Rule 231

Motions for Admission

(a)  General Rule.  Motions for admission to the bar of this Commonwealth shall be made by filing one copy thereof with the Prothonotary.  The motion shall be in writing on a form prescribed by the Board and shall include or be accompanied by: 

(1)  A certificate from the Board recommending such admission, either: 

(i)  dated within six months of the filing of the motion; or 

(ii) dated six months or more prior to the filing of the motion and accompanied by a written statement of the Board dated within six months of the filing of the motion to the effect that it knows of no reason why the motion should not be granted. All applicants shall file a motion for admission to the bar within three years of the date that the original certificate recommending admission had been issued by the Board.  The failure to file a motion for admission within three years of the date when the certificate had been issued by the Board will cause the right to admission to the bar to lapse and require the applicant to reapply and successfully meet all of the requirements for admission to the bar including, where applicable, the taking and passing of a future bar examination.

(2)  The oath of office required by statute. 

(3)  A formal motion for admission to the bar of this Commonwealth. 

(b)  Subscription.  The motion for admission shall be subscribed by a member of the bar of this Commonwealth in good standing. 

(c)  Admission to Practice - Fee.  The applicant, upon filing a motion under this rule, shall pay a fee of $50.00 (plus the additional cost involved, if an engrossed certificate of admission to the bar is desired). 

(d)  Action by Prothonotary.  If the motion and related documents are in proper order and the required fee is paid the Prothonotary shall: 

(1)  Enter the name of the applicant upon the docket of persons admitted to the bar of this Commonwealth and the practice of law.  Admissions pursuant to Rule 204 (relating to admission of domestic attorneys) or Rule 205 (relating to admission of foreign attorneys) shall be by order. 

(2)  Notify the Administrative Office of the admission of the attorney.  

              (3)  If the requisite fee has been paid therefor, issue an engrossed certificate of admission under seal.

(e)  Motions in Open Court.  An applicant may elect to take the oath of admission in person before the Supreme Court at such time and place as may be directed by the Court.