Diploma Privilege
Per Wisconsin Supreme Court rules 40.02 and 40.03, Marquette University Law School graduates are eligible for admission to the Wisconsin bar via diploma privilege. In other words, Marquette Law School graduates who submit a timely application and meet character and fitness standards are admitted to the practice of law in the state of Wisconsin without having to take the bar examination, thus qualifying for admission to the bar as well as to the federal courts in Wisconsin. Marquette University Law School graduates are admitted to the bar in the state of Wisconsin, while remaining eligible to sit for the bar exam in all other states. In addition, admission to the Wisconsin bar by diploma privilege qualifies our graduates to work in most Federal government positions and meet JAG Corps requirements. It is also possible that, upon meeting criteria particular to other states, graduates may qualify for reciprocal bar admission.
Wisconsin Bar Swearing-in Ceremony
On the Monday following Marquette Law School commencement, the Wisconsin Supreme Court typically hosts a swearing-in ceremony (solely for Marquette Law School graduates). The swearing-in will be followed by an invitation to the new members of the bar to sign the book of lawyers, a time-honored tradition. Ceremony times and communications come directly from the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE). If possible, a live web stream of the swearing-in ceremonies may be available via WisconsinEye.
Notary Services
Assistant Registrar Stephanie Danz is available to provide notary services to Marquette law students. Please contact Ms. Danz to make an appointment.
Dean's Certification Form
- Wisconsin Bar Admission: The Law School submits the Dean's Certification form to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners upon students' graduation. Students do not need to submit a request to the Law School for this step to be completed.
- Out-of-state Bar Admission: Students or graduates applying for admission to an out-of-state bar must request that a Dean's Certification form be sent. Please contact Assistant Registrar Stephanie Danz for more information.
Ordering Official Transcripts
Students may order a copy of their official transcript for their bar application through a link in CheckMarq or by visiting the Marquette University Registrar website.
Questions about bar admission documentation? Please contact Assistant Registrar Stephanie Danz.
Questions about studying for the bar exam? Please contact Professor Katie Pagel, Marquette Law School's director of bar preparation.