an affidavit

for administration of the oath before an eligible judge or justice. Should the applicant choose to

be presented to the Court, it shall be the applicant’s responsibility to notify the presenting attorney.

The presentation shall be allotted two minutes and the applicant and the presenting attorney shall

appear in person. The applicant shall be administered the oath of office following the presentation.

inistration of the oath before an eligible judge or justice. Should the applicant choose to

be presented to the Court, it shall be the applicant’s responsibility to notify the presenting attorney.

The presentation shall be allotted two minutes and the applicant and the presenting attorney shall

appear in person. The applicant shall be administered the oath of office following the presentation.

(3)

An application for admission without examination shall be considered withdrawn

if the applicant does not take the oath of office within twelve months after the Court’s approval of

the application.

(H)

An applicant under this section shall not engage in the practice of law in Ohio prior

to the presentation of the applicant to the Court pursuant to division (G) of this section. This

division does not apply to participation by an attorney not yet admitted to practice in Ohio in a

cause being litigated in Ohio when such participation is with leave of the judge hearing such cause.

Section 11. Admission by Transferred UBE Score.

(A)

An applicant may apply for admission to the practice of law in Ohio by filing an

Application to Transfer UBE score if all of the following apply:

(1)

The applicant earned an UBE score that meets or exceeds the minimum score

required by the Board of Bar Examiners, subject to approval by the Court;

(2)

The qualifying UBE score was earned in an administration of the UBE that occurred

within five years of the date of the applicant’s submission of an application pursuant to division

(B) of this section, but no earlier than the date of the February 2016 administration of the UBE.

(3)

The applicant has taken the MPRE prepared and administered by the NCBE and

earned the scaled score required by the Board, subject to approval by the Court;

inistration of the UBE that occurred

within five years of the date of the applicant’s submission of an application pursuant to division

(B) of this section, but no earlier than the date of the February 2016 administration of the UBE.

(3)

The applicant has taken the MPRE prepared and administered by the NCBE and

earned the scaled score required by the Board, subject to approval by the Court;

(4)

The applicant has met all requirements of Section 1 of this rule, including

successful completion of the Ohio Law Component.

(B)

An applicant under this section shall file with the Office of Bar Admissions an

Application for Admission to the Practice of Law by Transferred UBE Score. The application

shall include all of the following:

(1)

An affidavit stating both of the following:

(a)

That the applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

(b)

That the applicant has studied the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, the

Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Code of Judicial Conduct.

(2)

A certificate of good standing from each jurisdiction, if any, in which the applicant

is admitted to practice law, dated no earlier than sixty days prior to the submission of the

application;

A questionnaire provided for use by the NCBE, the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness, and the regional or local bar association admissions committee in

accordance with NCBE and the Office of Bar Admissions’ policies in conducting a character

investigation of the applicant;

(4)

A seven hundred and fifty dollar fee;

(5)

A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for its character investigation and report;

or use by the NCBE, the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness, and the regional or local bar association admissions committee in

accordance with NCBE and the Office of Bar Admissions’ policies in conducting a character

investigation of the applicant;

(4)

A seven hundred and fifty dollar fee;

(5)

A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for its character investigation and report;

(6)

Certificates or official transcripts evidencing compliance with Section 1(B) and (C)

of this rule. If the applicant’s undergraduate or legal education was not received in the United

States, a one hundred and fifty dollar fee shall accompany the application for evaluation of the

applicant’s foreign education. If the applicant’s legal education was not received in the United

States, the application shall not be processed until the applicant’s legal education is approved by

the Court.

(C)

The Office of Bar Admissions shall refer the application and the report of the NCBE

to the regional or local bar association admissions committee in accordance with Sections 12 and

13 of this rule. The applicant shall be reviewed and approved as to character, fitness, and moral

qualifications in accordance with the procedures provided in Sections 12 and 13 of this rule.

(D)

An applicant under this section shall be under a continuing duty to update the

information contained in the application, including the character questionnaire, and to report

promptly to the Office of Bar Admissions all changes or additions to information in the application

that occur prior to the applicant’s admission to practice.

(E)

An applicant under this section shall successfully complete the Ohio Law

Component within the timeframe required by the Board.

(F)

An applicant under this section who has been approved for admission under this

section shall be administered the oath of office pursuant to Section 9 of this rule.

o information in the application

that occur prior to the applicant’s admission to practice.

(E)

An applicant under this section shall successfully complete the Ohio Law

Component within the timeframe required by the Board.

(F)

An applicant under this section who has been approved for admission under this

section shall be administered the oath of office pursuant to Section 9 of this rule.

(G)

An applicant under this section shall be considered withdrawn if the applicant does

not take the oath of office within twelve months after being approved for admission to the practice

of law in Ohio.

(H)

An applicant under this section shall not engage in the practice of law in Ohio prior

to approval by the Court and administration of the oath pursuant to Section 9 of this rule. This

division does not apply to applicants whose practice is affirmatively permitted by Ohio law,

including those who have been approved for practice pending admission pursuant to Section 19 of

this rule.

Section 12.

Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness.

(A)(1)(a) The Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness shall be appointed by the

Court and shall consist of twelve attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Ohio, one from each

appellate district.

(b)

The term of office of each commissioner shall be three years. A commissioner shall

be eligible for reappointment, but shall not serve more than three consecutive full terms. A

commissioner shall be eligible for reappointment after serving three consecutive full terms, but

only upon at least a one-year break in service. Appointments to fill a vacancy shall not constitute

a full term. A commissioner serving on the Board on January 1, 2017, shall continue to serve on

the Board until the expiration of the term of office to which the commissioner was appointed and,

upon expiration of the term, may be reappointed for an additional three-year term if the

commissioner has not served on the Board for more than six years.

ntments to fill a vacancy shall not constitute

a full term. A commissioner serving on the Board on January 1, 2017, shall continue to serve on

the Board until the expiration of the term of office to which the commissioner was appointed and,

upon expiration of the term, may be reappointed for an additional three-year term if the

commissioner has not served on the Board for more than six years.

