Rule 726: Oath of Admission

(a)   Oath Required. Before practicing law in Kansas, an applicant must take the following oath of admission either at an official swearing-in ceremony or before a judge of record in the United States or a United States territory.

“You do solemnly swear or affirm that you will support and bear true allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Kansas; that you will neither delay nor deny the rights of any person through malice, for lucre, or from any unworthy desire; that you will not knowingly foster or promote, or give your assent to any fraudulent, groundless or unjust suit; that you will neither do, nor consent to the doing of any falsehood in court; and that you will discharge your duties as an attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court and all other courts of the State of Kansas with fidelity both to the Court and to your cause, and to the best of your knowledge and ability. So help you God.”

(b)   Deadline for Taking Oath. Unless otherwise permitted by the Supreme Court, an applicant must take the oath no later than one year after the date of the letter notifying the applicant that the applicant has met the requirements for admission to the Kansas bar. An applicant who fails to timely take the oath must seek special permission from the Supreme Court to be admitted to the bar.

(c)   Oath Administered by Judge. If the oath is administered by a judge of record in the United States or a United States territory, the applicant must submit a completed written oath on a form provided by the Attorney Admissions office. The applicant must submit the form through the Attorney Admissions office’s online portal no later than one year after the date of the letter notifying the applicant that the applicant has met the requirements for admission to the Kansas bar.

(d)   Roll of Attorneys; Certificate. After taking the oath, an applicant must sign the Supreme Court’s roll of attorneys. The Attorney Admissions office will then issue a certificate of the applicant’s authority to practice law in all courts of this state. When an applicant has shown good cause or has submitted a written oath under subsection (c), the Attorney Admissions office will waive the applicant’s personal signature on the roll of attorneys, enter the applicant’s name, and issue the certificate.

(e)   Admittance Date. The applicant is admitted to the Kansas bar on the date the applicant’s name is entered on the roll of attorneys.

[History: New rule adopted effective July 1, 2022.]