Important Update on 2025 February Bar

California extends Provisional Licensure Program for Feb 2025 bar takers, allowing supervised practice while awaiting admission.

BY THE COLLEGES OF LAW

The State Bar of California has announced an important opportunity for individuals who sat for the February 2025 bar exam. The Provisional Licensure Program (PLP) will be extended to more than 1,000 eligible applicants, offering a chance to gain real world legal experience under supervision while awaiting bar admission.

Who is eligible

• Applicants from the February 2025 bar exam who were first time takers or first time registrants
• Applicants approved for the PLP must still pass the California Bar Exam to be admitted to practice law

Program details and deadlines

• Application window Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025
• MPRE requirement: A passing (Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination) score of 86 or higher must be on file by Dec. 31, 2025
• Moral character: A positive moral character determination must be on file by Dec. 31, 2025 (applications can be submitted earlier)
• Training requirement: Completion of the New Attorney Training Program (10 MCLE courses) within the first five months of being provisionally licensed or by May 31, 2026, whichever is earlier
• Program end date: The PLP under Rule 9.49 will sunset on Dec. 31, 2027

Why the PLP matters

The PLP allows eligible applicants to practice law under the supervision of a California attorney, gaining experience drafting legal documents, engaging in negotiations, and providing legal services under guidance.

How you can help

We are asking for the support of our alumni community to help pair eligible applicants with supervising attorneys. If you or someone you know is interested in serving in that role, please contact us at alumni- [email protected].

For more information, visit the California State Bar website or email [email protected].