(c)

Vacancies for any cause shall be filled by appointment by the Court for the

unexpired term.

(2)

Any commissioner whose term has expired and who has an uncompleted

assignment as a member of a panel may continue to serve for the purpose of the assignment until

it is concluded before the Board. The secretary of the Board may replace the retiring panel member

with any other commissioner, provided that an evidentiary hearing has not occurred. If the retiring

commissioner continues to serve on the panel, the successor commissioner shall take no part in the

proceedings of the Board concerning the uncompleted assignment.

(3)

Each year, the Court shall designate one commissioner as chair of the Board. The

Director of Attorney Services, or the director’s designee, shall serve as the secretary of the Board.

The chair and the secretary may execute documents on behalf of the Board and the panels.

(4)

The secretary of the Board shall notify the Chief Justice and the Administrative

Director of the Court if a commissioner misses three meetings of the Board within a twelve-month

period. Upon such notice, the Administrative Director shall inform the Justices of the Court in

order that the Justices may consider the replacement of the commissioner.

(B)

The Board shall do all of the following:

(1)

Meet annually and at other times as called by the secretary or the chair of the Board;

the Court if a commissioner misses three meetings of the Board within a twelve-month

period. Upon such notice, the Administrative Director shall inform the Justices of the Court in

order that the Justices may consider the replacement of the commissioner.

(B)

The Board shall do all of the following:

(1)

Meet annually and at other times as called by the secretary or the chair of the Board;

(2)

Supervise and direct the regional or local bar association admissions committees in

the investigation of the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of applicants for admission to

the practice of law. In furtherance of this duty, the Board may do any of the following:

(a)

Subject to the approval of the Court, establish rules of procedure;

(b)

Subject to the approval of the Court, promulgate standards of conduct for

applicants;

(c)

Develop forms to be used by applicants and admissions committees, provided

questions asked of and information requested from applicants shall be subject to review by the

Court;

(d)

Require that standard background checks of all applicants be made;

(e)

At any time prior to an applicant’s admission to the practice of law, investigate sua

sponte the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of the applicant;

(f)

Appoint special investigators;

(g)

Refer any matter to a regional or local bar association admissions committee with

directions for further investigation by that committee with a report to be made to the Board.

(3)

Hear all appeals by applicants from recommendations of regional or local bar

association admissions committees.

(4)

Approve applicants who possess the requisite character, fitness, and moral

qualifications for admission.

(5)

Submit recommendations to the Court as to the disapproval of applicants by the

Board in accordance with Section 14 of this rule, or the approval of applicants who must be

reviewed by the Court under Section 13(D)(5)(b) of this rule.

ocal bar

association admissions committees.

(4)

Approve applicants who possess the requisite character, fitness, and moral

qualifications for admission.

(5)

Submit recommendations to the Court as to the disapproval of applicants by the

Board in accordance with Section 14 of this rule, or the approval of applicants who must be

reviewed by the Court under Section 13(D)(5)(b) of this rule.

(6)

Investigate any matter brought to the attention of the Board after an applicant has

been admitted to the practice of law and alleging that the applicant made a materially false

statement in, or deliberately failed to disclose any material fact in connection with, the applicant’s

application for admission to the practice of law.

Section 13. Character Investigation by Admissions Committees.

(A)

The president of each local bar association shall appoint an admissions committee,

provided, however, that the local bar association permits the membership of any attorney

practicing within the geographic area intended to be served by that association without reference

to the attorney’s area of practice, special interest, or other criteria. Local bar associations may join

together on a regional basis to create a regional admissions committee. Each admissions

committee shall consist of three or more members, each of whom shall serve without compensation

for a term of three years. One-third of the admissions committee members’ terms shall expire each

year. Each admissions committee shall file with the Office of Bar Admissions the following

information, updated as necessary:

a regional basis to create a regional admissions committee. Each admissions

committee shall consist of three or more members, each of whom shall serve without compensation

for a term of three years. One-third of the admissions committee members’ terms shall expire each

year. Each admissions committee shall file with the Office of Bar Admissions the following

information, updated as necessary:

(1)

The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and terms of all members of the

admissions committee;

Designation of chair of the admissions committee;

The name, address, and telephone number of the admissions committee

representative who shall be responsible for receipt of material forwarded by the Office of Bar

Admissions under division (C) of this section.

(B)

The admissions committee shall investigate the character, fitness, and moral

qualifications of applicants for admission to the practice of law in the State, report its findings and

recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness, and obtain and offer

such information as pertains to the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of the applicants at

hearings conducted by the Board’s duly designated panels pursuant to this rule.

(C)(1) Upon receipt of an applicant’s complete Application to Register as a Candidate for

Admission to the Practice of Law filed under Section 2 of this rule, Application for Admission by

Transferred UBE Score pursuant to Section 11 of this rule, or, if applicable, Application for

Admission to the Practice of Law Without Examination filed under Section 10 of this rule, the

Office of Bar Admissions shall forward one copy of the applicant’s character questionnaire to the

NCBE for a character investigation and report. Upon receipt of this report, the Office of Bar

Admissions shall forward the report and the applicant’s character questionnaire to one of the

following admissions committees:

Practice of Law Without Examination filed under Section 10 of this rule, the

Office of Bar Admissions shall forward one copy of the applicant’s character questionnaire to the

NCBE for a character investigation and report. Upon receipt of this report, the Office of Bar

Admissions shall forward the report and the applicant’s character questionnaire to one of the

following admissions committees:

(a)

An admissions committee of the county in which the applicant claims permanent

residence, if the applicant is a resident of Ohio;

(b)

An admissions committee in the county in which the applicant is enrolled in law

school;

(c)

An admissions committee in the county in which the applicant intends to practice

law;

(d)

Such other admissions committee as the Office of Bar Admissions deems

appropriate.

