Skip to Content

ALASKA BAR ASSOCIATION

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


The following questions are frequently asked about admission to the bar of Alaska. Each of the questions is linked to the corresponding answer. For complete information, please refer to the Alaska Bar Association Rules Governing Admission to the Bar as well as corresponding areas of this website.

No information provided on this website overrides, waives, or amends the provisions of the rules and regulations.

For technical assistance with our website via email or to provide feedback regarding the website, click here.

General Application Questions


- How do I handle my specific situation regarding my employment history (i.e., the business is closed down, a former supervisor is no longer with the company, etc.)?
- Do internships count as employment?
- How do I indicate a period of unemployment?
- I have a health condition that is controlled by medication. Should I report that in response to Question 17 of the application?
- If I am re-applying, what information do I need to include supplementary to the reapplication?
- How long will Alaska accept an MPRE score?
- Where can I go to get fingerprinted?
- Is there a specific fingerprint card I need to use?
- Which parts of the fingerprint card should I fill out?
- What payment methods are accepted?
- Who requests the Certificate of Graduation from my law school, and what exactly is it?

Bar Exam


- Do I need to pay separately for the application fee and the Examsoft fee?
- Do I have to submit all the items on the Admission by Bar Exam Instructions and Checklist if I’m going to transfer my UBE score?

Reciprocity


- In order to comply with Bar Rule 2, Section 2(2), must I have practiced 5 of the last 7 years in the state from which I am applying via reciprocity?
- Is my state a reciprocal jurisdiction with Alaska?
- Is there a form affidavit to use for the three affidavits attesting to the active practice of law?
- How long does it take for the Alaska Bar Association to process a reciprocity application?
- Is there a way for the Alaska Bar to expedite the processing of my Reciprocity application?
- Which items must be submitted with the original application, and which items can be submitted afterward?

UBE Score Transfer


- How long does it take for the Alaska Bar Association to process a UBE score transfer application?
- Is there a way for the Alaska Bar to expedite the processing of my UBE score transfer application?

General Application Questions


How do I handle my specific situation regarding my employment history (i.e., the business is closed down, a former supervisor is no longer with the company, etc.)?

Please see more information regarding how to handle these specific situations. If your situation is not addressed here, or if you still have questions, please contact the Admissions Assistant for more information.

Back to TOP

Do internships count as employment?

Yes. All work history should be included, even if unpaid.

Back to TOP

How do I indicate a period of unemployment?

Type "Unemployed" in the Employer Name field, type "n/a" in the Address 1, City, Phone, and Your Occupation/Position fields, select the State or Province and Country in which you were living when unemployed, enter the zip code and the period you were unemployed in the From Mo/Yr and To Mo/Yr.  Click here to see an example.

Back to TOP

I have a health condition that is controlled by medication. Should I report that in response to Question 17 of the application?

Yes. Please provide a full explanation in the box provided of the condition and how it is controlled.

Back to TOP

If I am re-applying, what information do I need to include supplementary to the reapplication?

You need to submit an new Authorization and Release Form and new photos.

Back to TOP

How long will Alaska accept an MPRE score?

Alaska will accept MPRE scores taken not more than 8 years prior to the applicant’s Alaska application for admission. Please contact us if you have questions about this.

Back to TOP

Where can I go to get fingerprinted?

You can get fingerprinted anywhere that offers fingerprinting services. If you are in Alaska, please see list of service providers. If you are not in Alaska, a simple internet search should provide you with contact information for providers in your area.

Back to TOP

Is there a specific fingerprint card I need to use?

Yes. Any fingerprint service provider can usually provide you with the card. Ask for the Standard Applicant Card (FD-258). Alternatively, you can email the Bar Office and request that one be mailed to you.

Back to TOP

Which parts of the fingerprint card should I fill out?

Download the instructions.

Back to TOP

What payment methods are accepted?

Payment can be made by credit card or via PayPal.  If you need to set up a PayPal account, you can do that by clicking here.

Back to TOP

Who requests the Certificate of Graduation from my law school, and what exactly is it?

It is your responsibility to request that your law school send your Certificate of Graduation directly to us. The Certificate of Graduation is an original letter, on school letterhead, verifying your degree and the date received. If the school uses a seal, it will also include the school seal. Most law schools are familiar with this document, but if they have questions, please have them contact our office and ask for admissions.

Back to TOP

Bar Exam


Do I need to pay separately for the application fee and the Examsoft fee?

You may pay these fees together.

Back to TOP

Do I have to submit all the items on the Admission by Bar Exam Instructions and Checklist if I’m going to transfer my UBE score?

Yes. All applicants are required to submit all listed materials on the Admission by Bar Exam Instructions and Checklist even if they plan on transferring their score following the release of the Bar exam results. An incomplete application (i.e. missing required items) will not be processed, and that applicant’s Bar exam results will not be released until all the required items have been submitted by the applicant.

Back to TOP

Reciprocity


In order to comply with Bar Rule 2, Section 2(2), must I have practiced 5 of the last 7 years in the state from which I am applying via reciprocity?

No. Bar Rule. 2, Section 2(2) states that you must have been actively practicing law “in one or more states, territories or the District of Columbia” for five of the last 7 years immediately preceding the date of your application. The practice can have taken place in any state in which you were legitimately practicing.

Back to TOP

Is my state a reciprocal jurisdiction with Alaska?

View the list of reciprocal jurisdictions.

Back to TOP

Is there a form affidavit to use for the three affidavits attesting to the active practice of law?

No, there is no form that we provide. Each affiant would provide his or her own wording, either stating that they have personal knowledge that you have been actively practicing law for five of the last seven years, or attesting to the specific dates that they know you have been actively practicing law. The three affidavits together should establish active practice for five of the past seven years. The affiants should state their position and how they know the applicant.

Back to TOP

How long does it take for the Alaska Bar Association to process a reciprocity application?

Once we receive your application, we start the character investigation process. This can take at least 3-4 months, depending on each individual application. There is no way for us to expedite this process as we treat all applications with priority. Once the character investigation is complete, your application will be reviewed at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting. Since we cannot guarantee a time frame for your reciprocity application to be completed, it is best that you get your application turned in to us as soon as possible before the time you are hoping to be admitted.

Back to TOP

Is there a way for the Alaska Bar to expedite the processing of my Reciprocity application?

No. Each application is already treated with priority.

Back to TOP

Which items must be submitted with the original application, and which items can be submitted afterward?

The minimum you must submit with your application is the application itself, the application fee, the two passport-size photos, the fingerprint card, and the authorization and release form. Other documentation can be submitted after your initial application date; however, we must have all documentation timely for your application to be reviewed by the Board of Governors.

Back to TOP

UBE Score Transfer


How long does it take for the Alaska Bar Association to process a UBE score transfer application?

Once we receive your application, we start the character investigation process. This can take at least 3-4 months, depending on each individual application. There is no way for us to expedite this process as we treat all applications with priority. Once the character investigation is complete, your application will be reviewed at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting. Since we cannot guarantee a time frame for your application to be completed, it is best that you get your application turned in to us as soon as possible before the time you are hoping to be admitted.

Back to TOP

Is there a way for the Alaska Bar to expedite the processing of my UBE score transfer application?

No. Each application is already treated with priority.

Back to TOP