Frequently Asked Questions
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Bar Examination
What are the bar exam filing deadlines?
Does Colorado allow courtesy seating for the purpose of obtaining a transferable UBE score?
How do I receive a refund of my application fees?
I will not be in town the day of the Bar Exam Admission Ceremony, how can I become licensed?
I will finish my academic JD requirements prior to the exam, but I will not receive my degree until the next scheduled ceremony. Can I still apply?
A conferred law school degree is required to SIT for the bar exam, not to submit an application.
If you will complete all educational requirements prior to the bar exam, but your degree will not be conferred until after the exam, please contact our Office.
Why am I still not cleared to sit for the exam?
Can I use my laptop to take the bar exam?
Yes, examinees may register their laptops with ILG to complete the essay/written portions of the exam.
Colorado will begin administering the NextGen UBE Bar Exam for the July 2028 Bar Exam administration. A laptop is required to take that exam.
Can I bring guests to the Bar Exam Admission Ceremony?
Will there be a place to stow my backpack, purse, computer case and/or other prohibited items?
What if I need a break or need to use the restroom during the exam?
Do I need prior approval to bring medications or a medical device to the exam?
When and how will I receive my exam results?
What is the deadline for registering my laptop to use on the bar exam?
Am I eligible to take the Colorado Bar Exam?
See C.R.C.P. 203.4.
I have a degree from a foreign country. How do I know I am eligible?
When can I take the oath of admission?
How do I know if my bar exam score is a UBE score?
The first administration of the Colorado Legacy UBE was February 2012. Scores achieved on exams prior to that date are not valid UBE scores.
The NextGen UBE will be administered for the first time in Colorado for the July 2028 Exam Administration.
How do I withdraw an application?
Is fingerprint submission required to SIT for the bar exam?
Do I really need an extension cord for my laptop at the exam?
Our Office recommends examinees bring a surge protector (with multiple outlets) to the exam. Outlets are provided for every examinee.
Character and Fitness
What is meant by possessing the necessary character and fitness?
What are the Essential Eligibility Requirements for the practice of law?
Please reference Rules Governing Admission, Rule 208.
What questions are asked on the Character and Fitness Questionnaire?
Please reference the Character and Fitness Questionnaire.
What is the most common reason for denial of a bar application?
Please reference Character and Fitness Information.
Will any incident in my past automatically disqualify me from admission to the Bar?
Please reference Character and Fitness Information.
How does Attorney Admissions conduct further inquiry?
Please reference Character and Fitness Information.
How does Attorney Admissions determine the appropriate weight and significance to give prior conduct?
Please reference Rules Governing Admission, Rule 208.
I was previously denied admission in Colorado for character and fitness reasons. May I reapply?
What can an applicant do if the applicant believes his or her record may cause further inquiry?
Please reference Character and Fitness Process.
Please reference Rules Governing Admission, Rule 208.
Why is evidence of rehabilitation so important?
Please reference Character and Fitness Process.
What kind of inquiry will be conducted if an applicant has abused drugs or alcohol, or has been treated for chemical abuse or dependency?
The Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) is a confidential resource available to recent law school students, graduates and licensed attorneys. COLAP may be able to assist an applicant in determining what steps can be taken now to assess the current status of a condition or impairment, and if needed, to seek treatment and/or testing. See www.coloradolap.org.
Why are mental or emotional conditions relevant to a bar application?
The Colorado Lawyer Assistance Program (COLAP) is a confidential resource available to recent law school students, graduates and licensed attorneys. COLAP may be able to assist an applicant in determining what steps can be taken now to assess the current status of a condition or impairment, and if needed, to seek treatment and/or testing. See www.coloradolap.org.
Once an applicant discloses confidential medical, psychological or chemical dependency treatment records, will Attorney Admissions keep those records confidential?
Attorney Admissions must hold all information and records received in the admission process in the strictest confidence with limited exceptions. See C.R.C.P. 203.1 and 211.1.
Will a felony conviction prohibit my admission?
Please reference Character and Fitness Process.
When will my Character and Fitness Investigation be finished?
Please reference Character and Fitness Process.
Are you going to contact all of the references I include in my application?
Do I have a duty to supplement or update my application?
Please reference C.R.C.P. 203.1 and 208.2.
Application Supporting and Required Documents
Am I cleared to sit for the exam?
