Rule 14-707. Application; deadlines; withdrawals; postponements and fees.

(a) Form. Each Applicant must submit a Complete Application for examination and admission in accordance with the instructions prescribed by the Bar. Such application shall include an authorization and release enabling the Bar to obtain information concerning the Applicant.

(b) Filing deadlines generally. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Bar shall receive Complete Applications by October 1 preceding the February Bar Examination and by March 1 preceding the July Bar Examination. A Complete Application will be accepted up to 15 calendar days after the filing deadline if accompanied by the prescribed 15-day late fee. A Complete Application will be accepted up to November 1 for the February Bar Examination if accompanied by the prescribed 30-day late fee and up to April 1 for the July Bar Examination if accompanied by the prescribed 30-day late fee. In accordance with the filing instructions and information for the application, late or incomplete applications will not be accepted with the following exceptions:

(b)(1) An Applicant who will complete all law school academic requirements prior to the Bar Examination, but whose law degree will not be conferred until after the application filing deadline may file the certificate of law school graduation after the application has been submitted. Certificates of law school graduation must be received by the Bar no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the Bar Examination. In the event the certificate of law school graduation is not timely received by the Bar, an Applicant will not be permitted to take the Bar Examination.

(b)(2) An Applicant who has not received the criminal background report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) may submit the application without a criminal background report provided the Applicant provides proof that a criminal background request has been filed with the FBI prior to submission of the application. Sufficient proof of submission of the criminal background request shall be by declaration in the form prescribed by the Bar. The criminal background report should be submitted to the Bar within fourteen (14) calendar days of the Applicant’s receipt of the report but no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the next scheduled licensing ceremony. The Character and Fitness Committee may withdraw or modify its approval based upon information contained in the criminal background report. In the event the criminal background report is not timely received by the Bar, an Applicant will not be admitted at the licensing ceremony.

(c) Filing deadlines for Disbarred Attorneys. Disbarred Attorneys may not file an application for admission until the later of five years after the effective date of the license revocation or the date specified in the disciplinary order. Disbarred Attorneys must comply with Rule 14-717(b), if applicable. Complete Applications for Disbarred Attorneys shall be received by the Bar by September 1 preceding the February Bar Examination and by February 1 preceding the July Bar Examination. Late applications for Disbarred Attorneys are not permitted.

(d) Withdrawal of applications and refunds. To withdraw an application, written notice must be provided. If written notice of withdrawal is received by the Admissions Office 30 calendar days or more before the examination date, one-half of the filing fee shall be refunded, unless the Applicant withdraws after appearing before the Character and Fitness Committee. Late fees, computer fees, and the application fees of Applicants not taking the Bar Examination are nonrefundable.

(e) Postponement of application. An Applicant may only postpone or transfer her or his application due to emergency circumstances or pursuant to Rule 14-708(b)(4)(A). Emergency transfers are subject to the following restrictions.

(e)(1) The Applicant must provide a written request, including payment of the prescribed transfer fee, prior to the date of the Bar Examination.

(e)(2) Proof of the emergency must be provided. The reasons for the transfer are limited to two circumstances:

(e)(2)(A) a personal medical emergency, or

(e)(2)(B) a death in the immediate family.

(e)(3) The transferring Applicant must specify which future Bar Examination she or he plans to take. The exam must be taken within the next two scheduled Bar Examinations.

(e)(4) The Applicant must provide an Updated Application by filing a Reapplication for Admission form, updating any information that has changed since the prior application was filed and a new criminal background check. The Reapplication for Admission form should be submitted by the initial application deadline of October 1 preceding the February Bar Examination and March 1 preceding the July Bar Examination. A Reapplication for Admission will be accepted up to 15 calendar days after the filing deadline if accompanied by the prescribed 15-day late fee. A Reapplication for Admission form will be accepted up to November 1 for the February Bar Examination if accompanied by the 30-day late fee and up to April 1 for the July Bar Examination if accompanied by the prescribed 30-day late fee.

(e)(5) An Applicant is entitled to one transfer only.

(f) Retaking Bar Examination. An Applicant failing the Bar Examination who wishes to retake the examination must file a written request, including payment of the prescribed fee by the retake deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

(f)(1) The Applicant must provide an Updated Application by filing a Reapplication for Admission form, updating any information that has changed since the application was filed and a new criminal background check.

(f)(2) An Applicant who fails to achieve a passing score after six Bar Examinations may only take additional examinations with the permission of the Admissions Committee. A petition providing good cause as to why the Admissions Committee should grant such a request must be filed with the Deputy General Counsel by the retake deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.