Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Business
Lawyer Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for lawyer in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Lawyer in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Judicial Department • Board of Law Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$130,570 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Lawyer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Judicial Department~Board of Law Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $130,570, Lawyers in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $151,160. Tennessee ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$130,570Hourly estimate
$62.7714% below national median
Difference: -$20,590
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLawyer Salary Ranking
#18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $130,570 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $102,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $157,980 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $124,880 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $126,240 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $127,660 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $92,610 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $86,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $124,210 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Judicial Department • Board of Law Examiners
"401 Church Street, Suite 2200", Na, 000TN-7219
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $85,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $75,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,730 | Degree required | 4-3196 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Lawyer in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Lawyers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.
What education do you need to become a Lawyer in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Lawyer licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Lawyer salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Lawyers in Tennessee is $130,570.
How does the Lawyer salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Tennessee earn 14% below the national median of $151,160, with a state median of $130,570.
How many Lawyers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 8,830 Lawyers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Lawyer license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Judicial Department / Board of Law Examiners. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Lawyer license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.