What do all the document statuses mean?
No document has been submitted/uploaded via the application system.
Submitted
A document has been submitted/uploaded via the application system but has not yet been reviewed.
Pending Review
The document has not yet been completely reviewed and determined to be sufficient.
Insufficient
The document submitted does not meet the requirements set forth in the application instructions and/or “Doc Info” instructions associated with that particular document. You must review the document requirements and resubmit the document in question unless you receive other instructions from staff.
Duplicate
This is a duplicate of a document that was uploaded to another document placeholder. No further action is required.
Reviewed
The document may be a duplicate of a document that was insufficient, resubmitted and is now approved; or it is not exactly the document that was requested but it is acceptable. The document has been reviewed and no further action is required.
Awaiting Original Doc
The document is approved and acceptable based upon electronic review, but the original hard copy must also be received by the Office of Attorney Admissions.
Approved
The document is what was requested and is approved. No further action is required.
May I fax my documents and information?
How can I confirm receipt of my application materials?
Where do I send my original hard copy documents?
Must I submit a Law School Graduation Certificate if I went to a law school in Colorado?
Why is it taking so long for my law school to send my graduation certificate?
Why do I need to submit my fingerprints?
How do I submit the required fingerprints?
Must my driving record be certified?
What is a Sworn Affidavit and is there a specific form required?
What do I do if the court, police department, or creditor tells me no record is available?
Document Requests
Document Requests
Please reference the Documents Request webpage on our website.
General Information
Once my application is approved, what must I do to obtain my license?
Can I take the Oath of Admission after the ceremony is held?
I am applying for admission in another jurisdiction That jurisdiction requires documentation from Colorado. How do I obtain those?
Does Colorado have conditional admission?
I am suspended from the practice of law in another jurisdiction. Am I eligible to apply in Colorado?
See C.R.C.P. 203.1.
I am disbarred in another jurisdiction; can I apply for admission in Colorado?
See C.R.C.P. 203.1.
MPRE
What is the MPRE?
Who must take the MPRE?
Please reference Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).
Must I take the MPRE before I file my application?
Please reference Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).
A valid MPRE score, or MPRE score waiver, is not required to SUBMIT your application. It is an admission requirement that must be met in order to take the Oath of Admission.
See C.R.C.P. 211.3(1) and (2) regarding time limits for taking the oath of admission.
How long is my MPRE score valid?
See C.R.C.P. 211.3(1) and (2) regarding time limits for taking the oath of admission.
How do I register for the MPRE?
Please reference NCBE's MPRE webpage for more information about the MPRE.
How do I send my MPRE score to you?
Please reference NCBE's MPRE webpage for more information about the MPRE.
Must I take the MPRE if I have been practicing law for several years and have never had any complaints filed against me?
Please reference Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).
I don’t remember my MPRE score. May I obtain the score from your office?
Please reference NCBE's MPRE webpage for more information about the MPRE.
On Motion
What are the eligibility requirements for admission On Motion?
Please reference On Motion Eligibility Requirements.
Does Colorado share reciprocity with my jurisdiction?
Please reference Rules Governing Admissions.
What if I don’t qualify for admission On Motion or by UBE Score Transfer?
If you do not qualify for admission On Motion or UBE Score Transfer, you will need to take the Colorado Bar Exam.
Please reference Rules Governing Admissions.
Please reference Bar Exam General Information.
How long will it take to process my On Motion application once it is submitted?
Please reference On Motion General Information.
Am I eligible for admission On Motion if a previous Colorado application was not accepted?
Professionalism Course
What is the Professionalism Course requirement?
Please reference our Professionalism Course webpage.
Please reference C.R.C.P. 203.3(4) and 203.4(6).
When can I take the professionalism course?
Please reference our Professionalism Course webpage.
Please reference the CBA/CLE registration webpage to register.
I took the Professionalism Course and turned in my affidavit. Can I be admitted today?
It takes approximately 48 hours to process affidavits after a Professionalism Course has been given.
How do I submit by Professionalism Course Affidavit?
Please reference our Professionalism Course webpage.
UBE Score Transfer
What is a UBE Score Transfer application?
Please reference UBE Score Transfer Application General Information
How do I submit my UBE score to Colorado?
Please reference NCBE Score Services.