(2)

Within thirty-five days after the admissions committee’s receipt of the applicant’s

character questionnaire and the report of the NCBE, the admissions committee shall review the

character questionnaire and the report, schedule an interview, and notify the applicant, in writing,

of the date and place of the interview. The notice shall inform the applicant that the applicant’s

failure to cooperate in completing the interview may be grounds for disapproval of the application.

(3)

At least two members of the admissions committee shall jointly conduct a personal

interview of the applicant and record the results on a form prescribed by the Board. During the

interview of the applicant, the admissions committee shall inquire of the applicant whether any

answer on the character questionnaire should be changed or supplemented because of events

occurring after the date on which the character questionnaire was originally signed by the applicant

and notarized. A member of an admissions committee shall not interview an applicant or otherwise

participate in an admissions committee’s investigation or recommendation of an applicant if it is

ether any

answer on the character questionnaire should be changed or supplemented because of events

occurring after the date on which the character questionnaire was originally signed by the applicant

and notarized. A member of an admissions committee shall not interview an applicant or otherwise

participate in an admissions committee’s investigation or recommendation of an applicant if it is

reasonable to expect that the member’s judgment will be, or could be, affected by such member’s

own financial, business, property, or personal interest or other conflict of interest.

The admissions committee shall ascertain, from the character questionnaire, the

report of the NCBE, and the interview, whether the applicant possesses the requisite character,

fitness, and moral qualifications for admission to the practice of law. If the admissions committee

deems it necessary or appropriate under the circumstances, it shall conduct further investigation of

the applicant before ascertaining the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications.

(D)(1) The applicant has the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the

applicant possesses the requisite character, fitness, and moral qualifications for admission to the

practice of law. An applicant’s failure to provide requested information, including information

regarding expungements and juvenile court proceedings, or otherwise to cooperate in proceedings

before the admissions committee may be grounds for a recommendation of disapproval.

(2)

The admissions committee shall determine an applicant’s character, fitness, and

moral qualifications in accordance with all of the following:

(a)

The provisions of this rule;

(b)

The applicable decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States;

(c)

The applicable decisions of the Supreme Court of Ohio;

the admissions committee may be grounds for a recommendation of disapproval.

(2)

The admissions committee shall determine an applicant’s character, fitness, and

moral qualifications in accordance with all of the following:

(a)

The provisions of this rule;

(b)

The applicable decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States;

(c)

The applicable decisions of the Supreme Court of Ohio;

(d)

Any standards of conduct promulgated by the Board and approved by the Court

under Section 12(B)(2)(b) of this rule.

(3)

An applicant may be approved for admission if the applicant’s record of conduct

justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts, and others with respect to the professional duties

owed to them and demonstrates that the applicant satisfies the essential eligibility requirements for

the practice of law as defined by the Board. A record manifesting a significant deficiency in the

honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, or reliability of an applicant may constitute a basis for

disapproval of the applicant. Factors to be considered carefully by the admissions committee

before making a recommendation about an applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications

shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(a)

Commission or conviction of a crime, subject to division (D)(5) of this section;

(b)

Evidence of an existing and untreated chemical (drug or alcohol) dependency;

(c)

Commission of an act constituting the unauthorized practice of law;

(d)

Violation of the honor code of the applicant’s law school or any other academic

misconduct;

(e)

A pattern of disregard of the laws of this state, another state, or the United States;

(f)

Failure to provide complete and accurate information concerning the applicant’s

past;

(g)

False statements, including omissions;

(h)

Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;

(i)

Abuse of legal process;

(j)

Neglect of financial responsibilities;

(k)

Neglect of professional obligations;

ard of the laws of this state, another state, or the United States;

(f)

Failure to provide complete and accurate information concerning the applicant’s

past;

(g)

False statements, including omissions;

(h)

Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;

(i)

Abuse of legal process;

(j)

Neglect of financial responsibilities;

(k)

Neglect of professional obligations;

(l)

Violation of an order of a court;

(m)

Denial of admission to the bar in another jurisdiction on character and fitness

grounds;

(n)

Disciplinary action by a lawyer disciplinary agency or other professional

disciplinary agency of any jurisdiction.

(4)

The admissions committee shall determine whether the present character, fitness,

and moral qualifications of an applicant qualify the applicant for admission to the practice of law.

In making this determination, the following factors shall be considered in assigning weight and

significance to the applicant’s prior conduct:

(a)

Age of the applicant at the time of the conduct;

(b)

Recency of the conduct;

(c)

Reliability of the information concerning the conduct;

(d)

Seriousness of the conduct;

(e)

Factors underlying the conduct;

(f)

Cumulative effect of the conduct;

(g)

Evidence of rehabilitation;

(h)

Positive social contributions of the applicant since the conduct;

(i)

Candor of the applicant in the admissions process;

(j)

Materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations.

