The Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners holds the responsibility of recommending the admission of persons to the bar and thus the practice of law in Pennsylvania. Such responsibility includes reviewing admission applications for those who wish to sit for the bar examination and for practicing attorneys in other states seeking admittance to the bar without sitting for the exam, along with administering the bar exam itself.

The Board of Law Examiners administers the bar exam over two days twice a year, on the last Tuesday and Wednesday in February and in July. In February it is held in King of Prussia and in Pittsburgh. In July it is held in King of Prussia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

The exam is comprised of two parts, the multiple choice Multistate Bar Examination and an essay portion which includes one Performance Test Question and six Essay Questions. To pass the exam, applicants must achieve a combined scaled score of 272.

In addition to passing the bar exam, prospective members of the bar of Pennsylvania must meet certain requirements relating to character and prior conduct. To aid the board in determining whether applicants have met such requirements, candidates must file with the board office a written application setting forth those matters the board deems necessary. This includes background information pertaining to character, education and employment. Board office staff then review the applications, occasionally investigating further, to determine an applicant's fitness and qualifications.

Committee Members

Karen Engro, Esq., Chair
William R. Sasso, Esq., Vice Chair

Patti Bednarik, Esq.
Jeanette H. Ho, Esq.
Barbara W. Mather, Esq.

Staff
Mark Dows, Executive Directorand Character and Fitness Director
Jill Fuchs, Deputy Executive Director
Joseph Rengert, Esq., Counsel to the Board
Brenda Kovanic, Director of Testing

Board of Law Examiners Home Page