What are the UBE Score Transfer Eligibility Requirements?
Please reference UBE Score Transfer Eligibility Requirements.
How do I transfer my UBE Score?
My UBE Score from another jurisdiction is more than three years old. Do I qualify to transfer my score?
Please reference UBE Score Transfer Eligibility Requirements.
How long will it take to process my UBE Score Transfer application once it is submitted?
Please reference UBE Score Transfer Application General Information.
Law Schools
As a Law School Representative, how can we provide copies of the Law School Graduation Certificate, Law School Application, and/or make a request for a Bar Exam Report?
As a law school representative, you may upload electronic copies in PDF or MS Word to our Law School Document Portal. This Portal is for Law School Representatives only. Our Office will accept electronic signatures and seals on the school documents. To the extent possible, if making an additional request for information from our office, please upload the request in electronic form through this portal on school letterhead. Law School Document Submission Portal.
Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs)
1. What are LLPs?
Licensed legal paraprofessionals (“LLPs”) in Colorado are a new legal profession. Under court rules approved by the Colorado Supreme Court in March 2023, November 2023, and October 2025, paralegals and other legal paraprofessionals can apply for licensure to provide certain legal services in certain type of family law matters.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s lengthy process for determining the scope and details of the LLP program involved years of planning, a written public comment period, and a public hearing. The details of that process can be found here.
2A. What are LLPs be allowed to do?
C.R.C.P. 207.1 governs the scope of an LLP’s practice of law in Colorado. LLPs can represent clients in: a legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or dissolution of a marriage/civil union, whether pre-decree or post-decree; establishing, enforcing and modifying child support; remedial contempt associated with that scope of practice; name changes; protective orders; adult gender designation changes; an initial allocation or modification of parental responsibilities; and two-party parentage cases. The rule’s text provides additional details about scope of practice. LLPs are able to advise those clients, prepare, draft and file documents in court, assist clients in mediation, appear at and fully represent clients in hearings, and fulfill steps ordinarily taken in such matters that are consistent with the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. Civil and ethical rules requiring lawyers to have a good-faith basis for their filings and statements apply to LLPs as well.
2B(1).Can an LLP handle a matter involving an expert?
Yes. There are no longer limitations on an LLP’s scope of practice in C.R.C.P. 207.1 specific to expert witnesses.
2B(2). Are there some situations that are too complex for an LLP to handle? And if an LLP is handling a matter in which a complex issue arises, what should an LLP and client do?
C.R.C.P. 207.1 has certain exclusions to an LLP’s scope of practice relating to complex legal issues. Also, Colo. LLP RPC 1.1 requires an LLP to ensure they are competent to represent the client on the matter at hand. Therefore, if an LLP is not competent to represent their client regarding a complex issue, the LLP is required to advise their client to seek advice or assistance from an attorney. Even if an LLP cannot handle a complex issue within a matter, C.R.C.P. 207.1(i) allows an LLP to continue to represent the client with respect to services an LLP is authorized to offer. A client may decide to retain an attorney for issues outside the scope of what an LLP can offer, and attorneys and LLP may work in tandem. If there are tasks or issues in the case that the LLP cannot address, the party’s options are to: (1) hire an attorney to address those issues while continuing to be represented by the LLP; (2) hire an attorney to replace the LLP; or (3) proceed by self-representation on the matters that are beyond the LLP’s allowable scope of practice, with or without the continued assistance of the LLP, as authorized.
2C. Can an LLP handle a matter involving testimony?
Yes. C.R.C.P. 207.1 no longer restricts an LLP’s ability to elicit testimony from any witness. An LLP’s permissible activities include, under C.R.C.P. 207.1(g)(xiii) “standing or sitting at counsel table with the client during a court proceeding, communicating with the client during the proceeding, making statements, making offers of proof, examining any witness, making arguments and objections in court, answering questions posed by the court, addressing the court, taking notes, and assisting the client in understanding the proceeding and relevant orders[.]” While C.R.C.P. 207.1 does not specifically address depositions, LLPs’ ability to examine witnesses is not confined to courtrooms. Rule 207.1 also includes this Comment: “Descriptions of an LLP’s authorized scope of practice within this rule should be liberally construed to include all ordinary and reasonable actions within an authorized scope of practice, including procedural steps that are permitted by the Rules of Civil Procedure and are not expressly prohibited under this rule.”
