Admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar
December 11, 2023
Open Court Admission
If being admitted in person, the applicant is presented in Court on December 11, 2023 during a special session. The application and instructions for Open Court Admission to the Bar can be found on the U.S. Supreme Court Bar Admission page.
Participants must:
- Complete the Application for Admission to Practice.
- Have the endorsement of two sponsors who are members of the Supreme Court Bar who know the applicant personally and are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage (we can assist you with sponsors if you need help with this requirement).
- Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the presiding judge, clerk, or authorized official of the highest court of a State, Commonwealth, Territory or Possession, or the District of Columbia evidencing the fact that the admittee has been a member of the Bar of such court for three years.
Due to the size of the courtroom, we are limited to 50 alumni, to be determined on a first-come-first served basis. Each person being admitted to the Supreme Court Bar may bring one guest into the Court to witness the ceremony. Additional guests could possibly be allowed in at the discretion of the Court, but this is not guaranteed.
Written Motion Admission:
If you are unable to attend, you may be admitted by written motion. Alumni can file a completed application directly with the U.S. Supreme Court Clerk's Office. The certificate is mailed directly to the applicant. There is no quota on the number of alumni who can apply for admission by written motion.
December 10, 2023
6:00pm: Gather with participants and their guests for a Sunday night social (location TBD).
December 11, 2023
8:30am: Arrive at Supreme Court for security clearance and breakfast.
10:00am: Swearing-In Ceremony
10:30am: Reception with Supreme Court Justices and group photographs (based on Court availability)
11:00am: Court tour with docent guide
12:00pm: Lunch hosted at U.S. Capitol or Congressional buildings
The cost for participating is $250.00 per alumnus, paid via this online registration form. This fee will cover the $200.00 admission fee to the court and all the day’s events including breakfast and lunch for the alumnus being sworn-in.
Each participant is responsible for making and paying for his or her own travel arrangements and hotel accommodations. Guest meals are $25 per guest, per meal.
You are welcome to submit your registration fee prior to sending in your application materials, however you will not be considered fully registered until your complete and accurate application packet is received.