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Bill > HB5465
WV HB5465
WV HB5465Allow anyone with a master’s degree to sit for WV Bar exam and become licensed attorney
summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill is to permit persons with master's degrees, regardless of the course of study, to take an examination for admission to practice law in the courts of this state.
AI Summary
This bill proposes to amend West Virginia law to allow any individual holding a master's degree, regardless of their field of study, to be eligible to take the examination required to become a licensed attorney in the state. Currently, the Supreme Court of Appeals sets the rules for admission to practice law, including the required period of study and preparation. This change would add a provision that a master's degree diploma, in any subject, qualifies a person to sit for the bar exam, alongside other existing requirements like good moral character and age. The bill also removes an older provision that allowed graduates of West Virginia University's College of Law before July 1, 1983, to practice law without examination.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
To House Judiciary (on 02/12/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5465&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5465%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5465 |
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