2D. Are LLPs allowed to draft and file pleadings or motions without using the JDF forms?
Yes. C.R.C.P. 207.1(g)(iv) includes “preparing and completing documents using forms or templates approved by the Judicial Department or the Supreme Court or generally accepted by Colorado courts having jurisdiction over the matter, including proposed parenting plans, separation agreements, motions or stipulations for establishing or modifying child support, child support worksheets, proposed orders, nonappearance affidavits, discovery requests and answers to discovery requests, trial management certificates, pretrial submissions, and exhibit and witness lists…” While a good practice is for an LLP to use JDF forms to ensure they will be accepted by the court, an LLP also can draft or rely on templates that have been previously accepted by courts which have the necessary elements for acceptance.
2E. Can LLPs do other tasks or file other actions or motions other than those specifically listed in C.R.C.P. 207.1?
Yes. The Comment to C.R.C.P. 207.1 states: “Descriptions of an LLP’s authorized scope of practice within this rule should be liberally construed to include all ordinary and reasonable actions within an authorized scope of practice, including procedural steps that are permitted by the Rules of Civil Procedure and are not expressly prohibited under this rule.”
3. What are LLPs prohibited from doing?
C.R.C.P. 207.1 lists the types of discrete issues that an LLP cannot handle by themselves, and for those situations, a client needs to obtain the services of a licensed attorney or must handle the matter by themselves. An LLP still can assist in such situations under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
Here is the list of discrete issues outside the authorized scope of an LLP’s practice of law:
- The registration of foreign orders;
- Motions for or orders regarding punitive contempt citations under C.R.C.P. 107;
- An allegation of common law marriage in which either party disputes the existence of a common law marriage or the date when the common law marriage formed;
- Disputed parentage where there are more than two parents or alleged parents asserting or denying legal parentage;
- A non-parent's request for decision-making authority or parenting time is contested by at least one parent and the court has determined that the Indian Child Welfare Act applies to the proceeding, except as otherwise provided by law;
- Preparation of or litigation regarding pre- or post-nuptial agreements;
- Matters in which a party is a beneficiary of a trust and information about the trust will be relevant to resolution of the matter;
- A dispute about the value of or income associated with a trust in which a party is a beneficiary;
- The preparation by the LLP of documents, other than an agreement addressing underlying property division, needed to effectuate the sale or distribution of assets of a business entity or commercial property; and,
- Issues collateral to, but directly affecting, a matter which falls within the LLP's scope of practice when such issues require analysis and advice outside that scope of practice, such as immigration, criminal, and bankruptcy issues or the preparation of a qualified domestic relations order (“QDRO”) or other similar document implementing the division of retirement assets that could directly affect the resolution of the matter.
4. What are LLPs able to do in court?
In addition to entering an appearance and filing pleadings and other documents in a court proceeding, LLPs are allowed to represent their clients in court hearings just like an attorney. They are able to speak in court, explain their client’s position, and tender exhibits. LLPs can examine and cross-examine witnesses, make offers of proof, object to the testimony of witnesses, and make legal arguments.
Under the LLP ethics rules, LLPs are required to advise their clients about the limitations on their scope of practice.
5. How do members of the public know whether the legal professional is an LLP or a lawyer?
Under the LLP ethics rules, LLPs are required to identify themselves as such, including that they have only a limited license, in all advertising. LLPs also need to use the LLP designation in all court filings. LLPs have six-digit registration numbers beginning with the number 6 (attorneys have five-digit registration numbers).
LLPs need to complete annual registration and comply with applicable continuing legal education requirements. Failure to do so will result in an administrative suspension of their licenses.
6. For LLPs considering a solo practice or a firm with other LLPs, what do they need to do to ensure that they comply with Colo. LLP RPC 7.1(b)?
Pursuant to Colo. LLP RPC 7.1(b), an LLP in a firm without lawyers must use the words “Licensed Legal Paraprofessional(s)” in the firm name. LLPs also must not make a false or misleading communication about the LLP or the LLP’s services, which may require the assertion or disclosure of facts or statements to avoid materially misleading the public. See Colo. LLP RPC 7.1(a). Therefore, an LLP could use the phrase “Licensed Legal Paraprofessional” or “Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals” in the firm name, but may need to disclose whether the LLP practices alone or with others on the LLP’s website or other advertising materials in order to avoid misleading the public if the number of practitioners appears to be inconsistent with the firm name. While an LLP-only firm must include “Licensed Legal Paraprofessional(s)” in the business name, those precise words are not required to be included within the firm’s website URL or email address.