(5)(a) If an applicant has been convicted of a felony under the laws of this state, the laws

of the United States, or the laws of another state or territory of the United States, or adjudicated a

delinquent child for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would be such a felony, the applicant

shall undergo a review by the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness in accordance

with Section 14 of this rule. In addition to considering the factors listed in (D)(3) of this section,

the Board shall consider the following:

her state or territory of the United States, or adjudicated a

delinquent child for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would be such a felony, the applicant

shall undergo a review by the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness in accordance

with Section 14 of this rule. In addition to considering the factors listed in (D)(3) of this section,

the Board shall consider the following:

(i)

The amount of time that has passed since the applicant was convicted of the felony,

but in no event may an applicant be approved before being released from parole, probation,

community control, post-release control, or prison if no post-release control or parole was

maintained;

(ii)

If the applicant was convicted in this state, whether the rights and privileges of the

applicant that were forfeited by conviction have been restored by operation of law, expungement,

or pardon under the laws of Ohio; or, if the applicant was convicted under the laws of the United

States or the laws of another state or territory, whether the applicant would be eligible to have his

rights and privileges restored under the laws of Ohio if convicted in this state for the same offense;

(iii)

Whether the applicant is disqualified by law from holding an office of public trust;

(iv)

How an approval of the applicant would impact the public’s perception of, or

confidence in, the legal profession.

(b)

If the applicant’s conviction or delinquency adjudication was for aggravated

murder, murder, or any first or second degree felony under Ohio law, and the Board votes to

approve the applicant in accordance with this section and Section 14 of this rule, the Board shall

make a final report, with its findings of fact and recommendation of approval, for the Supreme

Court’s review. The Board shall file the report and the record with the Clerk of the Supreme Court

aggravated

murder, murder, or any first or second degree felony under Ohio law, and the Board votes to

approve the applicant in accordance with this section and Section 14 of this rule, the Board shall

make a final report, with its findings of fact and recommendation of approval, for the Supreme

Court’s review. The Board shall file the report and the record with the Clerk of the Supreme Court.

Consistent with the procedures established in Section 14(F) and (G) of this rule, the Court will

review the applicant and make the final determination on whether the applicant shall be approved

for admission.

(6)

In determining an applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications for the

practice of law, the admissions committee shall not consider factors that do not directly bear a

reasonable relationship to the practice of law, including but not limited to the following

impermissible factors:

(a)

Age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status,

race, color, national origin, or religion of the applicant;

(b)

Disability of the applicant, provided that the applicant, though disabled, is able to

satisfy the essential eligibility requirements for the practice of law.

(E)

After reviewing the character questionnaire and the report of the NCBE,

interviewing the applicant, and conducting any further investigation, the admissions committee

shall file with the Office of Bar Admissions a written report with its recommendations on a form

prescribed by the Board.

(F)(1) An admissions committee recommendation other than an unqualified approval shall

be deemed a recommendation that the applicant not be admitted to the practice of law, in which

case the written report shall enumerate the specific reasons for such recommendation with relation

to the standards set forth in divisions (D)(3) and (4) of this section, and the matter shall proceed as

provided in Section 14 of this rule.

ttee recommendation other than an unqualified approval shall

be deemed a recommendation that the applicant not be admitted to the practice of law, in which

case the written report shall enumerate the specific reasons for such recommendation with relation

to the standards set forth in divisions (D)(3) and (4) of this section, and the matter shall proceed as

provided in Section 14 of this rule.

(2)

An admissions committee recommendation of unqualified approval shall be

submitted to the Board, and the Board shall determine whether the applicant has the requisite

character, fitness, and moral qualifications for admission to the practice of law. The Office of Bar

Admissions shall notify the applicant in writing of the Board’s determination.

(G)

An admissions committee may establish bylaws or procedures, not inconsistent

with this rule, for the conduct of its proceedings. The functions of an admissions committee under

this rule may be delegated to a subcommittee or subcommittees thereof.

(H)

Each admissions committee shall maintain the confidentiality of all materials

provided to it and ensure that it returns to the Office of Bar Admissions all Board-prescribed forms

that it completes as part of the character and fitness process. Under no circumstances shall an

admissions committee provide these documents to the applicant or any other person.

Section 14. Appeal to Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness.

intain the confidentiality of all materials

provided to it and ensure that it returns to the Office of Bar Admissions all Board-prescribed forms

that it completes as part of the character and fitness process. Under no circumstances shall an

admissions committee provide these documents to the applicant or any other person.

Section 14. Appeal to Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness.

(A)

If an admissions committee makes a recommendation other than an unqualified

approval, or if the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness is required to review the

applicant pursuant to Section 13(D)(5)(a) of this rule, the Office of Bar Admissions shall forward

a copy of the report required under Section 13(E) of this rule to the applicant. The applicant may

then file a written notice of appeal with the secretary of the Board. The report shall be sent by

regular United States mail and email, each with delivery confirmation, to the addresses listed on

the application or as supplemented by the applicant. If no delivery confirmation is received within

ten days of mailing, the Office of Bar Admissions shall attempt to call the applicant at the telephone

number listed on the application or as supplemented by the applicant.

(B)

The applicant’s notice of appeal shall be filed within thirty days of the earlier of the

delivery of the admissions committee report or the Office of Bar Admissions’ attempt to call the

applicant. The applicant shall serve a copy of the notice of appeal on the admissions committee.

If the applicant files a timely notice of appeal, the admissions committee shall appoint counsel to

represent it before the Board and notify the applicant and the secretary of the name and address of

counsel. If the applicant does not file a timely notice of appeal, the application shall be considered

withdrawn.

applicant shall serve a copy of the notice of appeal on the admissions committee.

