Minnesota: lawyer (attorney admission) pathway
Scope
- Degree recognition
The standard educational route is a J.D. from an ABA provisionally or fully approved law school; the board states an LL.M. does not meet the educational requirements.
“An LL.M. degree does not meet the educational requirements of Rule 4A.”
- Program approval or accreditation
One of the Rule 4A(3) options is graduation with a J.D. from a law school that is provisionally or fully ABA-approved.
“Graduation with a J.D. degree from a law school that is provisionally or fully approved by the American Bar Association;”
- Additional education or training
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Examination requirements
All applicants need an MPRE scaled score of 85 or higher, plus an eligible UBE score (or admission on motion).
“Everyone who applies for admission to the Minnesota Bar must take the MPRE and receive a scaled score of 85 or higher.”
- Supervised practice
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Foreign qualification assessment
Foreign-educated lawyers can qualify to take the bar exam only through the Rule 4A(3)(b) or (c) routes tied to years of licensed practice in a US jurisdiction.
“Foreign-educated lawyers who have practiced in a U.S. jurisdiction five of the last seven years may be eligible to take the bar exam (see Rule 4A(3)(b))”
- Residency or other restrictions
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
- Online study
Not confirmed. Professional eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant regulator.
Regulator: Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners · official source for this record · last checked 1 November 2026.