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File a Declaration of Intent to Study Law

The State Board of Law Examiners of Texas requires that every person who is beginning law study in an approved law school in Texas for the first time (an entrant) and who intends to apply for admission to the Bar Examination in Texas must file a Declaration of Intention to Study Law. This must be filed with the Board during the student's first year of law school and must be accompanied by a copy of the student's law school application. Please make a copy of your application and keep it to submit with your declaration.

Filing Deadlines

The declaration must be filed on a form promulgated by the Board. The declaration requires disclosure of all legal and academic offenses. The admissions application requires the same disclosures. Any discrepancies between the two forms are reported to the School of Law. Possible disciplinary action, including revocation of admission or suspension, may result.

Fingerprinting

All students filing a declaration must furnish a complete set of fingerprints. A fingerprint check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is mandatory. The staff of the Board of Law Examiners cannot complete the investigation of your declaration without the results of your FBI fingerprint check. A time will be scheduled at the law school for the fingerprinting. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has implemented a program called Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) to obtain your fingerprints then submit them electronically to the FBI.

Disclosure of Offenses

In addition, the declaration requires disclosure of all legal and academic offenses. The admissions application requires the same disclosures. Any discrepancies between the two forms are reported to the Texas Tech University School of Law and possible disciplinary action, including revocation of admission or suspension, may result.

Online Forms

The forms may be accessed online at the Texas Board of Law Examiners web site and should be filed after classes start by the deadlines shown above. Students who expect to practice in other states should investigate possible similar requirements in such states.