If the applicant files a timely notice of appeal, the admissions committee shall appoint counsel to

represent it before the Board and notify the applicant and the secretary of the name and address of

counsel. If the applicant does not file a timely notice of appeal, the application shall be considered

withdrawn.

(C)(1) Upon receipt of a notice of appeal that has been timely filed, the secretary shall, by

entry, appoint a panel consisting of three commissioners and designate one of them chair of the

panel. No commissioner appointed to the panel shall be from the appellate district in which the

admissions committee that made the recommendation is located. Except with the applicant’s

consent, a commissioner shall not sit as a member of a hearing panel or otherwise participate in

the Board’s investigation or recommendation of an applicant if it is reasonable to expect that the

commissioner’s judgment will be, or could be, affected by such commissioner’s financial,

business, property, or personal interest. The secretary shall serve a copy of the entry appointing

the panel on the applicant, the admissions committee, and all counsel of record, and shall provide

those parties with a copy of the applicant’s file.

(2)

After reasonable written notice to the applicant, and the admissions committee, and

all counsel of record, the panel shall conduct a hearing at a place designated by the panel chair and

otherwise inquire into the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of the applicant. At such

hearing, the admissions committee and the applicant shall offer such information as bears upon

the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of the applicant. The applicant shall be entitled to

be represented by counsel of the applicant’s choice, at the applicant’s expense.

the panel chair and

otherwise inquire into the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of the applicant. At such

hearing, the admissions committee and the applicant shall offer such information as bears upon

the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of the applicant. The applicant shall be entitled to

be represented by counsel of the applicant’s choice, at the applicant’s expense.

(3)

The panel may take and hear testimony in person or by deposition, administer oaths,

and compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers,

documents, records, and materials. The panel shall report its findings, together with the

stenographic record of the proceedings, to the Board for its consideration and decision.

(4)

The chair of the Board, the chair of the panel, and the secretary of the Board shall

have authority to issue subpoenas, which shall be issued in the name and under the Seal of the

Supreme Court and signed by the chair of the Board, the chair of the panel, or the secretary of the

Board. In order to preserve confidentiality consistent with Section 15 of this rule, subpoenas shall

bear the case number but not the name of the applicant. The party calling or subpoenaing a witness

shall inform the witness of the purpose of the hearing and of the confidentiality provisions of this

rule. All witnesses, whether or not subpoenaed, are bound by the confidentiality provisions of this

rule. The refusal or neglect of the person subpoenaed or called as a witness to obey a subpoena,

attend the hearing, be sworn or affirm, answer any proper question, or abide by the confidentiality

provisions of this rule shall be deemed to be contempt of the Supreme Court and may be punished

accordingly.

(5)

All relevant evidence as determined by the panel shall be considered by the panel.

The parties and their counsel shall cooperate with the panel and shall not keep relevant information

from the panel.

be sworn or affirm, answer any proper question, or abide by the confidentiality

provisions of this rule shall be deemed to be contempt of the Supreme Court and may be punished

accordingly.

(5)

All relevant evidence as determined by the panel shall be considered by the panel.

The parties and their counsel shall cooperate with the panel and shall not keep relevant information

from the panel.

(6)

The burden of proof in such hearings shall be on the applicant to establish by clear

and convincing evidence the applicant’s present character, fitness, and moral qualifications for

admission to the practice of law in Ohio. An applicant’s failure to provide requested information,

including information regarding expungements and juvenile court proceedings, or otherwise to

cooperate in proceedings before the Board may be grounds for a recommendation of disapproval.

(7)

The hearing may be waived upon agreement of the parties and the panel, and the

Board or panel may proceed with its own investigation of the applicant, and base its

recommendation on the results.

The Board may remand any matter on appeal to a local or regional admissions

committee with directions for further investigation by that committee with a report to the Board.

(D)

An applicant reviewed by the Board will be approved only if the applicant receives

a vote in favor of approval from not fewer than seven commissioners. If the applicant is approved

by such vote, the Board shall forthwith notify the applicant, the admissions committee, and all

counsel of record.

(E)

If the applicant is not approved, the Board shall make a final report of the

proceedings, with its findings of fact and recommendation, and shall file its report and the record

with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. The Board shall recommend that the applicant not be

permitted to reapply for admission to the practice of law or that the applicant be permitted to reapply only after a specified period of time.

cant is not approved, the Board shall make a final report of the

proceedings, with its findings of fact and recommendation, and shall file its report and the record

with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. The Board shall recommend that the applicant not be

permitted to reapply for admission to the practice of law or that the applicant be permitted to reapply only after a specified period of time.

(F)(1) On the filing of the Board’s report and record with the Clerk of the Supreme Court,

the Court shall issue an order to show cause why the report should not be confirmed and why the

Board’s recommendation should not be adopted. The Clerk shall send a copy of the show cause

order and a copy of the Board’s report, by both ordinary and certified mail, to the applicant at the

address listed in the application or as supplemented by the applicant, to the admissions committee,

and to all counsel of record.

(2)

Within thirty days after issuance of the show cause order, the applicant and the

admissions committee may file objections to the findings or recommendation of the Board. The

objections shall be accompanied by a brief in support of the objections. An answer brief may be

filed within fifteen days after the objections have been filed with the Clerk. Objections and briefs

shall be filed in the number and form as required by the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of

Ohio.

(3)

Unless clearly inapplicable, the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio

shall apply to proceedings filed in the Supreme Court under this division. Service of briefs and

other documents shall be made upon the applicant, the admissions committee, and all counsel of

record.

fs

shall be filed in the number and form as required by the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of

Ohio.

(3)

Unless clearly inapplicable, the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio

shall apply to proceedings filed in the Supreme Court under this division. Service of briefs and

other documents shall be made upon the applicant, the admissions committee, and all counsel of

record.

