1l Declaration of Intent

The Texas Board of Law Examiners (Texas BLE), the body that oversees the process of licensure for Texas lawyers requires the Declaration of Intention to Study Law form “to be filed by all persons who have begun their law study at ABA-approved schools in Texas to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree and who intend to apply for licensure in Texas.” If you are an online student that will not seek a Texas law license, you do not need to complete the Declaration, but you should look into the licensing requirements of the state where you intend to practice law.

The Texas BLE entirely oversees and directs the Declaration process. St. Mary’s can and will provide you reminders and connect you to basic resources, but only the Texas BLE can give you binding answers to your application questions. The resources and information on this page is meant to help guide you as you navigate the Declaration of Intent application.

Start your application here: https://ble.texas.gov/information-and-applications. 

Texas BLE Zoom Office Hours

Zoom office hours will be held the last week of September:

• Monday, September 26, 2022 until Friday, September 30, 2022, every day from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Join Zoom Meeting: https://txcourts.zoom.us/j/81771753613

Dean Cavanaugh Office Hours

Zoom office hours are:

• Wednesday, September 21st from 12-12:45 PM and 4-4:45 PM
• Friday, September 23rd from 8-9 AM
• Join Zoom Meeting: https://stmarytx.zoom.us/j/8694378868

Students who need to amend their Law School application should submit those to Assistant Dean Leffall’s office (aleffall@stmarytx.edu). Students should submit a statement that includes the following:

• Personal information: Include name, student ID #, and date the amendment is being submitted.
• Substantive information that needs to be amended: The information itself, to include dates, jurisdictions, and outcomes. For prior educational institutions that were not disclosed, include the names, addresses, and dates of attendance.
• Supporting documentation: Include any supporting documents to show the initial charge and disposition. If a non-criminal matter needs to be amended, provide any documentation that supports or verifies the information included in your statement/narrative.
• Reason for failure to disclose: A signed statement as to why the information was not disclosed on the original application.

Because the statement needs to be signed, you may find it easier to type the statement to print and sign it. A staff member will follow up with students if additional action is necessary.