Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NH Board of Business
Lawyer Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for lawyer in New Hampshire, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Lawyer in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be of good moral character
- US citizenship is not required, but applicants must be domiciled in the United States
- Complete at least three years toward a Bachelor's degree
- Graduate from a law school approved by the American Bar Association. Note that Massachusetts School of Law is not approved by the ABA; however, the New Hampshire Supreme Court has granted a waiver allowing graduates of this school who are already members of the Bar in some other state to take the New Hampshire Bar exam
- Must be a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and pay annual dues
Must pass the New Hampshire Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), or be admitted on motion
12 credits per year
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination, NH Bar | $725 |
| Admission on Motion | $1,200 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NH Supreme Court • Office of Bar Admissions
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$122,640 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Must be at least 18 years of age
- 2. Must be of good moral character
- 3. US citizenship is not required, but applicants must be domiciled in the United States
- 4. Complete at least three years toward a Bachelor's degree
- 5. Graduate from a law school approved by the American Bar Association. Note that Massachusetts School of Law is not approved by the ABA; however, the New Hampshire Supreme Court has granted a waiver allowing graduates of this school who are already members of the Bar in some other state to take the New Hampshire Bar exam
- 6. Must be a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and pay annual dues
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of 122,640, Lawyers in New Hampshire earn 19% below the national median of $151,160. New Hampshire ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$122,640Hourly estimate
$58.9619% below national median
Difference: -$28,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLawyer Salary Ranking
#30 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 197,790 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 179,050 |
| #3 | New York | 177,210 |
| #4 | Delaware | 172,710 |
| #5 | Colorado | 167,970 |
Nearby States Comparison
Lawyer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $122,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maine | $100,340 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $101,090 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $179,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
NH Supreme Court • Office of Bar Admissions
One Granite Place, Suite N400, Concord, NH, 03301
Phone: 6032248806
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $97,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $82,830 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $92,020 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $82,530 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Lawyer in New Hampshire?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Lawyers in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.
What education do you need to become a Lawyer in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Degree required for Lawyer licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Lawyer salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Lawyers in New Hampshire is 122,640.
How does the Lawyer salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Lawyers in New Hampshire earn 19% below the national median of $151,160, with a state median of 122,640.
Can I transfer my Lawyer license to New Hampshire from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is NH Supreme Court / Office of Bar Admissions. Review agency details at https://www.courts.nh.gov/lawyers/nh-bar-admissions.