(G)

After a hearing on objections or if objections are not filed within the prescribed

time, the Court shall enter such order as it may find proper. Upon the entry of any order pursuant

to this rule, the Clerk shall send by ordinary mail certified copies of the order to the applicant at

the address listed in the application or as supplemented by the applicant, to the admissions

committee, and to all counsel of record.

Section 15. Confidentiality of Character and Fitness Matters.

(A)

All information, proceedings, or documents relating to the character and fitness

investigation of an applicant for admission, including all character questionnaires and NCBE

reports submitted pursuant to this rule, shall be confidential, and no person shall disclose any

information, proceedings, and documents to any person, including the applicant, except for any of

the following purposes:

To further any character and fitness investigation of the applicant under this rule;

In connection with investigations of the applicant under Gov. Bar R. V;

(3)

Pursuant to a written release of the applicant in connection with the applicant’s

application for admission to the practice of law in another jurisdiction;

(4)

To file a final report with the Court pursuant to Sections 13(E) or 14(E) of this rule;

racter and fitness investigation of the applicant under this rule;

In connection with investigations of the applicant under Gov. Bar R. V;

(3)

Pursuant to a written release of the applicant in connection with the applicant’s

application for admission to the practice of law in another jurisdiction;

(4)

To file a final report with the Court pursuant to Sections 13(E) or 14(E) of this rule;

(5)

Pursuant to divisions (C) and (D) of this section.

(B)

This section applies to members, employees, and agents of the Supreme Court;

members, employees, and agents of the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness;

members and employees of local and regional admissions committees and the employees of the

members of such committees; employees of local or regional bar associations; court reporters

retained for character and fitness hearings or proceedings; witnesses; and attorneys representing

applicants.

(C)

A record filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court pursuant to Section 14(E) of

this rule shall be filed under seal. After thirty days, the record shall become public unless the

Supreme Court, on motion by the applicant or sua sponte, orders that the record or portions of the

record remain confidential.

(D)

Information or documents otherwise confidential pursuant to division (A) of this

section may be released to an appropriate governing board, law enforcement agency, or other

authority having jurisdiction to investigate a violation of a rule of the Supreme Court or of a state

or federal statute, if all of the following apply:

(1)

During the course of the character and fitness investigation of an applicant under

this rule, an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Ohio learns of a violation of a rule of the

Supreme Court or of a state or federal statute;

er

authority having jurisdiction to investigate a violation of a rule of the Supreme Court or of a state

or federal statute, if all of the following apply:

(1)

During the course of the character and fitness investigation of an applicant under

this rule, an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Ohio learns of a violation of a rule of the

Supreme Court or of a state or federal statute;

(2)

The attorney obtains the consent of the Board to release the otherwise confidential

information or documents in order to report the violation to the appropriate governing board, law

enforcement agency, or other authority having jurisdiction to investigate the violation;

(3)

The attorney reveals only such information or documents as are necessary for the

authority to investigate the violation.

(E)

The failure of any person to abide by these confidentiality provisions and any

confidentiality procedures established by the Board shall be deemed to be contempt of the Supreme

Court and may be punished accordingly.

Section 16. Admissions Fees.

(A)

The fees collected under this rule, the fees charged and collected by the Court for

admissions-related services, and the fees collected under Rules II, IX, XI, and XII of the Supreme

Court Rules for the Government of the Bar shall be deposited in the Attorney Services Fund. All

application fees assessed under this rule and Gov. Bar R. II, IX, XI, and XII shall be nonrefundable

and payable to the Supreme Court of Ohio in the methods specified by the Director of Attorney

Services.

(B)

Parties shall bear their own costs in proceedings brought under Section 14 of this

rule before the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness and the Court.

Section 17. Publication of List of Applicants for Admission.

e and Gov. Bar R. II, IX, XI, and XII shall be nonrefundable

and payable to the Supreme Court of Ohio in the methods specified by the Director of Attorney

Services.

(B)

Parties shall bear their own costs in proceedings brought under Section 14 of this

rule before the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness and the Court.

Section 17. Publication of List of Applicants for Admission.

At least twice yearly, the Court shall publish in the Ohio Official Reports Advance Sheets

a list of the names, cities, and counties or states of residence of those persons who have applied

for admission to the practice of law by Ohio Bar Examination since the list was last published.

The Court shall distribute copies of the list to all regional and local bar association admissions

committees.

Section 18.

Military Spouse Attorneys Admission.

(A)

An applicant may apply for temporary admission to the practice of law in Ohio as

a military spouse attorney pursuant to division (B) of this section if all of the following concerning

the applicant apply:

(1)

Is present in Ohio as the spouse of an active service member of the United States

armed forces assigned to a military installation within the state;

(2)

Has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or, if not

located in the United States, from a college or university evaluated and approved in accordance

with division (B)(3) of this section;

(3)

Has earned a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree from a law school that was approved by the

American Bar Association at the time the degree was earned or, if not located in the United States,

from a law school evaluated and approved in accordance with division (B)(3) of this section;

(4)

Has not taken and failed an Ohio bar examination;

(5)

Is not admitted to the practice of law in this state;

(3)

Has earned a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree from a law school that was approved by the

American Bar Association at the time the degree was earned or, if not located in the United States,

from a law school evaluated and approved in accordance with division (B)(3) of this section;

(4)

Has not taken and failed an Ohio bar examination;

(5)

Is not admitted to the practice of law in this state;

(6)

Has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

Is a citizen or a resident alien of the United States;

Has taken and passed a bar examination and has been admitted as an attorney at

law in the highest court of another state or in the District of Columbia;

(9)

Is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the applicant is admitted to the

practice of law;

(10)

Is not currently subject to discipline or the subject of a pending disciplinary matter

in any jurisdiction in which the applicant is admitted to the practice of law;

(11)

Has not resigned from the practice of law with discipline pending in any

jurisdiction;

(12)

Has not voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished a license to practice law in any

jurisdiction in order to avoid discipline or as a result of discipline imposed by a relevant authority;

(13)

Has not been disciplined for professional misconduct within the past ten years or

been disbarred by any jurisdiction.

