The Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands has the exclusive authority to admit attorneys to practice law before the Virgin Islands Bar. The Committee of Bar Examiners ("the Committee") and the Office of Bar Admissions are administrative arms of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands. The inherent judicial functions of both offices are to assist the Supreme Court in the administration of the Virgin Islands Bar Examination, which includes character and fitness investigations; ascertaining the qualifications of applicants for admission to the Virgin Islands Bar and moving for the admission of those applicants who meet those requirements as established by the Supreme Court Rule.
Membership of the Virgin Islands Bar
There are three classes of membership: regular, special, and pro hac vice.
Pro Hac Vice Admissions - Attorneys are admitted to the Virgin Islands Bar pursuant to the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 201.
Special Admissions - Attorneys are specially admitted to the Virgin Islands Bar pursuant to the provisions of Virgin Islands Supreme Court Rule 202. This includes the following types:
Federal or Territorial Department or Agency or Specified Public Interest Organization Attorneys admitted to practice law pursuant to Rule 202.
Limited Permission to Practice as In-house Counsel pursuant to Rule 202.1.
Limited Permission to Practice as Foreign Legal Consultant pursuant to Rule 202.2.
Limited Permission to Practice as a Legal Intern pursuant to Rule 202.3.
Special Admission for Military Spouses pursuant to Rule 202.4.
Regular Admissions - Attorneys are admitted to the Virgin Islands Bar pursuant to the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 204. This includes applicants seeking admission by exam or by admission on motion.
Please note that the information on this site is provided as a service to those interested in admission in the Virgin Islands. It remains the responsibility of those desiring to practice law in the Virgin Islands to ensure that prior to their admission, they familiarize themselves with all the rules of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, including but not limited to the rules which govern admissions and the rules governing their professional responsibility and discipline. To begin the application process, please contact the Office of Bar Admissions.