7. How does someone qualify for licensure to become an LLP?
C.R.C.P. 207.8 sets forth the requirements for licensure. All applicants must pass a family law exam and a legal ethics exam administered by the Office of LLP Admissions of the Colorado Supreme Court after having taken a legal ethics class. The legal ethics class may be taken within a degree program or as a stand-alone class. Please note that most professional responsibility courses taken as part of a paralegal degree or certification do not meet the requirements of the rule. The Community College of Denver is offering an LLP-specific ethics class, which can be taken remotely – please clickhere for more information. Applicants also must satisfy character and fitness requirements and take the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel professionalism course.
There is a set of educational options as well as an experience option for an interested person to become eligible to sit for the exams. There are six different types of degrees set forth at C.R.C.P. 207.8(3) that can qualify. Regardless of whether applying via the education or work-experience path, all Colorado LLP applicants must demonstrate substantive law-related practical experience, including experience in Colorado family law, within the three years immediately preceding the date of submitting the LLP application. The LLP Committee has issued eligibility guidance as to how applicants can demonstrate that their work experience qualifies. A certification from a licensed attorney as to applicants’ completion of work experience is necessary.
8. What happens if an LLP violates the ethical rules applicable to LLPs?
Under the program, LLPs are required to abide by the LLP Rules of Professional Conduct, modeled after those that apply to licensed attorneys. For example, LLPs must comply with confidentiality rules, conflict rules, court conduct rules, and money-handling rules just like licensed attorneys do.
If anyone believes that misconduct under those rules has occurred, that person can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, which would follow attorney discipline and disability procedural rules to review the complaint. Serious misconduct could result in suspension or disbarment just as it would for licensed attorneys.
9. What material is covered on the LLP exams?
The exams are based on core competencies that a competent LLP is expected to know. Sample exam questions and more information on format are available on the LLP Admissions website.
10. How does someone apply to become an LLP, and what can someone be doing to prepare for the application process?
The Office of LLP Admissions, housed within the Office of Attorney Admissions, has made an application available and publicizes deadlines at its website. Interested individuals may wish to assemble academic and employment records so they will be available during the application process. Interested individuals also may wish to review the core competencies a working group developed to establish competency standards for LLPs.
11. How much can LLPs charge clients? Can LLPs provide services to any client regardless of their income or assets?
There is not any cap on the fees LLPs charge clients, or any income or asset restrictions on the type of client LLPs serve. However, limitations on an LLP’s scope of practice are likely to lead to LLPs serving mostly moderate income rather than higher income clients. Higher income or higher asset clients generally often have more complex matters that need the assistance of an attorney. As with attorneys, market forces will be the most significant factor in the rates LLPs charge clients. In states with similar programs, LLPs typically charge hourly rates ranging from a quarter to a half that of attorneys.
12. What does it cost to become an LLP?
The cost to become an LLP will depend in part on an individual’s educational path and whether they can meet the eligibility requirements through experience alone. Most applicants will need to take an ethics course for LLPs that is a prerequisite to being allowed to sit for the LLP exam; currently the only approved LLP ethics course is through Denver Community College. All applicants are charged an application fee to help cover the cost of the exam, and once admitted LLPs will have to pay an annual registration fee and certain costs associated with continuing legal education. The timely exam application fee is $710; that does not include the state fingerprint fee for obtaining a criminal history. The annual registration fee currently is set at $190 a year for the first three years of practice and $395 each year after that.
13. Is malpractice insurance required for LLPs?
LLPs are not required to carry malpractice insurance, since Colorado licensed attorneys are currently not required to have malpractice insurance. However, LLPs are required to publicly disclose whether they carry malpractice insurance as part of their annual registration.
14. How will Judicial Officers be trained about this program?
Judicial officers are receiving training at the statewide judicial conference, the statewide domestic relations and probate judicial conference and other virtual training to learn about the LLPs program. There is also an LLP chapter included in the Colorado Bar Association 2025 Bench Bar Book.