(B)

An applicant for temporary admission to the practice of law in Ohio as a military

spouse attorney shall file an application with the Office of Bar Admissions. The application shall

be on a form furnished by the office and include all of the following:

(1)

An affidavit from the applicant stating all of the following:

(a)

The applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

(b)

The applicant is a citizen or a resident alien of the United States;

military

spouse attorney shall file an application with the Office of Bar Admissions. The application shall

be on a form furnished by the office and include all of the following:

(1)

An affidavit from the applicant stating all of the following:

(a)

The applicant has not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law;

(b)

The applicant is a citizen or a resident alien of the United States;

(c)

The applicant has read, is familiar with, and agrees to be bound by the Rules for the

Government of the Bar of Ohio and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and to submit to the

jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for disciplinary purposes pursuant to Gov. Bar R. V.

(2)

A copy of the United States Military Orders of the spouse of the applicant,

establishing that the spouse is in Ohio due to military orders;

(3)

Certificates or official transcripts evidencing compliance with division (A)(2) and

(3) of this section. If the applicant’s undergraduate or legal education was not received in the

United States, a one hundred fifty dollar fee shall accompany the application for evaluation of the

applicant’s education. If the applicant’s undergraduate or legal education was not received in the

United States, the application shall not be processed until the applicant’s education is approved by

the Court.

(4)

A certificate from the admissions authority in the jurisdiction from which the

applicant seeks admission, demonstrating that the applicant has taken and passed a bar examination

and has been admitted to the practice of law in that jurisdiction;

A certificate of good standing from each jurisdiction in which the applicant is

admitted to practice law, dated no earlier than sixty days prior to the submission of the application;

(6)

A typed questionnaire for use by the NCBE and the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness in conducting a character investigation and report of the applicant;

practice of law in that jurisdiction;

A certificate of good standing from each jurisdiction in which the applicant is

admitted to practice law, dated no earlier than sixty days prior to the submission of the application;

(6)

A typed questionnaire for use by the NCBE and the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness in conducting a character investigation and report of the applicant;

(7)

A fee in the amount charged by the NCBE for conducting a character investigation

and report of the applicant;

(8)

A nonrefundable application fee of seventy-five dollars.

(C)

Upon filing a completed application that demonstrates the applicant’s eligibility

under this section, the Office of Bar Admissions shall issue the applicant a provisional temporary

admission to the practice of law in Ohio as a military spouse attorney. The provisional temporary

admission to the practice of law shall expire upon the approval or disapproval of the applicant.

(D)

Upon receipt of the character report of the applicant by the NCBE, the Office of

Bar Admissions shall submit the report and the application to the Board of Commissioners on

Character and Fitness, which shall review the report and the application. The Board may request

additional information or materials from the applicant and may conduct a personal interview to

determine the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications to practice law. The Board

may recommend that the applicant be approved as possessing the requisite character, fitness, and

moral qualifications for admission or may submit a recommendation to the Court as to the

disapproval of the applicant in accordance with Section 14 of this rule.

(E)

Both of the following shall apply to a military spouse attorney temporarily licensed

to practice law in Ohio pursuant to this section:

recommend that the applicant be approved as possessing the requisite character, fitness, and

moral qualifications for admission or may submit a recommendation to the Court as to the

disapproval of the applicant in accordance with Section 14 of this rule.

(E)

Both of the following shall apply to a military spouse attorney temporarily licensed

to practice law in Ohio pursuant to this section:

(1)

The attorney shall be entitled to all privileges, rights, and benefits and subject to all

duties, obligations, and responsibilities of active members of the bar of this jurisdiction, including

but not limited to compliance with the continuing legal education requirements of Gov. Bar R. X

and biennial registration and payment of the registration fee pursuant to Gov. Bar R. VI, Section

2;

(2)

The attorney shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Board of Professional

Conduct and agencies of this jurisdiction with respect to the laws and rules of this jurisdiction

governing the conduct and discipline of attorneys, to the same extent as members of the bar of this

jurisdiction.

(F)(1) The authority of a military spouse attorney temporarily licensed to practice law in

Ohio pursuant to this section shall automatically terminate upon the occurrence of any of the

following:

(a)

The spouse of the attorney is no longer an active member of the United States armed

forces;

(b)

The attorney is no longer married to the spouse who is an active member of the

United States armed forces;

(c)

A change in the military orders of the spouse reflecting a permanent change of

station to a military installation other than Ohio, except that if the spouse has been assigned to an

unaccompanied or remote assignment with no dependents authorized, the attorney shall maintain

military spouse attorney status until the spouse is assigned to a location with dependents

authorized;

(d)

The attorney is admitted to the practice of law in this state pursuant to any other

rule of the Supreme Court;

installation other than Ohio, except that if the spouse has been assigned to an

unaccompanied or remote assignment with no dependents authorized, the attorney shall maintain

military spouse attorney status until the spouse is assigned to a location with dependents

authorized;

(d)

The attorney is admitted to the practice of law in this state pursuant to any other

rule of the Supreme Court;

(e)

The attorney is suspended or disbarred in any jurisdiction in which the attorney is

admitted to the practice of law.

(2)

Within sixty days of the occurrence of any event listed in division (F)(1) of this

section, the attorney shall notify the Office of Bar Admissions of the event in writing.

Section 19.

Practice Pending Admission during the Admission to the Practice of

Law Process.

(A)(1) An applicant who has completed and filed with the Office of Bar Admissions one

of the following applications for the admission to the practice of law may file with the Office an

Application to Practice Pending Admission during the admission process pursuant to division

(A)(2) of this section:

(a)

An Application to Register as a Candidate for Admission pursuant to Section 2 of

this rule;

(b)

An Application for Admission to the Practice of Law without Examination pursuant

to Section 10 of this rule;

(c)

An Application to Transfer UBE Score pursuant to Section 11 of this rule.

(2)

Upon acceptance of the Application to Practice Pending Admission, the applicant

may provide legal services in Ohio for no more than three hundred sixty-five days from the

acceptance of the Application to Practice Pending Admission, unless that time period is extended

by the Office of Bar Admissions, provided that the applicant meets all the following requirements:

(a)

Is not disbarred or suspended from the practice of law or has not resigned from the

practice of law with disciplinary action pending in any jurisdiction and is not subject to a pending

formal disciplinary proceeding in any jurisdiction;

ending Admission, unless that time period is extended

by the Office of Bar Admissions, provided that the applicant meets all the following requirements:

(a)

Is not disbarred or suspended from the practice of law or has not resigned from the

practice of law with disciplinary action pending in any jurisdiction and is not subject to a pending

formal disciplinary proceeding in any jurisdiction;

(b)

Is admitted as an attorney at law in the highest court of another state or in the

District of Columbia, is on active attorney status in at least one jurisdiction, and is in good standing

in each jurisdiction in which the applicant is admitted to practice law;

(c)

Has not previously been denied admission to practice in Ohio or failed the Ohio bar

examination in the past five years;

(d)

Submits within ninety days of providing legal services in Ohio a complete

application for admission to practice law in accordance with this rule and on forms furnished by

the Office of Bar Admissions. An applicant who submits a completed application after the ninety

days may petition the Office of Bar Admissions to waive this provision for good cause;

(e)

Reasonably expects to fulfill all of the requirements for admission to the practice

of law pursuant to this rule;

(f)

Associates with an active Ohio lawyer who is admitted to practice in Ohio, is in

good standing, and has agreed to associate with the applicant;

ompleted application after the ninety

days may petition the Office of Bar Admissions to waive this provision for good cause;

(e)

Reasonably expects to fulfill all of the requirements for admission to the practice

of law pursuant to this rule;

(f)

Associates with an active Ohio lawyer who is admitted to practice in Ohio, is in

good standing, and has agreed to associate with the applicant;

(g)

Submits to the Office of Bar Admissions an affidavit attesting that the applicant has

read and agrees to be bound by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

(B)

Upon accepting an Application for Practice Pending Admission, the Office of Bar

Admissions shall forward the application to the Office of Attorney Services, which shall issue the

applicant an Ohio attorney registration number and designate the applicant as “Practice Pending

Admission.” The Office of Attorney Services shall notify the Office of Disciplinary Counsel that

the applicant has been granted the status of “Practice Pending Admission.”

(C)

The applicant shall immediately notify the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the

Office of Bar Admissions if the applicant becomes subject to criminal charges or becomes subject

to a disciplinary investigation or disciplinary sanction in any jurisdiction at any time during the

practice authorized by this rule. This information shall be considered when determining whether

to approve the applicant’s application for admission to the practice of law.

(D)

The authority of an applicant to practice law pursuant to this section shall terminate

immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(1)

The time period authorized by division (A)(2) of this section has expired and no

extension has been granted;

(2)

The applicant withdraws the applicant’s application for admission to the practice

of law;

dmission to the practice of law.

(D)

The authority of an applicant to practice law pursuant to this section shall terminate

immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following:

(1)

The time period authorized by division (A)(2) of this section has expired and no

extension has been granted;

(2)

The applicant withdraws the applicant’s application for admission to the practice

of law;

(3)

The Application for Admission to the Practice of Law without Examination is

disapproved, the Application to Transfer UBE Score is denied, or the applicant fails the Ohio bar

examination;

The applicant fails to remain associated with an active Ohio attorney in good

standing pursuant to division (A)(2)(f) of this section.

[Effective: February 28, 1972; amended effective October 30, 1972; November 27, 1972; March

19, 1973; November 12, 1973; March 1, 1974; July 8, 1974; April 26, 1976; January 24, 1977;

March 9, 1977; August 1, 1977; January 1, 1982; March 9, 1983; July 1, 1983; May 7, 1984; May

28, 1984; December 31, 1984; April 1, 1987; May 6, 1987; January 1, 1989; July 1, 1989; January

1, 1991; February 1, 1991; October 1, 1991; February 1, 1992; May 1, 1992; July 1, 1992; August

1, 1992; January 1, 1993; September 15, 1993; January 1, 1995; May 1, 1997; August 3, 1998;

June 1, 2000; October 1, 2000; February 1, 2003; October 1, 2003; February 1, 2007; May 1, 2007;

October 1, 2007; January 1, 2008; February 1, 2009; August 1, 2010; January 1, 2013; January 1,

2014, July 1, 2014; January 1, 2015; January 1, 2017; July 1, 2017; September 2, 2019; June 1,

2020; March 2, 2021; September 1, 2021; January 17, 2023; April 1, 2024; October 15, 2024;

January 31, 2025.]